Ferdinand von Mueller

1

For a printed version of this letter, see Home & Maroske (1997), pp. 35-7.

South Yarra

2

Melbourne.

8/2/93.

Chevalier Dejardin, Consul General for France &c &c

The list of plants, all utilitarian, from you for the requirements of Tunis,

3

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Paris, to L. Dejardin, 29 December 1892 (in this edition as M92-12-29).

dear Chev. Dejardin, I have carefully perused, and I will try to obtain gradually seeds of as many of these plants, as I possibly can; but only a very limited number of them is under cultivation here, and as a whole these particular plants are scattered over the whole Australian Continent as indigenous species. Therefore the collecting can only be effected gradually, as opportunities arise, I will send you fresh seeds from time to time, as I can secure them, and this will be done without expenditure to the French Government.

Allow me to remark also, that the great Governments Garden at Antibes under the direction of Professor Naudin many of the plants, contained in this list, have been reared; but whether they ripen seeds there, it is impossible for me to say. I do however not doubt, that some of the desired kinds of seeds could be procured there at once and others at later periods, the venerable Dr Naudin being an experienced and enthusiastic Cultivator and Acclimatiser, and he has the best climatic place in France and all other requiste

4

requisite?

means at his command.

Let me remain, dear Consul, most regardfully your