From Louis Smith and others to Graham Berry   11 July 1877

Melbourne

11th July 1877

Sir,

I have the honor to forward herewith the Report of the Board appointed "to inquire into the present position of Dr Mueller, in relation to his professional duties, with the view to advise, what alteration, if any, is necessary, to afford him reasonable facilities for the due discharge of his scientific labours."

I have the honor to be

Sir

Your most obedient Servant

Louis L. Smith

Chairman of the Board

The Honorable

Graham Berry M.P.

Chief Secretary and Treasurer

&c &c &c

We the undersigned, being a Board appointed,¹ "to inquire into the present position of Dr Mueller in relation to his professional duties, with the view to advise, what alteration — if any — is necessary, to afford him reasonable facilities for the due discharge of his scientific labours", have the honor to present the following as our report: —

We think it well to state in the outset, in order to guard against misapprehension that the complaint of Baron von Muëller, as laid before us by him, is not as to his personal remuneration, but it is, that while he holds an office of practical importance to the Colony, and of interest to the scientific world, he is deprived of the means of properly discharging its functions.

We find that the present position of Baron von Muëller, is that of Government Botanist; but that he is without a Garden; without a Laboratory for technical work; with an insufficient Museum for dried plants (an absolute requisite in Botanical science); and that he is without a sufficient staff and premises, for effectually carrying on his department.

A State Botanist in such a position as this, cannot perform the duties required of him: his proper place is in the midst of his living plants which he needs for daily study. An adequate and ample Museum for dried plants; a Laboratory and Apparatus; are also essential requirements in Botanical science.

We deem that an alteration of this state of things is most advisable and for the following reasons: —

1st Because the important work of observing and describing the Flora of Victoria is yet far from complete.

2nd Because it has nevertheless, under the assiduous labours of the Government botanist, arrived at such a stage as to have commanded the favourable notice of scientific men in all parts of the World.

3rd That to stay the work at such a juncture, would in our opinion be exceedingly unwise.

4th That this colony having the peculiar advantage of the services of one of the foremost botanists of the day, it would we think be a shortsighted policy, not to prosecute the work in question — which would stand to the credit of Victoria throughout all time.

5th That the labours of the Government Botanist relate not only to abstract, but also to practical science, demonstrating the utilitarian and commercial value of our indigenous vegetation as well as indicating what portions of the vegetation of other countries may be acclimatized here.

6th That although this might entail a further outlay to a small extent at the commencement, it would prove ultimately remunerative.

We therefore after due consideration, submit the following as our recommendations

1. That the duties of the Government Botanist be defined, and his title of Director restored; so that it should be clearly understood that the scientific functions of Government Botanist pertain to him. For instance we consider that letters of enquiry, as to the habits, growth, and culture of plants; and all communications bearing upon the science of Botany should be addressed to the Government Botanist, and that any not so addressed, should be transferred to him to be dealt with.

2. That the Government Botanist should have a Garden of acres in extent in close proximity to the City and the present Botanic Gardens, and that it be termed the "Scientific Botanical Garden", and that he be allowed three specimens each, of such plants as he requires from the present Botanic Gardens.

We refrain from recommending any particular spot, but would point out that there are certain lands apparently available, such as those adjacent to the Immigrants' Home and the site around the present Botanical Museum; or, the Albert Park. The first two are at present unsightly, and their cultivation would ornament the Government Domain, and improve at small cost one of the entrances to the City.

3. That the Government Botanist be allowed a sufficient staff.

4. That he should have a Laboratory with suitable appliances.

5. That the Botanical Museum should be enlarged or some suitable building be provided. To save outlay, we would suggest — after having inspected them — that the buildings of the present Immigrants' Home being in close proximity to the City and the Botanic Gardens, would be suitable for offices, Museum &c.

6. That part of one of the State Forests should be at the Government Botanist's disposal for the culture of trees and plants, — indigenous or acclimatized — for economic purposes.

All which we submit as our Report.

Louis L. Smith,		Chairman
M. L. King	}	Members
Joseph Bosisto.

Melbourne

11th July 1877