Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M64, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 86.03.09

Preferred Citation:

Ellie Bauer to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1886-03-09. 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/1880-9/1886/86-03-09-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

1
MS found with a specimen of Lepidozamia hopei (MEL 237351), accompanied by one of M's herbarium labels filled in by M: 'Macrozamia Denisonii, M&M Bloomfield-River 1886 Miss E. Bauer'. MS annotation by M: 'Answ 26/3/86'. Letter not found.
Vilele
Bloomfield River
2
Qld.
March 9th 86
Baron Von Mueller
Dear Sir
I send by parcel post, a packet of specimens containing:—
1. a small plant with purple flower — found on the mountains in cold & very damp places. It grows about four or five inches high, & has a little bunch of most delicate purple flowers — I am most anxious to know if it is new — will you let me know when you write.
2. fern found growing in very damp shady backs of creeks, & in the scrubs.
3. Is a specimen of a palm, found in the scrub growing about forty feet high — stem about four inches in diameter.
The one I send is very young. The stem is only just beginning to form — when growing resembles the Zamia — but unlike it, grows in dense scrub — at a good height above the sea level. I have not been able to obtain the flowers or fruit of it.
I have not yet got any flowers of that curious red seeded tree — But will not forget your request, when the tree flowers.
My expenses up to date amount to 12/4 (twelve shillings & four pence) — which includes postage, wharfage, export entry, shipping etc — on the different packages I have sent either by post or by steamer, I always have to send my packets by letter post & put the full amount in stamps on, according to the weight, as the post office officials in Cooktown detain them unless I do — saying, I cannot send things of commercial (?) value by book post — I hope I have not put you to too much expense
yours sincerely
Ellie Bauer
Zamia