[The president1 stated that he had received a letter from the government botanist, Baron von Mueller, enclosing a quantity of seeds of various plants from Asia, Africa and America. The collection was a very valuable one. The Baron had forwarded them to him as the president of the school, evidently under the impression that there was a garden in connection with the establishment.]2
Dr. P. H. MacGillivray.
The report continued: 'As, however, they did not have a garden, he had handed the seeds over to Mr. Gadd, the curator of Rosalind Park, who had promised to plant them and give them special attention. The president paid a high tribute of praise to the valuable services rendered the colony by Baron Von Mueller in regard to economic plants, and in conclusion moved that a cordial rote of thanks be accorded that gentleman for the collection of seeds. The Rev. J. Garlick seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr. Bayne, and carried unanimously.' [Letter of thanks not found.]
At a meeting of the Bendigo Agricultural Society on 6 April, Gadd reported that he had sorted and classified the seeds, and they were ready for distribution by him to members wishing to experiment with them. 'The only condition asked of members getting any of the samples to plant would be that they should furnish a report showing how the plants flourish or otherwise. This was required as it was desirable to know which plants were suitable for this district.' The report contains a list of a large number of species, some with comments about their utility ('Experiments with imported grasses', Bendigo advertiser, 8 April 1895, p. 2).
Letter not found. The text given here is from 'General business' in a report of the monthly meeting of the Administrative Council of the Bendigo School of Mines held on 13 March 1895 (Bendigo advertiser, 15 March 1895, p. [4]). It is dated to March as the latest it could have been sent.
Please cite as “FVM-95-03-00,” 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