Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS found with a specimen of Asparagus asparagoides (MEL 1551044), labelled by M Elachanthera sewelliae under which name it was published in B86.12.02 where he erected the genus.

7th Novr

2

MS dated to 1886 on the basis of the date on M's label.

Dear Baron von Muèller

I write these lines from York,

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WA.

and to say that am obliged to return to the Swan

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Swan River, WA.

— The heat here is extreme even not doing any work. I have consulted [this] Dr and with more satisfaction than any other — he advises me to consult the Goldfield Dr. here practising and go through a course also apply a galvanic battery — He was surprised to see the waste of flesh — He told me he does not approve of medicine much — but gave me a presct

5

prescription?

to last the week — and which has done me good — I told him what you said — and he [quite] seems to agree with you — The Gold Dr he says has the highest degrees in the colony — Also I wish to go Bunbery

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Bunbury, WA?

if the Dr approve — My relations have always desired me to go — these do not care very much abt me — tho they are kind enough — I must therefor reserve yr £2 until next year when I shall make every endeavr to come in Augst, and now am making a request for shelter here then. People do not care about about an invalid, and R. M's

7

Not identified.

daughters would have made me welcome, nevertheless — but their aged father is failing fast & suffering too frequently to allow of visters. The Line does not run far enough to suit my convenience till next yr — Some great mistake has been made between Mr Parker and my cousin Geraldine Sewell, and prevented my having gone, and I think occrd

8

occurred?

for the best, as the heat more than Id bear agreeably — and will not regret the mistake.

I return to the Swan tomorrow

I send a parcel. Please give name of little berry climber [...]