Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS is accompanied by the back part of an envelope marked: 'Ch. Ryan Esqr &c &c'.

South-Yarra, 13/12/92

Ch. Ryan Esqr &c &c

Mt Macedon.

2

Vic.

In the sudden and sad distress, dear Mr. Ryan, through the death of your lamented genial son in law, I do not venture, to write to his poor mourning widow;

3

Frederick Rowan, husband of Charles Ryan's daughter, the botanical artist Ellis Rowan, died of pneumonia on 11 December 1892.

and so I beg of you, to let Mrs. Rowan kindly know, that the rest of her splendid flower-paintings will be sent early in the morning (Monday) to Mr. Buxton's place,

4

Probably Buxton's in Swanston Street, Melbourne. T. J. Buxton & Co were 'Artistic stationers' and 'Economic printers and engravers', who also held 'an art exhibition … continuously' ('New art premises', Australasian (Melbourne), 13 June 1885, p. 7). An exhibition of Rowan's work had been held there in October-November 1891; see 'Exhibition of Australian flower painings', Age (Melbourne), 30 October 1891, p. 5.

as your grandson

5

Presumably Ellis Rowan's son Eric (1875-97).

in a feeling letter written on behalf of his mother,

6

Letter not found.

desired me to do — the namings having been completed this evening (Sunday). Some few days ago I handed to young Mr. Rowan some 40 plates, all named. Yesterday morning I sent 10 more plates to Mr. Buxton's place, and now 14 more are ready, so that only one remains yet unnamed, concerning which I must consult your poor daughter when she has more recovered from her profound grief. On this one retained plate only one species is painted. Thus in all 64 plates are delivered, and fully 100 plants are named as well for genus as for species, altho' I had in the majority of cases no specimens to refer to. The total of plants on the 64 plates is somewhat more than 100; only some few could not receive the species-name, altho in all instances the genus was given.

Young Mr Rowan received the lists of the 40 plates also, when the young Gentleman called; of the other 24 plates I now send the list herewith.

7

List not found.

I adopted the numbers, written by Mrs Rowan on each of her plates, except in some few cases, when she had left the sheets unnumbered. I have also written on the back of each plate the names of the plants, respectively depicted thereon; but I have kept no copy of the lists, so that I would advise that a copy be made here yet.