August 26 [186]31
My dear Doctor
Herewith I beg to return to you the two letters laid before the Council yesterday.2 That from Mr Henderson does not seem to require any reply and with reference to that from Mr Gibson the Council are unanimously of opinion that his request cannot be complied with inasmuch as it would form a troublesome and dangerous precedent, and therefore whilst regretting the inconvenience to which Mr Gibson is put (which is hardly so great however as he makes out) they are obliged so far as they are concerned to refuse the key.3
The Secretary has been requested to send for the Curassow. With reference to the elk it would relieve our too crowded paddocks at the Park if you would consent that a male should be sent to her, but if you would prefer getting rid of her why then the Secretary will send for it.4
I am
My dear Doctor
Yours faithfully5
To Dr Mueller F.R.S.
&c &c &c
Mr Godfrey & Mr Bosisto have been requested to arrange with you about the [gum] for Phillip Island.
editorial addition.
Letters not found.
Gibson had requested that he be provided with private keys for the Park gates. He persisted with his request and subsequently the Council 'though almost in opposition to their better judgement' allowed him the use of the key to the 'Brunswick gate for one month on trial' (No. 63/923, p. 358, G. Sprigg to J. Gibson MD, 20 December 1863).
Some species belonging to the Acclimatisation Society still remained at the Botanic Garden at this time.
The letter-copy is unsigned, but the letter would have been signed by Sprigg as Secretary.
Please cite as “FVM-63-08-26,” 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