[We have received from Baron von Mueller, Government Botanist, a parcel containing several roots of a South African grass, a fodder noted for its rapid and luxuriant growth and for its fattening qualities. It is named Panicum Spectabile, and it is specially recommended for cultivation in the colony. The plants we have received we have handed to Mr. W. L. A. Elston, the president of the Bairnsdale Hospital, who will have them planted and cared for in the reserve, so that in course of time the general public will be able to perceive for themselves as to the character of the fodder.1]
Panicum Spectabile
For other distribution of the grass at this time, see M to Bairnsdale advertiser and Tambo and Omeo chronicle, 16 March 1893, and notes thereto.
Letter not found. The text given here is from Gippsland daily news (Bairnsdale), 20 March 1893, p. [2], col. e. The letter is dated on the assumption that it was received 19 March and was sent from Melbourne on the previous day.
Please cite as “FVM-93-03-18a,” 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