Ferdinand von Mueller

Botanic Gardens, 9. October 1854.

Sir

In doeing myself the honor of forwarding to you my second general report, I beg to state, that with the utmost economy of time, exercised since the last six months, I was not able to lay this document earlier before his Excellency.

As the season for operations in the field has already commenced again since some time, I beg leave to bring humbly before his Excellency, the Lieutenant Governor, the plan for a new alpine journey to be performed during this summer.

Dr. Joseph Hooker having completed the Flora of New Zealand and being engaged now in the elaboration of the Tasmanian Flora,

1

J. Hooker (1853-5), J. Hooker (1860), of which the first fascicle was issued in 1855.

it would be of the greatest interest for the geography of plants, to become also fully acquainted with the alpine vegetation of New Holland, in comparison with that of the neighbooring islands.

Although a considerable part of our alps has been already explored, part of them, for instance the Bogong mountains, have for reasons, stated in my report, not yet been examined.

I would therefore humbly pray, that his Excellency might be pleased to sanction not only my travelling to this point, but also to permit graciously, that I might according to Sir William Hookers desire extend my exploration over the whole alpine chain unrestricted to geographical boundaries, principly as the northern slope of the alps, within the borders of New South Wales will in all probability offer much of general interest to botanical science.

It would be difficult, to lay before his Excellency a fixed plan of this journey, as the weather adds in the Snowy mountains so much to the great natural difficulties to be encountered there even under the most favourable circumstances, and to surmount these difficulties everywhere without regard to time, would involve the engagement of a numerous party.

Desirous, however, that the expenses of my expeditions should not be unproportionate to the humble results of my labours, I have been formerly travelling either alone or accompanied only by a solitary attendent, and I would consequently also at this time not wish to incur greater expenses to the Government, than before. Unrestricted to time and locality I would probably be most successfull, and under all circumstances endeavour to execute my duties to the satisfaction of the government. The extent of time required for the proposed expedition might be approximately 5 months, and I deem it necessary to starte not later than towards the end of this month, in order to reach the remote mountains at that time, when the snow is dissolving, and to obtain thus their spring-vegetation.

Having been provided with an equipment last year, only 33£ have been expended from the sum of 200£, voted by the Legislative Council as travelling expenses for the Govern. Botanist during the current year.

2

See Victoria, Legislative Council (1853) Estimates of the ways and means, and of the probable expenditure of the Colonial Government of Victoria for the year 1854, and the supplementary estimate for the year 1853, Melbourne, p. 100.

With a warrant of 150£ out of this sum, I would be able, should his Excellency be pleased to sanction its preparation, to defray not only the previous expenses for a third horse and a partial new outfit, but also afterwards all other travelling expenses, with the exception of wages for one attendent, for whom however has been already permanently provided.

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At first Lieut. Governor Hotham did not understand M's request for expenditure: 'There is a mystery about the expense — how much money does Dr Mueller propose to spend during his tour including charges of […]?' On 11 October 1854, a clerk pointed out to him tactfully: 'His Excellency may perhaps have overlooked the last page of Dr Müllers letter wherein the information requested is given —'. Hotham decided: 'The sum required may be paid during this tour but the whole subject will be carefully examined when I have more time'. He then added: 'Am I to understand Dr M. — will travel on £150 —?' It was then explained to him that M meant to travel on £150 and the wages of his attendant.

I beg finally to state, that any duties, involving upon me as Commissioner for the Paris Exhibition will be complied with before my departure.

The honorable, the Colonial Secretary.

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See also J. Moore to M, 20 October 1854.