Melbourne
June 30 84
Baron Von Mueller
Government Botanist
Sir
haveing Lived in Queensland (South Kennedy dist about two years I have had the oppertunity of watching the Effects of a poison Bush. A Sample I now Post the cattle preffering Burnt feed — A term used to Denot newly grown gras find the young Shoots of This Bush very Succelent & as it grows mostly on Ridges away from water I think they Eat it to Slacken Thirst. Cattle when disturbed will Show Symptoms of Poisoning by appearing Dosey & inclined to Stand or Lay Down — and if pressed to rise or travel will tremble for a few Seconds —fall and Die with very little Struggling
If you have the kindness to furnish me with particulars vis if it is on analyset found to be of any Commercial value
& oblige your faithfull
Joseph Sutherland
C/o E. Manning
Wallan Wallan
Victoria
MS found with a specimen of Gastrolobium grandiflorum (MEL 247152). MS annotation by M: 'Answ 2/7/84 FvM'. Letter not found. Sutherland has not been positively identified; it is likely to be Joseph Sutherland (c.1860-1925). Note that the entry under this name in George (2009) almost certainly includes the collecting locations of other 'J. Sutherlands', probably including James Sutherland (c.1834-1886).
Please cite as “FVM-84-06-30,” 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