From Patrick O'Shanesy to Ferdinand von Mueller   13 Jan 1873

Dawson Road

Rockhampton¹ 13/1/73

Dear Dr Mueller,

I enclose a fragment of a small Tree-fern which I have just found in the neighbourhood. It is the only one to my knowledge, that has been as yet found in the neighbourd of Rockhampton. It grows on Platycerium Alcicorne, but is not wholly dependant on that plant for its support as the roots penetrate deep between loose stones. As far as I have seen it only rises to the hight of 2 or 3 feet and the stem is no more than 1 inch in diameter.

The other fragment, samples of which you already have from me from Mt. Archer and Table Mt., I find to be a tree of 30-40 feet, with a white deciduous bark, exactly like that of Myrthus² acmenoides, and the trunk is beautifully striated, or winged. You say you consider it to be unnamed, it will probably prove to be either a Myrthus, or a Backhousia. I hope to be able to visit the place again in a couple of month's time when I expect to find it in flower.

Yours Sincerely

P. A. O'Shanesy

I have a quantity of this season's fruit of the Alexandra Palm which I could recommend, as I have just proved them. I could supply them at the rate of 15/ per lb.

Are the bulbs of Eurycles Cunninghamii of any value? I could supply them in almost any quantity

Backhousia

Eurycles Cunninghamii

Myrthus acmenoides

Platycerium Alcicorne