To William Hooker   3 August 1854

Melbourne, 3. August 1854.

Sir William.

Desirous of not neglecting any opportunity of adressing you, I have the pleasure of transmitting to you this few lines by the celebrated poet William Howitt, who honored me with his visit and will oblige me by delivering to you a few supplementary remarks to my former botanical manuscripts. I was not aware of Mr Howitts return to Europe at so early a period and have therefore only forwarded a few days ago by the “Red Jacket” a considerable set of manuscripts. Writing this lines at the moment of starting for a short journey to Sealers cove, I do not know, whether I may venture to molest Mr Howitt with the burden of a few specimens, which lay ready again for you.

With “the Queen of the South” I forwarded a box with specimens, I think about 500 sp, accompanied by some manuscript; but it happened, that whilst I was away for a few days on an algological excursion, my attendant¹ shipped to you, both original and copy of the writing, which circumstance embarasses me in compiling my second annual report. I should feel extremely obliged, Sir William, for receiving the almost unreadable originals back again, unless you deemed, what I send, worth of passing at once through the press.

In examining a few days ago a species of Trichinium, I was not a little struck to observe at first in this and afterwards in all species, which I possess, 1 or 2 and rarely three stamens sterile. I have trusted, when establishing my genus Hemisteirus² to the correctness of former observations, where constantly is spoken but simply of 5 stamens (to be expected fertile) and I was myself not more fortunate in my examinations, when giving at various times accounts of a few Trichinia. Now I found, as far as my specimens go, that but exceptional 5 fertile stamens are found, and that in all probability good specific characters can be derived from the structure of the sterile stamens. Thus for instance exhibits Trichinium erubescens always a solitary sterile filament, much longer than the 4 fertile ones, whilst in most of the other species 1 or 2 sterile filaments are very much shorter as the others and often quite concealed in the basal wool. This sterile stamens are generally deprived even of the rudiment of an anther, such as is very manifest in Hemisteirus (a genus well marked however by a smooth calyx).

With what feeling of gratitude I have read your very kind remarks on my humble labours, I am at a loss to express; — such favourable opinion, however undeserved it assuredly is, on my writings, from your high authority, is of immense support to me; and conducting my services on the most oeconomical scale I trust now, that our Government will continue to offer me the support, which I since received.³

I am very anxious, Sir William, to learn of the save arrival of all the papers and the large box of specimens, which the late Governor forwarded some months ago.⁴ By my communications from before you will observe, that I transmutated the name of Gnaphalium Catipes in Antennaria nubigena. This beautiful cloud-buried plant belongs certainly to that [genus]⁵

With the expressions of gratitude and deepest obligations I conclude these lines as your

most humble servant Ferd Mueller⁶

Sir Will. Jacks. Hooker, K.H.

L.L.D, V.P.L.S, F.R.S, &c &c &c

Director of the Royal Garden at Kew

Near London

Fav of Will Howitt Esq

Antennaria nubigena

Gnaphalium Catipes

Hemisteirus

Trichinium erubescens