[Seeing that our farmers around Benalla and district are beginning to realise that anything can be grown here, I may mention that when in Goulburn, N.S.W., some years ago, I distributed amongst the settlers there some fodder grass seed, a grand food for cattle and horses in dry seasons.1 The seed was sent to me by Baron Von Mueller, K.C.M.G, Government botanist, for free distribution. Any farmer, therefore, who desires to k[e]ep2 his stock from sta[r]ving in summer had better write to Dr. Baron Von Mueller who, feel sure, will gladly forward packets of the seed.]
M made seed distributions a number of times, one major one to agricultural societies in Victoria, but no evidence can be found that NSW societies were included (see M to Victorian Agricultural Societies, 29 July 1881 (in this edition as 81-07-29d), and notes thereto). In 1893 he distributed widely, via local councils and newspapers, Panicum spectabile—which would meet the characteristics described here—but as rooted plants (see M to Bairnsdale advertiser and Tambo and Omeo chronicle, 16 March 1893, and notes thereto). Furthermore, distribution at that time, even if seeds, would not merit the comment 'some years ago'. However, in M to the Editor of the Pastoral times, 14 May 1888 (in this edition as 88-05-14c), M asked for information about the success of this and other species, 'of which I distributed seeds often and copiously'. Pastoral times, although published in Deniliquin, circulated throughout the Riverina district, including to Goulburn. It is plausible that "Kimo" sought seeds then, and the item is thus tentatively dated to 1888.
Character did not print, here or in 'starving'.
Letter not found. The text used here is from North Eastern ensign (Benalla, Vic), 24 July 1894, p. 2. It is introduced by: 'Our correspondent—"Kimo'—writes as follows:—'.
The text is difficult to date. The date used here is based upon the analysis in the note that follows, that discusses M's distributions of seeds that fit the description.
Please cite as “FVM-88-00-00i,” 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