To John O'Shanassy   14 June 1862

Melbourne, botanic Garden,

14 June 1862.

Sir

I have the honor of bringing under your favorable consideration a proposal of publishing an extract of the larger work on Victorian plants in Octavo form for the use of schools and for such colonists as may be desirous to possess a cheap edition of the "Victoria Flora".¹ This brief reprint, corresponding to the first volume of the main-work, would not extend over more than about 120 octavo pages and would most likely have a remunerative sale. Mr Ferres, the Governments Printer, is of opinion, that this work could during the recess of Parliament be carried out without inconvenience and without direct costs at his establishment. The original work being the property of the Government I feel it incumbent on me to point out, that likely a small reedition of the work would be prepared by private parties, unless this loss to the Government would be obviated in the manner proposed.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

your most obedient and humble servant

Ferd. Mueller.

The honorable the Chief Secretary

&c &c &c²