Ferdinand von Mueller

Office of Lands and Survey

Melbourne, 13th Septr 1872.

Sir.

I am directed by the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands and Survey to inform you, in reply to your communications of the 4th instant,

1

See M to J. Casey, 4 September 1872; and M to J. Casey, 4 September 1872 (in this edition as 72-09-04a).

that the Government have approved of the Assistant Commissioner of Crown Lands and Survey's recommendations and that they will be carried into effect without delay. A Copy of those recommendations is forwarded herewith,

2

Hodgkinson's recommendations were in a memorandum to Casey, that Hodgkinson was directed to forward to M. He did so, enclosing them with C. Hodgkinson to M, 4 November 1872 (in this edition as 72-11-04a).

and you are requested to conform thereto. The reasons are there given for the division of the Estimates, which have been approved by the Government, and adopted by the Assembly.

As the actual extent of the ground which is to be under your control for the purposes solely of a scientific and practical botanical garden, is, (exclusive of lagoon and curved road) only about 62 acres, and as you will not, henceforth, be expected to raise any more plants for extensive distribution as heretofore or to supply any cut flowers, the amount of £1200 for gardeners, laboratory operator, and labourers is deemed sufficient, especially when it is considered that you will have the daily services of a very large number of boys from the Industrial School, for weeding, clearing paths, and other light work, which would have to be done by men receiving high wages if the labour of the boys were not available for such work.

The cost of working the engine for raising water can be made a charge, in equal proportion, on the two separate divisions for Botanic Gardens, and Government House Domain.

I am to request you to immediately submit a Schedule containing the name of the Laboratory operator, the names of the gardeners, and laborers you desire to retain and the names of those you propose to transfer to the division of the Government House Domain; it being understood that the wages of those you wish to retain together with half the wages of the engine driver, must be kept within the limit of one hundred pounds (£100) per month.

3

See M to J. Casey, 16 September 1872.

The Government Botanist

&c&c&c

Botanical Garden.