Monthly return of work performed at the botanic Garden and of the procedings of the Government Botanist, for August 1858.
The whole of the extensive ground under cultivation has been dug over, part of it having not undergone this necessary annual progress for two and three years. Thus we have not only to a great extent subdued the weeds, but also promoted the decomposition of the stiff and compact clay-soil, and conveyed the moisture of this season to the deeper strata of the ground. A large lot of soil was carted from the slope opposite the menagerie to the new walk formed along the lagoon. The basaltic soil from the Yarra-banks has been conveyed to the young trees in the Pinetum, which is now nearly completed. All the Blue Gum trees for the avenues laid out between the city and the botanic Garden, under Dr. Mueller's direction, have been supplied, and it is hoped, that this new work will be one of lasting advantage. The honorable the Chief Commissioner of public works granted most liberally the fencing required for the purpose.2 Several seats, one gate and various other additions and improvements have been made; several caution boards are renewed, a new line of wire fencing for extending the avenue is under preparation. A cottage, formerly in possession of the Sewerage Commissioners has been transferred to the Gardens3 and will be an additional security against pilfering and particularly guard the future contents of the Palm-house. The heating apparatus, so long under contract, has not yet been completed.4
A good supply of cuttings has been prepared for the old nursery. The new nursery-ground is chiefly used for sowing seeds of shrubs or trees, intended for next years distribution or for transplanting seedlings. Annual seeds were sown at various periods, so that we will be able to keep the whole of the garden gay throughout the season.
Through the exertions of Mr Sheriff Claude Farie 3 pairs of fine healthy deers have been added to the menagerie, where however several Kangaroos were lost through bronchial affection. Unfortunately the locality being too limited and too low, where the animals are only to be kept secure against dogs, until the fences of the zoological gardens will be finished.
The Singing birds are prospering and the canary-birds commence to nest again.
The Director was enabled after the completion of the principle winter works to devote a small amount of the wages for sign-writings and has entered into a contract (after public tenders had been called) for about 1500 labels at 10d and 1/ each, to be completed before the end of the year; the manuscript being in readiness for this purpose.
A new catalogue with adoption of most modern names has been prepared of all the plants hitherto in possession of this establishment and will accompany the annual report.5
Mr Dallachy is still occupied collecting for the gardens in the Murray territory.
Botanical Specimens have been dried here likewise. A set of plants was handed to Dr Mueller by Mr Gregory, collected by him during his last journey; his Excellency the Governor General having desired the Government Botanist of Victoria to report on these collections.6 The material for the 4. No. of the fragmenta phytographiae is progressing, the 3. No is issued.7
The interchange of plants and seeds has not been abating. Various public institutions have been supplied. Two large Wardian cases with living plants have been shipped pr "Alert" to the botanic garden of Buitenzorg, in exchange for spice-plants and young palm trees thence obtained. An other case is prepared for the botanic garden of Calcutta.
The very prolific Californian Prarie Grass has been introduced from Adelaide. Living plants and a quantity of seeds were imported from Messrs Carter's Co., and Messrs Henderson's & son, establishments in London, and this importation will vastly increase in a few months, when the plants of European Gardens are dorment & fit for transmission, and after the seed harvest has been held there.
New arrangements for exchanges have been made in various quarters, amongst others with H.R.H. Prince Paul of Wuertenberg.8
Sunday Visitors during the months were counted on the principle gates 16,461; but since we have no return of those landing in boats and of those entering on 3 of the less frequented gates, the total of Sunday Visitors must have exceeded 18,000. The number of Garden Emploees was 18.
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most obedient & humble Servant
Ferd. Mueller.
Director of the bot Garden.9
Please cite as “FVM-58-09-00a,” 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 23 April 2024, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/vonmueller/letters/58-09-00a