Ferdinand von Mueller

S. Yarra,

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Melbourne.

7/4/95.

Your are probably aware, dear Mr Topp, that the authorities at Port Fairy

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Vic.

asked me several months ago, to see personally the great success, attained there with Marram-Grass (Psamma arenaria) from suggestions of mine and seeds supplied by me, for fixing the rolling coast sands. This is now already accomplished there over wide distances. It is difficult for me to get away from my office-rooms except on holidays, and last Christmas and Newyear's time I had to use these festive days to get through my additional work as an Honorary Officer in annual examinations at the Education-Department and some other public institution. I would like therefore to utilize the Easter-Holidays for the tour to Port Fairy, which may require to be extended to Portland-Bay.

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Vic. No evidence of a visit as far west as Portland has been found. M is reported to have inspected the plantations around Port Fairy as well as being shown over the town and surroundings on Friday 12 April, and 'on Saturday morning, prior to his departure by train' met 'councillors and townsmen' at the Town Hall (Port Fairy gazette, 19 April 1895, p. 2).

But I shall be back before the holidays have passed. It seems therefore unnecessary to ask for leave of absense; but it is but right that you should know of my being away from Thursday evening til Monday or Tuesday.

4

On 8 April 1895, Topp minuted: 'Baron F. Von Muellers proper method of spending the Easter holidays noted'. M returned the file 'with best thanks' on 10 April.

At a meeting of the Belfast Borough Council on 24 April 1895, 'The Mayor reported having entertained Baron von Mueller on his recent trip to Port Fairy — The Baron was driven over the Marram grass Plantations — He expressed himself highly pleased at the success achieved by the Council in planting the grass' (Minute book 11, p. 104, 24 April 1895, Borough Council records, Port Fairy, Vic.).