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59.01.28

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Ferdinand von Mueller to the Editor of the Argus, 1859-01-28. 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/1850-9/1859/59-01-28-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

1
Letter not found. The text given here is from 'Zoological Garden', Argus, 29 January 1859, p. 5 (B59.01.02).
ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS.
Sir, —
In reference to some remarks which appeared in the columns of The Argus of this day,
2
In a letter to the Editor appearing in the Argus on 28 January, 'G. S.' praised the introduction of English birds into Victoria but also commented: 'The food, however, appears to be one of the greatest difficulties; and it is owing probably to that cause, or some unintentional mismanagement in the quantities or qualities of it, which affects the birds in our aviary in the Botanic Gardens, where I miss many of the little warblers I formerly saw hopping about. I am ignorant whether they may have been removed elsewhere. But even the hardy canary does not seem to multiply there, nor the still hardier goldfinch. I also miss the native bear and its cub, which ought surely to have thriven, with moderate attention. It will prove to be a sad waste of trouble and expense, besides vexation, to procure animals we cannot keep when we have got them.' (Argus, 28 January 1859, p. 1).
relative to the animals of this establishment, I feel it my duty to observe, that the limited experiment of diffusing from our aviary gradually foreign singing birds over the country has not been of so unpromising results as would appear from your correspondent's statement. The mortality amongst our singing-birds has been very inconsiderable indeed, and certainly did not arise from want of attention, the birds having been from the beginning under the care of one of the most zealous and observing employés of this establishment.
The canaries have increased to nearly a threefold number, and since the last two weeks we gave successively freedom to many of the young ones, which may be seen fluttering cheerfully about the trees and bushes of the garden, frequently returning to their less fortunate comrades yet retained in captivity, but which also soon will be liberated.
In regard to the other kinds of song-birds hitherto acquired,
3
See Maroske & Gilfedder (1994).
it should be considered that we possess of some species only male birds, but of no kind more than one or two female ones. Of goldfinches, for instance, to which your informant especially alludes, we obtained the first female bird only this week. These desiderata were publicly alluded in one of the last meetings of the Philosophical Institute.
The last native bear of our menagerie gained his liberty; but the animal died, although whilst here secure against the flinging of stones and sticks, and rambling unrestrained from tree to tree for weeks.
That, for want of means to furnish more suitable accommodations, we were obliged to keep the small collection of quadrupeds at a locality originally destined for swamp and water animals, has militated in some instances against their prosperity, and caused the loss of most of the animals of the kangaroo tribe, which are evidently much less hardy than might be anticipated.
Since, however, now the means of providing shelter and protection for our increasing menagerie becomes available, the aviary will be augmented; and the higher ground of our reserve will be enclosed for the reception of the valuable Angora goats and deer, all of which are in health, and for the still more important flock of llama-alpacas which through the patriotic exertions of Mr. Edward Wilson and other friends of this colony in Britain, will shortly be landed on our shores.
I am, Sir, most humbly yours,
FERDINAND MUELLER.
January 28.