23/10/84.1
The enclosed letters, dear Sir Joseph, speak for themselves.2 Doubtless it would be best, if the Rev. B. Scortechini went with his botanic treasures to you. He commenced the study of plants in Australia, and I encouraged it so far as I could. Thus with ample experience he has investigated a remarkably rich field, almost unsearched before; and could therefore add much to your mainwork on the Flora of India and its supplements.
I presume, that some monetary provision for the Rev. Gentleman during his stay at Kew3 would have to be made by the Government of the Straits Settlements; and as Sir Hugh Low4 is in England, that could probably be arranged there. You will be the best, to advise Father Scortechini; - but as he is personally a stranger to you, I may add that I enjoyed much his visit to Melbourne two years ago, and that he is the nicest and most honorable of men imaginable. I say this, though not his coreligionist; indeed I feel all his countrymen, the Italians, - so far as I came in contact with them -, the most pleasant of people from the surroundings of the throne to the humblest street-musician, and to this sentiment I gave public expression in dedicating to their principal Representative here the magnificent new Papuan Rhododendron.5
Regardfully your
Ferd. von Mueller
Rhododendron
Please cite as “FVM-84-10-23,” 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 8 May 2024, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/vonmueller/letters/84-10-23