To George Bentham   14 February 1882

14/2/82.

I am much beholden to you, dear Mr Bentham, for sending me a copy of your important publication on Gramineae.¹ It is a marvellous piece of work to contemplate, especially when it is considered, that you have exercised your eyesight for microscopic work during 65 years! This essay of yours did not reach me in time, to make even any addenda to the Census of Australian plant-genera,² of which I now send you a copy. The printing was finished in Sydney last month already. Otherwise I would have in the main arranged the grass-genera according to your views, though in strict adherence to your system Isachne becomes far removed from Panicum and several other closely allied genera become severed. But that of course is the difficulty with any system, the affinities being radial, not linear. I have sent you from time to time new prints on Australian plants, altho’ I can hardly expect, that you are still much interested in this far southern flora, while your attention is absorbed in the “flora of the world”.

I feel sure, it will be with thanksgiving to providence by everyone, who loves plants, that we see your health, strenght, and great mental faculties preserved. May you enjoy these blessings for many years to come, that is the wish of your regardful

Ferd. von Mueller.

Of Caleana a new spec has just turned up with a genoplesoid labellum, here in Victoria, but as only 2 specimens have been found, (one kept by the finder) I cannot send this interesting plant just now to Kew.

Scirpus grossus I have now also from North Australia

The Eucalyptus Atlas³ came to a standstill as the Gov. Printers Office is overwhelmed.

Caleana

Gramineae

Isachne

Panicum

Scirpus grossus