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A57/6928, unit 744, VPRS 1189 inward registered correspondence, VA 475 Chief Secretary's Department, Public Record Office, Victoria. 57.10.13Preferred Citation:
Ferdinand von Mueller to Charles Pasley, 1857-10-13. 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//letters/1850-9/1857/57-10-13-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026
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MS registered in the Public Works Department on 14 October as No. 5257, unit 3, VPRS
963, Public Record Office, Victoria.
On 30 September 1857 J. Macadam, Honorary Secretary of the Philosophical Institute
of Victoria, wrote to the Chief Secretary, W. Haines: 'That the feasibility of permanently
introducing various song birds into the Colony, was lately brought forward at the
Institute, in a paper read by Mr Wilson [see E. Wilson (1858)] recounting some experiments
already made and which had been partially successful. — That, a subcommittee of the
Institute was appointed to co-operate in the attainment of this end — That, a statement
having been laid before the Committee to the effect, That, friends of this kind of
experiment at home had intimated their wish to send out some birds which might probably
be expected to arrive shortly. The Committee decided upon recommending to the members
of the Institute the setting apart a certain sum, to meet the expenses of the experiment
in this neighbourhood. — That, the Botanical Gardens were deemed a suitable locality
for testing the experiment, and, that it was considered advisable to wait upon the
Government and apply for their Co-operation and Assistance. — That, if the Government
would supply funds for the erection of an Aviary within the Gardens, to be strictly
and specially adapted for the above purpose, and to be placed under the Supervision
of the Institute or its Committee, and, to meet some portion of the expense attendant
upon the arrival of the Birds that may be sent, it is believed that the experiment
would have a fair trial. — That, the Philosophical Institute would contribute a proportionate
share, and that contributions of suitable birds would be made by many colonists who
take a natural interest in such experiments. — That, the erection of an Aviary in
the Botanical Gardens would add greatly to their interest with those who resort to
them, and would not require more than a very moderate amount of the sum promised by
you, to be devoted to such purposes, in accordance with the recommendations of a Select
Committee of the Legislative Assembly.' (A57/6928, unit 744, VPRS 1189, PROV).
Macadam's letter was forwarded to the Public Works Department on 6 October with Haines's
request: 'Forward to Director of Botanical Gardens for his report and ascertain cost
of proposed Aviary'. Pasley forwarded Macadam's letter to M on 7 October asking: 'Will
Dr Müller be good enough to state in what manner this suggestion can best be carried
out, and in what part of the Gardens. I think the Aviary should be rather extensive,
& should include both wood & water.'
13. Oct. 1857
Sir
In compliance with your request I have the honor to inform you, that a building constructed
of close wire and of wood would be desirable for the reception of any foreign Songbirds
in the botanic gardens.
With a size of 20 x 18' and a hight of 10' it would be sufficiently large for the
propagation of some of the introduced birds, whilst those that were set gradually
at liberty would become probably domiciled in the shrubberies of these gardens.
The price of a wire building of the above dimensions would approach to 195£ inclusive
of lining and fitting.
A shady and sheltered position for it could be found for it on the South Western bank
of the lagoon.
For the reception of additional foreign waterbirds I beg to recommend an extension
of the present wire enclosure at the Southern part of the lagoon. Its enlargement
by 240 yards would cause an approximate expense of 84£.
I beg to leave to add, that the lately constituted Zoological Society would undoubtedly
aid with valuable advise on these questions.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
your most obedient and humblest servant
Ferd. Mueller
Director of the botanic Gardens.
The honorable Capt Charl. Pasley, R. E.
Chief Commissioner of public works &c &c &c
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This and Macadam's letters were forwarded to the Chief Secretary on 14 October. The
Under Secretary, J. Moore, reported on 22 October: 'Some provision will be made for
this object when the agricultural Vote is distributed'. An aviary was constructed
at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens in early 1859 and extended later that year (Unit
1, VPRS 957, PROV).