From Patrick O'Shanesy1    11 November 1879

Emerald2 Nov 11 18793

Dear Baron Mueller

I am in receipt of yours of the 24 Ult4 and am much obliged for the names of the plants and also for the two Nos. of the Eucal. Atlas.5

The fruit of Loranthus 4091 is not ripe yet. It is chiefly but not exclusively found on Flindersia maculosa, it approaches to L. Quandang, but the petals are not free, besides the difference in the leaves. I will send seeds of the things you require if procurable. Your Swainsonia campylantha is well worth cultivating it is very rare here, I have only seen it on clay soils on the banks of the Comet.6

As you remark I have never told you anything about my business, but as you have alway evinced a kind interest in my wellfare I shall, at your request, gratify you so far. I carry on business as Aerated water and Cordial manufacturer. I have two factories, one at Cometville and one at Emerald, and you may judge that I am kept busy enough between them. Situated as I thus am it is not alway convenient for me to be away from home for any considerable time and leave things to strangers, who as a general rule, take no interest in their work beyond getting their wages. I have no mouths to provide for save my own, which in the present bad times is itself a consolation.

Hoping this note will find you in the enjoyment of good health and Spirits

I am Dear Baron

Yours Sincerely

P. A. O'Shanesy7

 

Flindersia maculosa

Loranthus Quandang

Swainsonia campylantha

1
MS annotation by M: 'Answ 23/11/79.' Letter not found.
2
Qld.
3
Pencilled annotations before and after 'Emerald': 'P.O.' and 'QL' [i.e. Post Office Emerald Qld].
4
Letter not found.
5
B79.13.11.
6
Comet River, Qld.
7
Shortly befor writing this letter, O’Shanesy had finished his work on the Queensland flora (O’Shanesy (1880), the preface of which is dated ‘September, 1879’), that he dedicated ‘TO Sir F. Von Mueller, Government Botanist of Victoria, C.M.G., &c., &c. | This little work is humbly dedicated as a sincere token of appreciation of his unceasing exertions in the cause of science, and his most friendly and constant encouragement to the author’.

Please cite as “FVM-79-11-11,” 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 27 April 2024, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/vonmueller/letters/79-11-11