To James Stirling   9 November 1892

9/11/92

James Stirling Esqr F.L.S., FGS,

Governm. Geologist &c.

The enlightened views, expressed by you, dear Mr Stirling, in your letter of yesterday,¹ deserve every consideration; indeed I have myself endeavoured, to secure data through many years for tracing native plants to their geologic restriction or prevalence; and if the geologic Survey can aid in this by its staff, the progress in such phyto-geologic observations would become much accelerated. It would be best, to limit the collecting to such plants, as seem peculiar to any particular formation, or as appear far more predominating in distinct geologic tracts. If general collections were formed, the information derived therefrom would not be impressive, as many species grow on very distinct geologic formations equally well. Mr Howitt has already fixed to a large extent the homes of the various Eucalypts in relation to the geologic origin of their soil in Gippsland.² You have recorded many geologic data in connection with miscellaneous and particularly alpine plants, and I have noted also what I saw since 1847, though I have as yet not ventured to systematize much on the necessarily very scattered observations, instituted by myself.

I feel quite touched with the generous allusion to myself as well in your letter as in the Gippsland journal.³ The exertions of your young daughter in becoming acquainted with the native plants in her vicinity are beyond all praise. I have in direct letter to the young Lady⁴ named her last sending of specimens.

Very regardfully your

Ferd. von Mueller.