Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS is a handwritten copy of M's original letter.

27/7/1891.

It needs not my assurance, dear Mr Stirling, that I will gladly support your candidature for a geologic officership in the forthcoming Swedish-Australia Expedition,

2

The proposed expedition to Antarctica under Baron N. A. E. Nordenskiöld did not eventuate.

and I will place your letter, as a timely application, before the Antarctic Committee on Monday of next week, when its monthly meeting will be held. Let me however remark that you should not be influenced by any prospect of discovering living plants, unless perhaps sea-weeds, because terrestrial vegetation ceases southward at Macquarie Island. It is however probable that, in your geologic researches, you may discover some vegetable fossils. We are, as Antarctic Committee, now in communication with Barons Nordenskiold and Dickson as regards final arrangements; until the main plans are agreed on, no appointments can be made. But I will watch your interest at the right time. At this stage nothing definite can be done. You must kindly however remember that the other fund-contributing Colonies may also put forward scientific candidates for positions in the expedition.

Have you as the head of a family well considered the dangers to be braved in approaching the south polar regions?