Melbourne bot Garden
10/9/63.
My dear Miss Euphemia
I should have replied before this to your kind note, dated 5.,1 had I not expected that the arrival of the mail would cause me to add one or the other item of information, which might prove to you of interest. I will however now not longer delay in expressing the pleasure I felt, when reading your feeling words, and how relieved I feel in my mind when hearing that you are getting well again. As for myself, pray do not give it any consideration. My health has been fluctuating since several years and therefore it will be some time before I can consider myself recovered. I am however able to work and have nearly completed the material for Benthams second volume on Australian plants.2 The first has not yet arrived in bound copies, as Mr Bentham left the copies in the publishers hands & he may prove very tardy in sending them. However when they arrive, I shall do myself the pleasure of sending you one,3 as I cannot help thinking that with your ingenuity you will be able to turn the information to practical account and recreating occupation.
When sending for the articles to Mullens establishment I was sorry to unfold amongst them the little botanical lense and the small pamphlet on the coast-rambles.4 These you must allow me to return to you along with such books as I will have in readiness for you when you return to Melbourne. As yet I have not seen the new Governor.5 Sir Henry Barkly has proved himself a noble patron and friend to the last moment of his stay & is desirous to maintain his communication with me, which will to me be delightful. Is there anything I can send you to your present residence? or can I render you any services? If so pray command my attention without hesitation.
Ever with the kindest regards & my sincerest wishes for you I remain dear Miss Henderson
yours
Ferd. Mueller
Please cite as “FVM-63-09-10a,” 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