From J. H. Ploos van Amstel   18 December 1872

Amsterdam 18 Decb 1872

My dear Dr von Müller

His Majesty the King of the Netherlands¹ has expressed his desire to obtain a few specimens of the

Alsofella's² or

Australian ferntree

The Almanac hortocole says — le bon jardinier³ —

Très grande fougère arborescente de l'Australie et de l'ile van Diemen s'élèvant à 10 ou 12 mêtres, dont le tronc robuste et quelquefois de 1 mêtre de diametre se termine par une longue touffe de fronds decoupées dont l'ensemble forme une couronne étalée de 15 à 17 mêtres de tour. On n'en possède en Europe que de faibles echantillons, tous apportés directement des lieux de provenance."⁴

Will you kindly grant me your assistance in obtaining the desired plants and your valuable advice respecting the best way of shipping them home. —

I fear there will be many difficulties in the way, as this plant requires much water and shade, however His Majesty is prepared to go to any expense. H. M. desire is to have the best specimen of this tree in Europe in H. M. gardens!

I told His Majesty that I should address myself to you, who already had executed so many commissions for H. M. and H. M. desired me to express you his thanks for your courtesy and to tell you that the seeds have done exceedingly well! And so they have done; the gum and wattle tree especially.

My brother Daniel will tell you more about H. M. request, and arrange with you the various matters. —

Hoping you will kindly pardon my bold request and accept my sincere thanks for your well known courtesy

I remain

dear Sir

Your's most sincerely

J. H. Ploos van Amstel

Alsofella