To William Nicholson¹    5 February 1860

Melbourne bot & zoologic Garden

5 February 1860.

Sir

Submitting my progress-report on the labours and proceedings in this establishment during the past month, I have the honor to inform you, that collections of seeds have arrived from the Botanic Garden of Hamburgh, Petersburgh, Copenhagen and Amsterdam, that further a case of living plants was received from the botanical Garden of Mauritius. Announced are the shipment of a large consignment of seeds and living plants from the Royal Gardens of Kew per "Great Britain", by which vessel also the shipment of a large number of trushes and sky-larkes and some pheasants is expected, the latter presented by Lord Carnavon and Mr F. Buston the former by Edw. Wilson Esqr. I would take the liberty of bringing under your honors favorable consideration, whether the sum of £500 destined for the introduction of British Game, could not be made early available to aid Mr Wilson in his active exertions for the further introduction of useful animals.²

For the Herbarium some valuable additions have been furnished by Fred. Krichauff Esqr. of Macclesfield, South Australia and by Mr Charles Stuart of Clifton, New England.³

Mr Lyall, M.L.A. and Mr Stanway of Snapper Point⁴ presented a number of young black Swans, which will be very acceptable for interchanges with foreign gardens.

A request of the Government of the United States has been complied with, to furnish Australian seeds for distribution to the public Gardens of the State of Washington,⁵ and I availed myself of this opportunity of applying for aid in the introduction of the Beevors⁶ from N. America into Victoria. The fish tanks connected with millwork are now nearly completed for the reception of future introductions of fishes, and I hope with the generous aid of Ang. M'Millan Esqr. M.L.A., to be able to make some arrangements for the introduction of Salmons into the Avon River of Gipps Land.

The iron fencings are under progress of erection. Road material has been brought from the Quarries to the river banks, and the Lagoon-walk has been partially regravelled.

The old very unsightly cart-shade has been removed from the S.E. part of the Garden.

The other work during the month was that of the ordinary garden-duties of the season.

Some additional lithographic plates for the flora of Victoria⁷ are under work, but the printing of the work has ceased since some time, in consequence of the want of the particular requisite paper at the Government Printing office.

I have the honor to be

Sir

your most obedient & humble servant

Ferd. Mueller

The Honorable the Chief Secretary

&c &c &c