From Annie McCann¹    March 1882

Rock Alpine House

Snowy Creek

Beechworth²

Baron Ferd. von Mueller, K.C.M.G.

Dear Sir,

Words are but weak vehicles to convey all the thanks I would fain offer to you for your valuable work on "Botanic Teachings"³ which you have so kindly sent the children —

Believe me it shall long be a prized souvenir as well as a warm incentive in promoting that study of which I am such an ardent worshipper —

I considered myself indeed highly favoured by your esteemed correspondence and by being advised of the names of so many of our local plants.

I trust, however, that I do not occasion you too great an excess of trouble. I send by this mail a small packet containing some more fruits of the "Persoonia" as requested. When I first saw this tree, I thought it was a native Olive, it seemed so prolific in fruit. It is but rarely met with here.

No 1, I found floating on the surface of a lagoon, it looked so fresh and delicate a green that I was tempted to risk a wetting to get to it — but when that was achieved I was in raptures, and for the moment thinking that it was some beautiful Algae, from the strong, peculiar smell of the Sea, which it emitted. My beloved Sea! which I have not seen for many a year! — Is it a water-weed? I am desirous of knowing the names of these shrubs and the creeping plant No 2. And of the enclosed Ferns, both seem to grow from the same root.

And now dear Sir, with all my compliments — and all the gratitude I can thus convey —

I beg to remain

your most obdt servt

Annie W. D. McCann

P.S.

Snowy Creek is a tributary of the Mitta Mitta running due North — and takes its rise in some of the Bogong Spurs.

Are the fruit of the "Persoonia" dangerous? — Children are often curious about such things and eat them freely when they meet them.

Please say if the Mosses sent in last collection were of a different species to those sent previously?