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88.01.12b

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to Richard Laffan, 1888-01-12 [88.01.12b]. 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/1880-9/1888/88-01-12b-final.odt>, accessed June 15, 2026

1
Letter not found. For the text given here, see 'Current topics,' Camperdown chronicle, 8 February 1888, p. 2 (B88.02.01). It is introduced by ‘A specimen of a thistle was recently sent by the Koroit Borough Council to Baron Von Mueller to ascertain the variety. The following reply has been received.' The letter is followed by 'A discussion followed the reading of the communication at the meeting of the council, and the opinion expressed that the fourteen days' notice required by the Act should be reduced to one. The inspector was instructed to strictly enforce the Act.’
Melbourne,
12th January, 1888.
Richard Laffan, Esq.,
Town Clerk of Koroit.
Sir,—
The thistle of which you send me a specimen is the
Carduus Arvensis

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(Canadian thistle), and it is very unfortunate that this plant, which is not easily subdued, has now found its way into your district. Every effort should be made to uproot this plant before the perennial root deeply penetrates the ground. All care should also be taken to prevent the growing plants from seeding. When uprooted the plants must be collected and burnt at once, otherwise portions of the root will vegetate, and the seed will ripen slowly on the branches before dying.
I have, &c.,
F. Von Mueller.