Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M47, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 87.12.28

Preferred Citation:

William Elliott to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1887-12-28. 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/1880-9/1887/87-12-28-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

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MS found with a specimen of Silene vulgaris (MEL 1596117) collected by R. Whatmore at Smeaton, December 1887.
The Leader Office
MELBOURNE 28, Decr 1887
My dear Baron,
The enclosed was sent by Mr R. Whatmore, Smeaton,
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Vic.
who says:— It is growing among the crop in a paddock at Smeaton and has smothered or killed all the crop where it appears. When the ground was ploughed, two good horses were unable to drag the plough through its matted roots until loosened with a crow bar. On digging down two feet roots were found as thick as a man's wrist.
Faithfully Yours
W. Elliott