Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS annotation by [Dejardin]: 'Transmis par Dépêche en date du 17 Septembre' [Sent by dispatch 17 September]. For a printed version of this letter, see Home & Maroske (1997), p. 39.

Melbourne, 15/9/94.

The Chevalier De Jardin,

Consul General for France

Honored Sir

The vivid interest shown by you in the efforts of naturalizing some of the best pastural Saltbushes of Australia in the wide French territories of Africa, encourages me, to offer now in addition to former sendings also the seeds of

Atriplex vesicarium

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of which species I now only for the first time was able to procure seeds in quantity. This Atriplex is sought by Sheep (and also by Horses and cattle) with avidity in Central Australia, and remains on somewhat saline soil fresh and succulent for feed even in the hottest regions and in the driest seasons. Its degree of resistance to a low temperature has not yet been exactly ascertained; but it will bear some frost, and may perhaps endure the winter-cold of South-Western France also. If desired, more seeds can be furnished of this species just now.

Let me remain, dear Consul De Jardin, with regardful remembrance your