Document information
Physical location:
RB MSS M1, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. M92.07.15Preferred Citation:
Harry Sandiford to Henry Keep, 1892-07-15 [M92.07.15]. 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/mentions/selected/M92-07-15-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026
1
MS found in a parcel of Australian
Calamus, annotated by A. Ewart, 3 March 1909: 'Correspondence forwarded for Dr Beccari's
perusal. Please return when use is completed.' MS annotation by M: 'Sent veg seeds
16/8/92'. M's letter not found.
15th July /92
H. F. Keep Esq, J.P.
Dear Mr Keep
Your favor of 10th June last duly to hand — enclosed in parcel you will find samples
of both palm seeds & leaves (seedling)
Owing to a difficulty in obtaining young leaves, which emanate from the tropical altitude
of the palm, & present over-pressure of work I am unable to forward you samples herewith,
but will endeavour to do so per first opportunity that offers
Re Millstream Palm
After careful observation of the above I find, that in reply to the queries, put by
the Baron von Mueller, I have the honor to report as follows:—
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1)
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No — the leaves are a pale smoky green.
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2)
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Yes — that is to say the leaf-stack of the former has its cones or spines more elongated
than that of the latter — in fact the older the palm becomes the more so does the
stack itself diminish in size —
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3)
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No — from the accompanying samples, you will, doubtless, notice that the size of the
seed is fairly uniform
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4)
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Nearly so — the difference being that the leaf has three distinct droops, viz:— the
centre & side flanges, of which the former is most marked.
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For the further enlightenment of the Baron I enclose a few seedlings, should he deem
it desirable to examine them.
As there may be a few points left unexplained, you would confer great obligation upon me by drawing my attention to same, when I
should be most happy to supply any additional information requisite.
Ever truly Yours
Harry Mosely Sandiford.
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See also H. Keep to M, 10 June 1892.
P.S. I hear from various sources that you have been laid up with sickness — I sincerely
trust not serious so — that you are now completely recovered & enjoying your accustomed
good health —
H.M.S.