[Poisonous plants, Reports on1]
According to a report in Border watch (Mount Gambier, SA), 3 December 1873, p. 2, M's telegram was in reply to a telegram, G. Goyder to M, 24 November1873, and stated: 'Herb of Solanum Nigrum contains solanus and other poisonous principles in all stages of growth—berries when ripe often not poisonous—plant annual—easily extirpated—not a native. Perhaps death of sheep by Lobelia or other herbs also.'
According to the report, Goyder responded on the same day: 'Thank you very much. Is it desirable to include Solanum Nigrum amongst proscribed plants? It is spreading rapidly in South.' To this, M replied: 'Herb Solanum not included among plants to be eradicated, but thistles only. Perhaps best to direct merely public attention to it and Lobelia (native tobacco plant).'
Telegram not found; item is a register entry only, of a telegram dated 26 November 1873.
Please cite as “FVM-73-11-26,” 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