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RBG Kew, Kew Correspondence, Australia, Mueller, 1882-1890, ff. 292-293. 89.10.31a

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Ferdinand von Mueller to William Thiselton-Dyer, 1889-10-31 [89.10.31a]. 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/1880-9/1889/89-10-31a-final.odt>, accessed June 9, 2026

1
Date stamped: Royal Gardens Kew 10.Dec.89. Annotated by Thiselton-Dyer: And 12.12.89 (letter not found).
31/10/89
After what you tell me, dear Mr Dyer,
2
Letter not found.
it seems best, that Mr Baker be asked, to oblige us in naming Sir W MacGregor's ferns. Indeed, could I have foreseen the difficulties, which you point out, I would have named the more common species at once here. The novelties can be but few; so it will be best to see these ferns named at Kew, if Mr Baker, with your concurrence will devote the time for it.
A propos, — is there no chance for an early new Synopis filicum, not a mere reprint with supplements. It is much wanted; and Mr Baker will have seen many transits since the last 20 years, leading to reductions, while all the new localities and many new characteristics would be recorded, irrespective of the actually new species.
3
The final printing of W. Hooker & Baker (1865-8) was a reissue in 1883 of the second edition of 1874, which was a reprint with a supplement (TL2).
I hardly ever go to public festivals, unless at Gov House in my official capacity, where I was this afternoon.
4
Lady Loch gave a garden party for 3,000 guests, including 'representatives of the various professions' (Argus, 1 November 1889, p. 7).
But when I am invited as an honorary guest at the annual ball of the alma mater here, I manage to go. I thought, the description of the dresses might interest Mrs Dyer, to give some idea of colonial life.
5
This paragraph has been struck through diagonally in red pencil. No press cutting has been found. The University Ball, attended by over 1,000 people, was held in the Melbourne Town Hall on 16 July 1889, when in the 'opening set .. Baron von Mueller danced with Lady Nicolson' (Australasian, 20 July 1889, p. 151). Both the Australasian report and the account in Table talk, 19 July 1889, p. 13, comment on the ball gowns, while Table talk, commenting on the dress of the men, wrote 'Dr. Brownless and Dr. Madden wearing their official and becoming dress, and Baron von Mueller … resplendent in many orders, with a sprinkling of uniforms were the only relief to the universal waiter-like costumes'.
Correa Lawrenciana

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is the hardy almost subalpine species, which becomes arborescent, 20' and more in the cool gullies, whereas C. speciosa belongs to the dry lowland-country and remains always a shrub, never tall. The one would endure the clime of Arran, the other not. Unfortunately the plants of C. Lawrenciana with the flowers of C. speciosa var. cardinalis were lost here in the dry lowlands-gardens. Must try, to get cuttings again 200 miles from here, the nearest of the two spots, where the red fl. var. was found.
Ever regardfully your
Ferd. von Mueller.
I shall push highland exploration in New Guinea also further from here early again.
6
The paragraph is a marginal note on the back of f. 293.
My essay on Sir Will Macgregors plants ought to reach you in December.
7
The paragraph is written in the central margin of f. 293, front. B89.13.11.
Had just a letter from Esperance-Bay;
8
WA. Letter not found.
the arrangements for getting a stem of Macroz.
9
Macrozamia.
Dyeri are under progress. But in such a place of isolation and with such rough country they fear not to have a cart strong enough there, to carry a stem.
10
The paragraph is written in two parts, linked by asterisks, beginning in the margin of f. 292 front, and concluding in the left hand margin of f 293, front.