From James Barclay   1860

[Tyabb, 1860]1

Dr Muler

 

Dear Sir

A boat man on the bay2 with whom I have been talking stated that he is willing to enter into an agreement to catch and deliver to me 50 swans3 but he states that on account of the game laws he could not commence til the first Feburary at the price I would have to pay him I could not deliver 50 for less then £19 for that sum I believe I can deliver you 50 provided that I am admited at the same gate and allowed to rest at the gardens as formerly if that priviledge is denied I would require at least £2 more if you think fit to give that sum all well or if you have any objection Pleas to state it is not impossable but an other man may get the Birds far before yet if I have to pay the sum he asked I cannot deliver them at the gardens for less then the sum stated

Yours Truly

James Barclay

editorial addition— MS is in a diary with rough drafts of other letters dated 1860.
Presumably Western Port, Vic.
Presumably Black Swans (Cygnus atratus).

Please cite as “FVM-60-00-00,” in Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, edited by R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells accessed on 28 March 2024, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/vonmueller/letters/60-00-00