To William Hooker   18 May 1857

Sydney bot. gardens

18 May 1857.

My dear Sir William

Mr Flood desires me at the eve of his departure for Europe for few introductory lines to you, which I give so much more readily as he will be able to describe to you more fully the North Australian vegetation (particularly of the V. River)¹ as I am able to do in writing. Mr Flood has added several species to the collection, the most interesting is a new Parinarium from Quail Island, a locality which I was prevented to visit.²

He will also deliver a few specimens, which accumulated since I finished packing of the North Austr. plants.

All the collections are ready now for shipping, well secured in 5 tin cases.

I have transmitted to day my report and the remainder of the bot. msc. as far as copied. The latter comprises now nearly 600 sp. I have about 100 descriptions more ready, but wished to retain them until I have consulted (in Melbourne) Vriese's Goodeniaceae³ and a few other works. An other 100 requires but little addition to be completed.

My first work in Melbourne will be the determination of the Acacias.

One box with specimens transmitted through Dr Elsey⁴ and 160 diagnoses will have arrived.

I intend to return to Melbourne in a few days. On circumstances there it much depends if I shall be able to come to England already next year or only in 1859.

With sentiments of the greatest gratitude and veneration I remain, Sir William,

most obediently

yours

Ferd Mueller

Sir W. J. Hooker, K.H.

&c &c &c⁵

Parinarium