21/2/89.
Yesterday, dear Dr MacGregor, I was delighted to receive the bag, containing the envelopes
&c with dried plants. Among them is the grass-genus
for the first time from New Guinea, also
, which was only know yet from Queensland. This shows at once, that even in the lowlands
of New Guinea very much remains to be done for the elucidation of the native Flora.
A few days ago I wrote, that collecting material would be quickly sent.
Some iron-drums (formed to open easily by a wide lid) and methylized Alcohol will
be among this material. Thus on coast-journeys any succulent fruits (with their leaves
and flowers perhaps for recognition) can be easily secured, also flowers together
with leaves of such kinds as will not readily dry. Each sort should be tied with its
fruits (flowers if attainable) and leaves in a bit of calico and merely be dropped
then into the Alcohol.
Of course such contrivance cannot be used far away from harbours. It is quite touching
to me, that amidst the harrassing duties, devolving on your elated
and responsible position, you preserve so much scientific ardour.
The sending of a collector considering also all the disbursements for outfit, for
passage &c is beyond the means of my department, the vote for which including
all
salaries, lithographic work, Office- and Museum-Expenses being only about £2000.
My private means are simply
nihil
.
The Rev. Mr Chalmers has had so much experience in drying bot. specimens during also
mountain-excursions, that should his personal important aid not be available to you
on Mt. Owen Stanley, the Rev. Gentleman might give some little training in this respect
to one of your followers, so that the brilliant chances will not be lost for Botany,
as notes on plants (for timber medicinal drugs &c) and on the physiogmony of the vegetation
make always so much show in reports also for the general public.
With regardful remembrance
your
Ferd. von Mueller.
I shall early bring out an other number of the “Papuan plants”
