Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS found with a specimen of Grevillea diffusa (MEL 98980), with an infraspecific epithet 'diffusa x Grevillea oleoides', indicating that it is a hybrid.

MS annotation by M: 'Answ 12/11/88'. Letter not found.

Gladesville

2

NSW.

24 Sept /88

Baron F. von Mueller, KCMG, FRS, &c &c

My dear Sir,

Inclosed Grevillea seems to correspond with none in the Flora. It looks like a hybrid between G. punicea and G sericea . It is too small for the former, the corolla tube is not so hairy inside and the style is too curved — while for the latter the style is too stout and the ovary is not right. Moreover G. sericea is smaller and always pink in color not red. It is abundant in the gullies at the head of Port Hacking,

3

NSW.

neither G. pumicea nor G sericea are to be found where it grows, only G. oleoides , G capitellata and G. arenaria . I shall be glad to hear your opinion, it looks like an undescribed species.

I hope you have quite recovered from the effects of your accident.

4

M fell from a tram on 31 July and was laid up for almost a month; see M to T. Wilson, 1 August 1888.

I have not had much opportunity to look for water plants yet, but they will be coming to the top shortly.