Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M1, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 85.07.30

Preferred Citation:

Joseph McCulloch to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1885-07-30. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id//letters/1880-9/1885/85-07-30-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

1
MS found with a specimen of Acacia pendula (MEL 2081008). MS annotation by M: 'Answ 9/8/85 F.v.M'. Letter not found.
Orange Grove
Urana
2
NSW.
30th/7/85
Baron Von Mueller
Melbourne
Dear Sir
Many thanks for the seed of fodder grass kindly sent. as I am quite unacquainted with this variety might I trouble you for directions in the cultivation of it. I may say that the soil is a good dry loam & the climate is dry & hot in Summer.
a grass that could withstand heat & drought would be very valuable.
I enclose a small bit of the Boree tree,
3
Name applied to several species of Acacia, especially A. pendula.
it you wish for some of the seed I could send some when ripe in the Summer, also seed of the Salt bush at the same time.
With regard to the value of Boree tree as food for Cattle & Sheep I think very highly of it. some years ago when we had no grass for several months, & when all our Horses died that were not stable fed I kept all our cattle alive on Boree alone , & some of them in good condition, but Horses will not live on it, it seems too strong for them. Sheep do very well on the leaves of the Boree The Trees should not be cut down, but have the branches loped
4
lopped?
or better still flogged which will not prevent them growing again.
trusting this may be some use to you & again thanking you for the Seed
I remain your obt Sernt
5
obedient Servant.
Joseph F. McCulloch
If I can give any further information I shall be glad to do so.
J. McC