To Alexander Macdonald   4 January 1887

4/1/87.¹

As you say, dear Mr MacDonald, the observations by Mr Giles, will mainly occupy us in our next meeting. Mr W Sayer's notes will be brief "on the ascent of Mount Bellenden Ker".² I had to day a letter³ from him a boat in which he ascended the swollen Russell-River⁴ capsized, and he and his companion lost everything, while he became intricated and nearly drowned. I think, Mr James Roberts paper might be called: "Notes on a recent tour through New Caledonia"; but I will write to him at once, so that he can alter the title timely, if he wishes to do so. I quite agree with you, that the Rev. Mr Bulmer's Paper should be read also.⁵ We will have thus a most interesting meeting with very varied subjects. During the holidays I wrote a strongly urging letter to the hon. Fr Krichauff,⁶ suggesting that the Survey-Office there should find fund for Mr Giles work, as anyhow the country N. W. of Lk⁷ Amadeus must be mapped and yield S.A. a revenue and further suggested that their branch, to whom more particularly any work within their territory belongs, should ask the W. A. Government, to contribute towards the expenses as the W. A mapping would be done at the same time Of course I wrote to him only as a friend of my youth; so — if you think proper, you could follow it up by a few lines to the Secretary of the S.A. Branch. They may have more influence with the S.A. Government than we have had.

It is good, that we get an early antarctic-meeting as we must try, to get this important matter timely and successfully through. I do not think, that we ought to recommend one ship lonely to be sent, to such a place nor to incur the responsibility to locate even in summer any scientist on any place of Victoria land separated from communication. I am sure you will give these points your full consideration.

My recommendations briefly would be:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,	Two vessels with auxiliary steam. Aeronaut, Geologist, Meteorologist (no Botanist required) Means to ascend the Barrier on a favorable spot. Depot: Macquarie-Island 4 months exploration, with reconnoitering also for whales &c but not for chasing Season 1887-1888. Leaders, Sir All Young & Capt Grey or the young Whaling Captain
8,	Route Victoria-Land

On Thursday afternoon⁸ I must be at Temple Court for a meeting of the trustees of the Royal Park and will call then at your office also.

With best wishes to you for a happy new year and your kind Lady also

Ferd. von Mueller

Have you heard of our friend Mr Le Peur Wall?⁹ I wrote him a letter of excuse for my forgetfulness