The correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller: Melbourne botanic & zoologic Gardens ¶ 21 Nov. 1858. ¶ Sir ¶ ¶ I have the honor to report, that last night three cows, which have been grazing since a lenght of time along the Yarra-banks broke into ...

Document information

Physical location:

No. 58/1814, unit 23, VPRS 6605 inward correspondence, VA 538 Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Public Record Office, Victoria. 58.11.21

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to Frederick Powlett, 1858-11-21. 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/1850-9/1858/58-11-21-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

Melbourne botanic & zoologic Gardens

21 Nov. 1858.

Sir

I have the honor to report, that last night three cows, which have been grazing since a lenght of time along the Yarra-banks broke into the zoologic garden, where they are retained at present. I pray you will oblige me to give immediate orders for their being impounded, as the animals are trampling all the soft newly made edgings down and destroy the grass, which we intended to cut for hay, to be used for the menagerie.

Since goats & cows continue without rent being paid to Government by their owners, to graze as ever along the Yarra banks, I beg to renew my request, that you will be pleased to suppress this practice.

I beg to add, that last week again a cow crossed the foot-bridge and came into the botanic Garden and that also a few days ago an other cow did much damage in the zoological Garden. The owner of the cows, retained by us this morning has acknowledged, to have no grazing-ground for them and that he turns them out at the public reserves where ever he can.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

your most obedient & humble servant

Ferd. Mueller.

Mr Commissioner Powlett

Powlett referred the matter to N. Bickford, Head Ranger, on 22 November 1858. Bickford minuted the same day: 'that I proceeded to the Richmond Paddock, and assisted in impounding the Cattle referred to'.