22/4/93.
I feel, that I should express my indebtedness, dear Miss Cole, for the priviledge afforded me of inspecting the magnificent and extensive collection of floral and scenic pictures, which your friend Miss Anna Walker painted as originals during the last 30 years.1 This Lady has displayed a rare natural genius in furnishing this series of painted drawings, and they have a great special merit as being largely from a time, when the vegetation of N.S.W was still in its undisturbed state and pristine beauty. This unique collection, illustrative of the floral features of the eldest of these colonies, ought to be secured by one of the several scientific institutions of Sydney, which are richly endowed by legacies, as a permanent interest attaches to these painting there; indeed it would be ever regretable, if Miss Walkers treasures, which to bring together took so long a time and so much brave exertions and special skill were or become lost to that colony to which they particularly partain.2
With regardful remembrance your
Ferd von Mueller.
Please cite as “FVM-93-04-22,” 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