The correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller: Melbourne botanic & zoologic Garden, ¶ 24. October 1860. ¶ Sir ¶ ¶ Having learned that a number of treeguards are available for use on the grounds under the control of the municipality of Melbourne, ...

Document information

Physical location:

No. 55 M, unit 731, VPRS 3181/P Town Clerk's file series 1, VA 511 Melbourne, Public Record Office, Victoria. 60.10.24

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to Edmund FitzGibbon, 1860-10-24. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id/60-10-24>, accessed September 12, 2025

Melbourne botanic & zoologic Garden,

24. October 1860.

Sir

Having learned that a number of treeguards are available for use on the grounds under the control of the municipality of Melbourne, I beg respectfully to enquire, whether the City Council would be favorable to sanction the use of them along the river Yarra opposite the botanic Garden for the purpose of planting Weeping Willows along the bank.

It appears to me, that the Yarra bank would become greatly ornamented by lining it with Willows, which I would be happy to supply through my department, the river-banks being tree-less opposite these gardens, a circumstance which is so much more to be regretted as on the northern banks the shade aforded by umbrageous trees would be particularly grateful

acceptable deleted before grateful.

to the numerous people passing the river in boats.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

your most obedient servant

Ferd. Mueller

The townclerk &c &c &c

Melbourne.

M's letter was read at a meeting of the Melbourne City Council Health Committee on 29 October 1860, and the Chairman was instructed 'to Report to the City Council that the Committee have had under consideration a letter from Doctor Mueller offering to plant Willow trees along the Right bank of the Yarra provided the Corporation will supply tree Guards and recommending that thirty of the guards at present lying in the Town Hall yard be erected under the superintendence of the City Surveyor round the trees to be so planted.' (Unit 1, VPRS 4039, Public Record Office, Victoria).

See also M to E. FitzGibbon, 5 November 1860 (in this edition as 60-11-05e).