Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M11, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 88.01.05

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

Alfred Howitt to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1888-01-05. 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/88-01-05>, accessed May 18, 2024

1
MS found with a specimen of Eucalyptus bosistoana (MEL 1606598). MS annotation by M: 'E. odorata Behr var! approach E. dropanophylla'.
Sale
2
Vic.
Jany 5, 1888
My dear Sir Ferdinand
I send you herewith samples collected last week (in two envelopes). I found that whole forest in which stood the tree No 37 (E. drepanophylla) has been ringed and killed having been selected. I found a seedling under the dead tree (No 37) which I enclose. Among the living trees outside the enclosure I found one in bloom from which I send you samples and I found another further on from which I also selected samples and enclose.
I am much puzzled as if these are E. drepanophylla then they are certainly "Dargan" and they appear to me to be indistinguishable from trees growing at Lucknow (Bairnsdale)
3
Vic.
for which see sample 48.
4
In his account of Eucalyptus melliodora in B79.13.11, M identified this species as 'the "Dargan" of the Gippsland aboriginal tribes'.
I also enclose spray of a tree from Lucknow now in bloom which seems to me to be the E. Melliodora — these trees and tree No 48 grow together or rather in groups — not mixed and are distinguishable from each other.
Any suggestions you can make I will endeavour to carry out. I have some geological sections for you in hand showing distribution of Eucalypts but I have not been able to complete them. I have also some notices as to flowering of the species.
Fungs I have none at present and I am in a difficulty as to collecting some kinds which rapidly decompose.
Four moths have come out and are now pressed out and together with the larvae in spirit will be sent as soon as possible
yours faithfully
A W Howitt
Baron Sir Ferd V. Mueller KCMG
&c&c
Melbourne