Nasova. Fiji
4th November 1881
My dear Sir,
Presuming upon your kindness I take the liberty of enclosing a leaf (or frond) from a Fern received by me this morning from a person who collects for me — hap-hazard. Two mails are leaving tonight one for Melbourne and one for New Zealand and consequently I have no time to look at it. Not having seen it before, during a 16 years residence in the South Seas, I send it on to you in case it may be something new —
I recently was visited by a young German Carl Weber who brought me letters from the German Consul in Sydney, an old friend of mine.
I sent Mr Weber on with letters to the [Rotho]1— or Chief of Thakandrovi2 (who was educated by me) and set him exploring the lake region of Taveuni which island reaches an altitude of 4040 feet. The lake is 2500 feet above the level of the sea. I have given him letters to my people there so that he can explore to his hearts content and live at free quarters. He is, I understand, chiefly interested in the lower forms of vegetation. I enclose a note from him announcing his arrival.3 Perhaps you might like to know of his presence here.
Believe me
my dear Sir
very faithfully yours
John B. Thurston.
Pray excuse signs of haste.
Please cite as “FVM-81-11-04,” 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