Document information
Physical location:
RB MSS M1, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 93.02.02Preferred Citation:
Lancel de Hamel to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1893-02-02. 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/1890-6/1893/93-02-02-final.odt>, accessed June 9, 2026
1
MS found with a specimen of Bromus diandrus (MEL 2129040). MS annotation by M: 'Answ 7/3/93. FvM'. Letter not found.
Western Australia
The Hon: Baron von Mueller K.C.M.G. &c
My dear Sir
I have been taking a run through the Kojonup district
& as I never travel with my eyes shut I send you the result of my researches — viz.
2 grasses & 2 Fodder plants —
2
WA.
Grass No. 1 — (also the small loose piece supposed to be the same) is only found in
& around Kojonup. How it came there is a mystery, but it is spreading & is a very
valuable grass — makes Hay like the ordinary English grasses — grows & thrives well
in
dry
sandy
or
stiff
country & seems worth fostering — Have you seen it before & what is it? I have collected
some seed & am going to try the effect of cultivation on it —
Grass No. 2. grows luxuriantly on dry & particularly on
stony
ground. It is green for a long time for even when the stems wither it sends up young
green shoots from the roots — Horses & cattle are very fond of it — It is also spreading
rapidly about the Kojonup district — It reminds me of that Camel grass I sent you
from [Kurrachee]. Is it the same?
3
MS annotation by M: 'Themeda triandra 1, Bossian Lalage. 2, Brachysema praemorsum'.
Fodder plants Nos 1 & 2 are very valuable at this, the dry, season of the year — Mr
Spencer assured me that it is at this season the main food of the mobs of Horses that
he breeds at Balgarrup.
4
Balgarup, WA.
No. 1 — the pointed leaf grows up as a bush —
No. 2 seems to be more of a runner or creeper —
I am most curious about grass No 1 but as I was sending that I thought I would include
the others —
I had to double them all up but it you open them out they will give you their growth
—
I am going down to [Paijarrah] this month & this is I believe about the season for
getting that plant you want — I have kept a look out whenever down, but hitherto without
success — I hope to be in Melbourne in April or May I hope to see you then —
I am sorry to say that Baker is dead — I was counting on his aid in that matter, He
was anxious to do all he could, but was hardly at the House the whole session — He
was very ill and broke up very suddenly
5
W. L. Baker broke his ribs in a fall and pleurisy ensued.
In haste — Believe me,
Yours very faithfully
Lancel de Hamel
Albany
— 2 Feb 1893.
6
WA.