Ferdinand von Mueller

9/12/85.

This evening, dear Sir Edward, we became aware in Subcommittee, that the funeral of the lamented Sir P. Scratchley will take place next week,

1

Scratchley contracted malaria in New Guinea and died at sea between Cooktown and Townsville, Qld, on 2 December 1885. His body was carried to Melbourne, where he was buried at St Kilda cemetery on 16 December with military honours. The Geographical Society was represented in the cortege by M and several other members; see M to A. Macdonald, 14 December 1885.

therefore almost at the time, at which we were thinking to give the ball in honor of the Explorers. In all probability therefore we shall decide on Friday, when the Council meets, that it will be better under the circumstances to celebrate the welcome of the party here simultaneously with our annual meeting, about the middle of January, when we hope to have also the honor of the presense of yourself and some of your Colleagues. We feel much beholden to all of you for the attention shown to our delegates. This delay will give Capt Everill time to finish some of the mapping and reports, while the Naturalists will be able to attend meanwhile to the collections.

As regards the dried plants, it would be best, I should think, that they were in toto sent soon over here, when the commoner sorts could be named at once, and a commencement be made to return one half; the rest could be gradually examined and from time to time return sendings be made. Or, if that be deemed preferable, Mr Baeuerlen could be instructed, to divide the whole into two sets, and number them correspondingly, forwarding one, so that the names for the retained set be supplied successively, while the examination of the specimens went on. Probably some data might thus be derived timely for the map and the journal of Capt Everill.

As we will, so I joyfully trust, meet again in a few weeks personally, it seems not necessary to extend correspondence much.

2

Strickland did not go to Melbourne in January 1886. See M to E. Strickland, 8 January 1886.

Let me hope, that the excellent Mr Maiden feels better;

3

Maiden had been persistently ill for several months, probably with typhoid fever.

it will be of the greatest importance to him, not to overtax either his mental faculties or physical strength.

Sir Edw. Strickland, K.C.B,

President of the geographic Society of Australia.