To Charles MacMahon   6 June 1855

Melbourne,

6. June 1855

Sir

I consider it my duty to inform you, that the shooting on the banks of the Yarra opposite the botanical gardens has lately again & frequently taken place.

Being under the impression, that this is considered unlawful, I would feel very much obliged by an order of yours being given to the officer in charge of the police at the Yarra, to supress the shooting there. It was so delightful to see waterfowls of all description flock to the bot. garden lagoon as the only place of serenity here in the neighboorhood, giving life to the scenery around.

This birds have in consequence of their being hunted, lately much there decreased.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

your most obed. and humble servant

Ferd. Mueller.

 

Capt. M'Mahon,

Chief Commissioner of Police

&c &c &c1

 
1
On 9 June 1855 MacMahon minuted: 'I should be obliged if Mr Bookey would direct the Police to do all they can to put a stop to this nuisance. I believe that much of it is carried on in the Gardens and connived at by those in charge. I have written to the Government Botanist to that effect but at the same wish the police to be as vigilant as possible in preventing etc'. Bookey replied on 11 June: 'The shooting does not take place at this side of the river [i.e. in Richmond]. I have given instructions to keep the Boat in readiness and to have the parties offending taken.'

Please cite as “FVM-55-06-06,” 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 26 April 2024, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/vonmueller/letters/55-06-06