To Nevil Maskelyne   25 December 1865

Melbourne botanic Garden,

Christmasday

1865.

I was glad, my dear Professor, to learn by last mail from your friendly lines, that the great meteoric mass had safely reached its destination. Had anything occurred by which it became lost, it would have been a dreadful responsibility to me. It is a source of great delight to me, that you think so much of the precious specimen & I feel certain that Mr Bruce will be proud to know it under your surveillance.

Gladly will I aid you in the acquisition of any our gem minerals. I had a consultation on this subject with the Rev. Dr Bleasdale at my privat-residence & the enclosed letter will show you, that something might be obtained from Beechworth.¹ Should ever fate permit me to see once more the northern hemisphere I shall with delight embrace the opportunity of viewing your oryctognostic treasures & above all shall enjoy greatly the opportunity of becoming with you personally acquainted & paying you my respect[s]. If I can in any way assist you in your zealous striving to augment the noble collection under your charge, it will be done with every readiness.

The death of the venerable Sir Will Hooker² has touched me much; indeed I cannot yet realize the idea that I shall see no more letters from his beloved hand. He can not be replaced.

Let me remain, dear Professor Maskelyne,

your cordially attached

Ferd. Mueller