Ferdinand von Mueller

19/12/95

Was not aware, dear Prof Spencer, that the botanic Report had finally been transmitted to you as result of the Horn-Exped.

1

See M to W. B. Spencer, 17 December 1895.

If I had not been obliged to devote so much time in 1895 for bringing out the enlarged 9th Edition of the "Select Plants",

2

B95.08.04.

I could have devoted time to critical research, which I can only resume after the annual examinations

3

See M to W. Thiselton-Dyer, 1 January 1895, where M, while explaining how busy he was, wrote: 'I conduct also extensive annual examinations of Students as an honorary work, e.g. Veterinary College, Horticultural College, Working Mens College, Education-Department &c.'.

are over.

The bot. Report was however an easy one as nearly all the Central Austr plants were known and on some of the few rare or new species Prof Tate had many months ago important notes from me. Would you think it proper after some help of mine given, that I see the manuscript. If so, bring it this evening to your own House, and I will make an hour or two free this evening or to morrow evening or any other evening to look at the msc. with you. Should then anything occur to us, that Prof Tate be informed on, you or I could do so. Surely, no objection can be to this course, as Prof Tate did obtain largely

4

largely over mainly deleted.

his knowledge of the S.A. Flora directly or indirectly through or from myself.

I am most parsimonious with my time; thus 2

5

2 over 3.

evenings ago I deprived myself of the pleasure to be at the University-Concert, having only attended at one, though invited to several, and on Monday evening I had to send even to the Melb. Liedertafel, though Senior Vice President, a letter of excuse, because I could not go to the concert and had til late in the night to be at my writing table.

If I see the msc, I shall be able to judge, whether I ought to do something yet with the few critical plants of the Horn-expedit