Ferdinand von Mueller

Cambewarra, Shoalhaven, New South Wales,

March 5th 1889.

Honoured Sir,

I cannot get over the idea that the outer bark of the tree which, surprisingly enough is new to you, may yet be utilised as cork. I take the liberty of sending you a specimen showing the wood, with the inner and outer cork-like bark.

1

See also T. Weir to M, 8 February 1890. MS has been annotated by J. Willis at this point: 'From Endiandra supl.'

The outer bark has loosened on one side but still adheres to the inner bark on the opposite side. I will fasten the outer bark down with threads, and I hope it will reach you safe.

When Mr Bauerlin came to me about eight years ago, I shewed him the tree; it was a stranger to him, and we both agreed that there was no use in troubling you with it unless we could find flowers and fruit. We have been watching this tree ever since and yet the flowers have escaped us! There will be two pair of very sharp eyes watching for them next spring. Mr Bauerlin sent a four feet log of this tree to Mr Maiden of the Technological Museum, — two years ago. I will visit the fallen tree, which grew on the upper part of my farm, and procure a large specimen which I will have carefully dried and preserved. I believe the seeds are highly poisonous; I broke a green kernel between by teeth; my palate felt burning hot; the muscles of my neck behind my ears seemed paralysed; I felt a dull pain in my neck, accompanied with violent headache, I will not try this experiment again.

After a long period of drought, we are having more than enough of rain. The Bloodwood tree —

Eucalyptus Corymbosa

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, has burst into flower, and our hungry bees are having good times. It is a splendid season.