Ferdinand von Mueller

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MS written by Carl Wilhelmi and signed by M. Receipt registered at the Chief Secretary's Office, 24 October 1859.

Monthly report of the Government Botanist and Director of the botanic Garden for September 1859.

Of the work on the indigenous plants some fifty large quarto-pages have been printed and 24 lithographic plates are ready or under execution for its illustration.

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B62.02.01.

The labors at the herbarium have regularly continued and supplies of dried specimens are secured for reciprocal distribution to botanical institutions abroad. The 7. No. of the fragmenta phytographiae Australiae has been issued.

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B59.09.03.

Willow-cuttings have been planted around the unsightly Yarra Lagoons and on some places at the banks of that river. We commenced replacing the old wooden fence on the Eastern side of the Garden by iron-fencing. A tank for the growth of water plants has been furnished at the new propagating house, and the latter building is now approaching completion. The new iron-bridge at the aviary is so far ready as to be crossed by visitors. All the edgings underwent weeding and trimming. A large lot of annual seeds has been sown throughout the flowerborders, by which means a supply of ornamental herbs will be raised to keep the Garden gay during the season, whilst our nursery has been greatly enlarged for the reception of seeds of trees and shrubs for next seasons supply.

The cottage of the foreman of the northern Ground is now almost ready for occupation.

The dike on the Yarra built, to secure the lower parts of the gardens against inundation is not yet finished, owing to the necessity of reducing greatly the number of our labourers. The lower walk at the eastern part has been raised.

A number of additional painted tallies, containing the names of plants, are distributed over the Ground.

Two botanical collectors are employed in the field.

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John Dallachy and Augustus Oldfield? See M to J. O'Shanassy, September 1859 and 10 August 1859.

The Menagerie has received additions in 19 singing birds, one Emu, 2 monkies, 1 Native bear and 1 Kangaroo. There was also in this month an addition of 3 kids to our small flock of Angora-goats. All animals are in good health. There are some additional cages supplied for some animals. Stables for the Camels are under contract as well as a fish pond, the latter principly intended for the artificial propagation of the Salmon.

Amongst the contributions of plants to the establishment are a number of Bamboo plants and sugar canes from the botanic Garden of Brisbane Ceylon and seeds from His Excellency Sir H. Young, one case with 35 living plants from Ceylon botanic Garden. Besides these we received various minor donations during the month.

Supplied were from this establishment a case with living plants for Mr Hulke of New Plymouth, a case with

Araucaria

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s to Sir Will. Hooker of Kew, a case of living plants to the botanic Garden of St Jago,

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Santiago, Chile? M was in communication with 'Professor Philippi of St. Iago, Chile'; see M to J. O’Shanassy, 1 April 1858.

an other case to Mr Bicknell of Port Fairy. Numerous seeds have been also distributed as well as plants in smaller lots either to public establishments or to recipients who had by reciprocation claims on these supplies. The effect of the gardens at this season cannot have failed to have been pleasing to the visitors, the whole ground being in perfect order for the season.