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N60/1231, unit 748, VPRS 1189/P inward registered correspondence, VA 475 Chief Secretary's Department, Public Record Office, Victoria. 60.02.05Preferred Citation:
Ferdinand von Mueller to William Nicholson, 1860-02-05. 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/1860-9/1860/60-02-05-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026
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MS written by Carl Wilhelmi and signed by M.
5 February 1860.
Sir
Submitting my progress-report on the labours and proceedings in this establishment
during the past month, I have the honor to inform you, that collections of seeds have
arrived from the Botanic Garden of Hamburgh, Petersburgh, Copenhagen and Amsterdam,
that further a case of living plants was received from the botanical Garden of Mauritius.
Announced are the shipment of a large consignment of seeds and living plants from
the Royal Gardens of Kew per "Great Britain", by which vessel also the shipment of
a large number of trushes
and sky-larkes and some pheasants is expected, the latter presented by Lord Carnavon
and Mr F. Buston
the former by Edw. Wilson Esqr. I would take the liberty of bringing under your honors
favorable consideration, whether the sum of £500 destined for the introduction of
British Game, could not be made early available to aid Mr Wilson in his active exertions
for the further introduction of useful animals.
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thrushes?
3
Carnarvon?
4
Not further identified.
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On 13 February, Under Secretary, J. Moore, minuted: 'The account of
£500
was forwarded to the Agent General by the Jan Mail with instructions to place it
to Mr Wilsons credit.' M replied on 14 February: 'With respectful acknowledgement
of the information, conveyed by the memorandum, returned.' See also M to W. Nicholson,
12 February 1860 and M to J. Moore, 12 February 1860 (in this edition as 60-02-12a).
For the Herbarium some valuable additions have been furnished by Fred. Krichauff Esqr.
of Macclesfield, South Australia and by Mr Charles Stuart of Clifton, New England.
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NSW.
Mr Lyall, M.L.A. and Mr Stanway of Snapper Point
presented a number of young black Swans, which will be very acceptable for interchanges
with foreign gardens.
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Vic.
A request of the Government of the United States
has been complied with, to furnish Australian seeds for distribution to the public
Gardens of the State of Washington, and I availed myself of this opportunity of applying
for aid in the introduction of the Beevors
from N. America into Victoria. The fish tanks connected with millwork are now nearly
completed for the reception of future introductions of fishes, and I hope with the
generous aid of Ang. M'Millan Esqr. M.L.A., to be able to make some arrangements for
the introduction of Salmons into the Avon River of Gipps Land.
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Letter not found.
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beavers?
The iron fencings are under progress of erection. Road material has been brought from
the Quarries to the river banks, and the Lagoon-walk has been partially regravelled.
The old very unsightly cart-shade has been removed from the S.E. part of the Garden.
The other work during the month was that of the ordinary garden-duties of the season.
Some additional lithographic plates for the flora of Victoria
are under work, but the printing of the work has ceased since some time, in consequence
of the want of the particular requisite paper at the Government Printing office.
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B62.03.03.
I have the honor to be
Sir
your most obedient & humble servant
Ferd. Mueller
The Honorable the Chief Secretary
&c &c &c