Mt. Macedon1
3/12/83.
Merely a few lines from this locality, dear Sir Joseph, where I have gone to seek restoration of my health. Since about 3 months I suffer from a severe Bronchial catarrh; there is some emphysema and thickening of the mucous membranes. As the hot weather sets in, I may recover; but with my hereditary disposition to Phthisis it is doubtful. Since I left the garden, I had to live, poor as I am and heavily taxed, in small unhealthy Officerooms, and I did no longer get the invigorating daily exercises, which I had in the garden, to preserve my health.
I have written an article here for Uhlworm & Behrens "bot. Central-Blatt,"2 vindicating Bentham's and your authority-rights, to the species which you from one genus to an other (indicated as) transposed, a right which by A.D.C. latest brochure3 is called into question.
This locality is poor in plants; nor dare I go far, as the exertion would chill the air-passages notwithstanding a respirator. I noticed however here for the first time Centunculus minimus, altho' Prof. Tate had it recently also from one place in S.A.4
I hope Mr Bentham, after some mental rest, will feel revigorated again as the spring sets in with you. Chevreul is still active at 97, so B. ought to cheer up. When you see the venerable Gentleman, give him the expression of my best wishes for his recovery
Regardfully your
Ferd. von Mueller
The person, who styles himself Director here,5 reported recently to the Government here, and to the press,6 that Bromus sterilis was a native of America and highly valuable as a fodder grass!7
Bromus sterilis
Centunculus minimus
Please cite as “FVM-83-12-03,” 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 2 May 2024, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/vonmueller/letters/83-12-03