Ferdinand von Mueller

South-Yarra

10/1/94

T. R. Wilson Esqr,

Under Secretary.

I feel, dear Mr Wilson, that I should mention to you, still to be unable, to leave my rooms here, as my cough is still severe though somewhat abating, and as the weather is so changeable. Of course such a protracted cough is very debilitating, though it has in no way thrown me off my house-work.

I understand, that the Agriculture-Department desires only the cooperation of its own Expert Officers with the Phylloxera-Board, they all having many years experience, to cope with the disease. In my last letter

1

See M to T. Wilson, 1 January 1894 (in this edition as 94-01-01a).

I pointed out, that here a prejudice exists in vine-growing districts to have anything to do with American Vines as stock for grafting. So it may seem better to defer at present the introduction of seeds of American Vines, Phylloxera-proof, on a large scale, especially so, as fresh seeds will only ripen again in August and September.

2

The file is marked as seen by the Chief Secretary on 12 January. On 11 September 1894, Wilson sent a copy of this letter to the Secretary for Agriculture, David Martin.