Ferdinand von Mueller

21/4/96.

Yesterday, dear Mr Ridley, arrived the large case with dried pressed plants, which you kindly forwarded. They arrived in a fairly good condition as a whole, though some had suffered from humidity. It seems that they were kept on deck of the Ship, under the idea that this was requisite, because they were "plants"

Let me express my best thanks for this most welcome new acquisition for the great Herbar here.

1

The National Herbarium of Victoria has a number of specimens collected by Ridley in and near Singapore, from December 1888 to 1894.

So far as human forethought can go, these specimens ought to exist safely through centuries.

I get somewhat frightened at the arrival of these additional treasures from you, because I fear, that after the enormous "retrenchments", which took place 4 years ago, I cannot keep any collector and can thus not make at present an adequate return-gift The

Todea

Search for Todea in

• This website
• Australian Plant Name Index

would barely represent an equivalent for your former sending. I trust the

Todea

Search for Todea in

• This website
• Australian Plant Name Index

does not find it too hot in your region.

2

Singapore.

Have your notes on grasses &c for next edition of Select Plants"

4

Written in right margin on the back of the folio.

Do you want seeds of any Eucalypts? How do these kinds of trees behave there?

5

Written in right margin on the front of the folio.