From Ferdinand von Mueller to Joseph Hooker   16 Dec 1870

Melbourne botanic Garden

16/12/70

I should be very glad, dear Dr Hooker, if you would compare the enclosed Fraxinus of unknown origin but probably Asiatic, with the Museum plants at Kew. It is the only one of various kinds, cultivated here, which I was unable to identify. It is remarkable for its quick growth and strikes easily from cuttings. It is not in my Museum collection from any natural spot, but appears to accord in some respect with Fraxinus viridis.¹

Your regardful

Ferd von Mueller.

In the enclosed publication you will notice some results on strenght of fibres, as made in my laboratory.²

The Rev. M. J. Berkeley has written to me this mail, that he is soon to examine my Australian fungi.³ This is good news. I have sent you by the post fresh seeds of Corypha Australis. This Palm in its native forests is almost extinct So the seeds will be welcome any where, particularly in Madeira, the Azores &c. I added parcels for [Morren] &c, trusting to your goodness to forward them.

I send you by this mail some fresh seeds of Corypha Australis. This tall noble palm is almost extinct in our ranges, and as it answers so well for window-culture in ordinary dwelling rooms, the seeds will be acceptable to you. Your own plants may never come into bearing this century. To your lot I have added an other for our friend Dr [Regel] of Petersburg with whom you are doubtless in frequent communication.

Corypha Australis

Fraxinus viridis