Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS annotation by Shillinglaw: 'Recd 1.VI.87', 'Answered 1.VI.87 to Mr McDonald'.

31/5/87

It has been suggested to me, my dear friend, by Mr Macdonald,

2

Alexander Cameron Macdonald.

that I should set your genius again into motion, by you writing for our next geogr. meeting

3

The Victorian Branch of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia.

an appeal for sending Mr Giles again into Central Australia.

4

In E. Giles to M, 9 May 1887, Ernest Giles had offered to lead such a party gratuitously, if it could be equipped. The proposal was discussed at the meeting of the Branch held in 9 August 1887 (Argus, 11 August 1887, p. 5); Giles was present at the meeting.

If you will do this, I shall be greatly pleased. When yesterday waiting with Mr Cuthbertson on the Governor,

5

Henry Brougham Loch. The Victorian Branch of the Royal Geographical Society of Australia had just contracted with Cuthbertson to explore the Owen Stanley Range in New Guinea; see M to W. Cuthbertson, 28 May 1885. Loch attended some meetings of the Branch and occasionally chaired meetings on special topics.

I had occasion to enlisten Lieut Officer's

6

Aide-de-camp to the Governor.

interest in this enterprise, and he promised to advocate subscribing among his Toorack-friends.

7

Toorak, an upper-class suburb of Melbourne.

If we could get £400 or £500 together, no subscriptions less than £10 should be accepted Mr Giles could start probably with a few companions, as the rail takes them already to Hergotts Spring.

8

Hergott Springs, now Marree, SA.

The South Austr. & West. Austr Governments would be sure, to give something for his mapping of their respective territories after Giles return.