Ferdinand von Mueller

25/10/87

In first instance, dear Louise, let me offer my best felicitations to the happy engagement, into which you have entered for your domestic life, an event of which I recently heard through your dear mother. I feel very glad indeed, that you will be united to a consort, who can offer you in the most independent and happy of occupation, that of rural life your home. However much glittering there may be about social pleasure, high rank, precedence in position, nothing can possibly exceed the real happiness of rural life for mental tranquillity, for healthfulness and secure prosperity and freedom from social often much onerous obligations. Let my gratulation be also offered to your future husband,

1

Louise Wehl married John Matthiessen on 12 June 1889.

whom you — as I learn — have know for a considerable, so that I feel sure you have learnt to appreciate his worthiness.

The plants, which you so nicely dried, came most welcome, as such sendings demonstrate always some new localities for various species. You and those also there now dear to you can promote much my researches for the geography of the plants of all Australia by inducing their friends towards the central regions to collect also any species, even the smallest, occurring near their domiciles. In summer the fruiting and even shrivelled specimens (so long as still seeds are on them, will be as acceptable as the flowering samples obtained in spring. As the holy scripture teaches "You shall know them by their fruits"

2

Matthew 7:16.

With regardfulness always for you and the best wishes for your future

Kindly procure fruiting specimens of the

Xerotes

Search for Xerotes in

• This website
• Australian Plant Name Index