Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Letter not found. The text given here is the third of four letters in 'Salt lands in the Mallee. How can they be profitably utilised?, Mildura cultivator, 5 August 1893, p. 5 (B93.08.03). This letter follows M to N. McKay,1893 (in this edition as 93-00-00d) and is introduced by 'To this letter the editor answered as follows:—'.

I have no doubt that the salt-bushes yon mention would thrive here, as the whole of this part of the Mallee was covered with them in the pre-rabbit days. But it would hardly pay on this irrigation settlement to plant them, as the land ranges from £21 to £50 per acre, while the yearly rates amount to about £1. If we plant the salt land it must be with something of high economic value. I shall certainly have some experiments made with the

Panicum spectabile

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, as I have some plants here, through your kindness.

2

'Last November four small pieces of the root of this grass were received in an envelope by post from Baron von Mueller,' Mildura cultivator, 19 June 1890, p. 4.

I have been trying to obtain some plants of the canaigre (

Rumex hymenosepalus

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)

3

Roots used as a tanning agent (B91.09.01, p. 432).

from the Experimental Farm at Dookie, but my letter has not been answered. Do you think it would do in the brackish soil? All the dock weeds seem to flourish in it.