Document information
Physical location:
RB MSS M1, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 95.06.15aPreferred Citation:
George Pentland to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1895-06-15 [95.06.15a]. 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/1890-6/1895/95-06-15a-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026
1
MS annotation by M: 'Rec. & answ 17/6/95 FvM'; M's letter not found. Letterhead includes
a decorative crest of the Department of Agriculture Victoria with its motto, 'Industriae
nihil impossibile' [With industry nothing is impossible]. MS accompanied by a Phytologic Museum of Melbourne specimen label filled out by M:
'Didiscus pilosus, Bentham'.
M had been asked about this plant in 1882 by the then Chief Secretary, James Grant. His reply (M to J Grant, 2 May 1882) was published in a number of newspapers (see list under B82.05.11), and in the
Australian veterinary journal
(B82.06.02). A similar request was made by the Chief Inspector of Stock in 1887, see M to E. Curr,
December 1887 (in this edition as 87-12-00j), and with M's reply was also reported in the press.
custom house,
Melbourne,
June 15th
1895
Baron Von Mueller
Govt Botanist
Sir
I beg to forward herewith a sample of a plant known as the "
Wild parsnip
" with a view to your being so good as to furnish me with your professional opinion
as to its properties and what effect it would have on cattle if partaken of freely.
—
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your obedient Servant
G. Pentland
Chief Inspr of Stock