To William Nicholson¹    4 October 1860

Melbourne botanic & zoological Garden

4 October 1860.

Sir

I have the honor of submitting to you the report on the work in this establishment during the last month. The Gardenwalks have been cleared up, the edgings trimmed and weeded and general attendance been given to the general Ground and the lawns have been mown. Thus the whole gardens have assumed under the favor of the season a most charming appearance and a great variety of flowers sparkle the green garment of the Spring vegetation. The trees with deciduous foliage show themselfes now at the greatest advantage. The experimental division has been laid out and stacked² and fine gravelled walks have been formed to intersect it. A brush shade for the protection of tender plants has been constructed in the nursery. Many rare plants are this season for the first time producing their flowers. A considerable number of labels have been painted.

The ornithological portion of the menagerie promises to do well this season. The white swans, Cape Barren Geese, English pheasants, silver pheasants, trushes, black birds Java Sparrows and Canaries are nesting. 1 Angora goat and 1 spotted deer were born during the month.

All animals enjoyed good health. 2 Wombats and several smaller animals have been added to the collection. Some Larks, trushes blackbirds are liberated in the Gardens. The former are building and seemingly also the latter.

The fittings of the Museum as far as under Contract are completed.

The greater part of the month was by myself devoted to a phytological examination of the S. E. frontiers of the colony, when the material of the flora of Victoria became vastly enriched. About 300 miles of country were traversed and the subalpine mountains at the sources of the Genoa River ascended. Many plants entirely new to science were discovered amongst them a Panax³ of palmlike habit, forming one of the noblest productions of the flora of this country.⁴ The herbarium became also from other regions augmented by contributions of scientific friends.

His Excellency the Governor of Queensland permitted our collector⁵ to accompany the expedition sent out in search of the entrance of the Burdekin.⁶ Plants are also expected from Mr Stuart's gloriously successful expedition.⁷ Major Warburton is also likely to add to our botanical treasures during his new journey and likewise Mr Fr. Gregory is inclined to scrutinize the plants on his way from Sharks-Bay to termination Lake, where my own botanical examination in N. W. Australia ceased.⁸

I have the honor to be

Sir

your most obedient & humble servant

Ferd. Mueller

The Honorable the Chief Secretary.

&c &c &c⁹

Panax