[We are requested by Baron von Mueller to state to his numerous correspondents respecting Panicum spectabile, which was noted in our columns some time ago,1 that the cause of the delay in sending out young plants is that, owing to the cold and wet weather, the cuttings are not yet sufficiently rooted, and it may be a short time longer before they are ready].2
Panicum spectabile
In 'Agricultural notes', Leader, 16 July 1892, p. 6, the species is praised, followed by the comment, 'Anyone desiring to experiment with this magnificent grass may apply to Baron von Mueller, Arnold-street, South Yarra, who will either supply seeds or put them in the way of obtaining them'. This item, including the advice to approach M for seeds, is reprinted in 'Agricultural notes', South Australian chronicle, 23 July 1893, p. 13.
The earliest known subsequent distribution to Victorian organizations was to the Port Fairy Botanic Gardens in early February 1893 (M to J Prior, 1 February 1893). Newspapers were used in March as a means of distributing rootstock; see M to the Bairnsdale advertiser and Tambo and Omeo chronicle, 16 March 1893, and notes thereto.
Letter not found. The text given here is from 'Horticultural notes', Leader (Melbourne), 18 November 1893, p. 10. On the assumption that the request was included in the next issue published after it was received, the letter is dated to 12 November 1893 as the earliest that it is likely to have been sent.
Please cite as “FVM-92-11-12a,” 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