From Samuel Hannaford to Ronald Gunn   10 November 1856

Warrnambool¹

10 November 1856.

My dear Sir,

I have been very much engaged of late or I should not have allowed your last very kind note to remain so long unanswered. I can assure you your Remarks on my "Jottings"² are most valuable to me. I was not aware that only 2 parts of the "Nereis Australis"³ had been published. I sent to England for it some time since & was told it was "reprinting".

I will endeavour if possible to obtain skulls of our Wombat and send for your inspection. I was not aware of there being any but the one species known. latifrons appears a most suitable name for our species.⁴

I am fully aware of the shortcomings of my little work, but the management of a Bank (working often as late as 10 at night) rather interferes with Natural history Studies. I sincerely wish all the plants had been introduced — but I merely intended it as a forerunner to Muëllers large work. He was very indignant when he heard some 2 years since of my intention to publish a work of the kind, and even threatened to prevent my having access to the Government collection for comparison. This thoroughly disgusted me as it was only at his request & knowing that he was working at the Flora of the colony — that prevented my forwarding all my specimens to Sir William Hooker as he requested. I worked very hard for Muëller when in Melbourne — prepared his papers for the press &c. I did not make my Book as full as I might have done. Simply — that Mueller should not even hint of my having made use of information derived in any way from working with him: & only gave those plants which were thoroughly examined — from my own herbarium.

I have received many letters from persons interested in Ornithology, requesting me to edit some Manual of the Birds of this colony, the want of which is much felt. — Next to Botany I have a preference for Ornithology & will willingly undertake the compilation of such a work⁵ — provided I obtain the assistance of my friends (to whom I mean to write) & have written Dr [Curdie] by this post. You also spoke of a list of the Goulburn birds, have you it in your power to send it to me.

A good generic description, with a concise specific one will be necessary — a short account of the habits, nesting &c would not swell the Book to any great size — Whose system would you recommend?

I shall take plenty of time about it & as soon as I get material sufficient, will probably run up to Melbourne, to consult Gould's⁶ & any other works I can find in the public Library. I sincerely wish we had a good Magazine to record facts in Natural history, & in wch. to publish local lists. then the publication of a work on all branches of Nat. History would be comparatively easy.

I write hurriedly but I am

my dear sir

Yours very truly

Sam Hannaford.

What do you make the enclosed plant? I have found some good fossils lately on the Coast. Voluta : Fusus : Mitra : Camellaria Dentalium : Haliotis ⁷ : [ illegible ]

Ronald Gunn Esq.