Bungowannah Park
Albury1 Oct 29th 1883
Baron von Mueller
Melbourne
Dear Sir
Having noticed some discussion about a grass known as "Jack Hallis", and your opinion relative thereto,2 I take the liberty of sending in seperate envelope a stalk of grass which is taking possession of my orchard, and there are several patches of it on different parts of my property, while stock eat other grasses down this is left growing luxuriantly
Would you be good enough to inform me if it is the grass, the properties of which is now being discussed I have on another portion of my property patches of a grass distinct from this (not yet in seed) which is not eaten by stock Might I later on send you a sample of it.
In case what is sent is "Jack Hallis" grass would you recommend me to cut and burn it
I am
Your Obedient Servant
John Grieve
P.S.
I may state that my property is on the Murray a little below Albury, lately belonging to Mr Dight.
J. G.
Annotation by M: 'NSW'.
In its report of the 17 October 1883 proceedings of Parliament, the Argus, 18 October 1883, p. 4, stated: 'specimens of a new grass locally known as the "Jack Hallis" [error for 'Jack Hollis'], and found on the sand rises near Colac, had been forwarded to Baron von Mueller. When his report was obtained it would be published.' In the meantime, William Guilfoyle had been asked about it by the Minister of Lands, telegraphed for specimens, and 'felt almost sure' it was Bromus sterilis, which he recommended as a 'useful fodder and fattening grass' (Age (Melbourne), 24 October 1883, p. 5). M saw that item and immediately told the Chief Secretary that 'the growth of this grass should not be encouraged' (M to G. Berry, 24 October 1883); this advice was published in Age (Melbourne), 26 October 1883, p. 5 (B83.10.09).
MS found with a specimen of Bromus diandrus (MEL 2129038). Annotation by M: 'Answ 31/10/83 F.v.M'. Letter not found.
Please cite as “FVM-83-10-29b,” 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