Australian, Eragrostis stricta Walsh River, Queensland grass c1910.

by Bailey, Frederick Manson

Queensland Eragrostaispubescens grass (antique print) for Bailey's Flora of Queensland published between 1894 and 1902.

Original lithograph circa 1900 by Frederick Elliot (with later colour). Bailey’s contribution to the records and illustrations of Queensland species is second to none - even though his name for this grass was rejected. A self-educated botanist and a kindly man, Frederick Manson Bailey, C.M.G., F.L.S. was a foundation member of the Royal Society of Queensland.

Frederick James (Fred) Elliott (1865-1927) was a respected artist in watercolours and oils, exhibiting both landscapes (signed J. Elliott) and marine subjects (signed F. Elliott) at the Queensland National Association, Queensland Art Society, and New Society of Artists. Towards the end of the century he began employment in the Queensland Government Printing Department as a lithographic artist, and is best known in this area for his botanical studies for Frederick Manson Bailey’s Flora of Queensland.

In 1839 Frederick Manson Bailey (1827-1915) migrated to Australia with his family and worked at his father’s plant nursery in Adelaide. After an attempt at gold mining at Bendigo in 1858 he went to New Zealand and bought land. In 1861 he moved to Brisbane where he opened a plant seed store. He also began collecting plants for sale to overseas institutions. In 1875 Bailey was appointed government botanist to investigate possible threat of pastures and plants to livestock. From 1880 to 1882 Bailey was acting curator of the Queensland Museum, and in 1890 was appointed Colonial Botanist. During the depression of the 1890’s Bailey’s appointment was suspended, but he continued his work. After public complaint, he was reinstated in 1902 on half salary.

In good condition on light-weight paper. Page size 245 x 155 mm (9.5 x 6 inches).