This article was first published in the Nowra Newsletter, March 2025, and was inspired by a paper released by the Botanic Gardens Sydney:
Cunninghamia – A journal of plant ecology for eastern Australia: “Hidden in plain sight – the rediscovery of two historic pressed plant specimen albums made by botanical collector William Bäuerlen.”
The rediscovery of two historical pressed plant specimen albums, created by renowned botanical collector William Bauerlen, has been documented by Jane Johnston and Kevin Mills. Their fascinating paper, which details the journals and their remarkably intact specimens, was published in Cunninghamia Vol. 24 by the Botanic Gardens of Sydney.
You can read the full paper HERE.
Adding to their significance, the two albums are now held by the Berry Historical Museum and were referenced by Kevin Mills during research for his recent book on South Coast Ferns of NSW. One album features only flowering plants, showcasing around 90 species, while the second includes 61 species of ferns. Almost all are indigenous to the region.
These albums are a wonderful example of the 19th-century fascination with botanical collecting—then a popular leisure activity that often reflected a person’s travels and deep appreciation for nature. They also demonstrate the strong interest in native plants during the late 1800s. Today, they serve as both an important historical record and a valuable botanical reference, now carefully preserved at the Berry Historical Museum.
Special thanks to Lyn Clark for bringing this fascinating paper to my attention.
