To Edward Ramsay   10 February 1887

10/2/87

I find, dear Dr Ramsay, that I have no funds left available from the vote of this finance-year, to defray the expenses of a special botanic Collector to New Guinea; and it is against all Gov. rules to anticipate the next vote by liabilities previously incurred.

If therefore the party of Mr Bevan cannot gather plants "honoris causa" as a byework, the collecting must be left undone; but as it would cost the party directly nothing to pick up occasionally and dry plants, and as they will get litterary credit for it, they might do it in the interest of science. I have telegraphed Mr Bevan in reply to a letter, just received, that I have no funds left available.¹

Best thanks for the prospects of getting the fruit, of Bennett's Seaweed.²

It is the common Portulaca oleracea of which the natives collect principly the seeds for cakes; but other species are likewise thus drawn into use, and P. oleracea is eaten much by them, the whole plant fresh.

Regardfully

your

Ferd. von Mueller

I am not aware, wheth[er] the Notothixus³ subaureus has medicinal properties

Notothixus subaureus

Portulaca oleracea