Document information

Physical location:

Unit 3, VPRS 780 inward correspondence, Melbourne Observatory, Public Record Office, Victoria. 62.06.03

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to William Wilson, 1862-06-03. 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/1860-9/1862/62-06-03-final.odt>, accessed June 4, 2026

Melbourne botanic Garden, 3. June 1862
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated 30. May,
1
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and beg in reply to inform you, that I shall be most happy to superintend the work of planting a belt of shrubs and trees around the site of the Observatory.
I regret however, that it will be scarcely within my power to devote the requisite labor from the botanic Garden for the preparation of the ground prior to the reception of the plants, since the manyfold new works already under progress in my department will totally absorbe all its available labor throughout this season. I would therefore beg leave to recommend to the Board of visitors, that the trenching of the ground may be effected by tender, a width of 12' within the circle of demarkation being probably sufficient for the belt of plants, which you desire to establish.
The plants which after the recent extensive distribution from this garden to public institutions are remaining available and are in my opinion recommendable for affording a future shelter to the Observatory site are: White mulberry trees, which are of rapid growth, nearly evergreen and might be planted in an exterior series; — Cape Broom (
Genista Canariensis

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), African
Ceanothus

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and the fragrant
Pittosporum undulatum

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, which will form tall hedges. If plants of higher arborescent growth are needed, perhaps the indigenous
Acacia

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might be one of the most readily eligible amongst evergreen trees. If a melange of plants is deemed preferable, then a variety of ornamental trees and shrubs could be supplied for the inner rows, the whole number of plants required will approach to 1000.
I think it but right to point out, that under any circumstances it would be needful to protect the plants by a light exterior fence or some other method, as even the mulberry trees, altho' already 3 to 4 feet high would not form a sufficient barrier against the numerous pedestrians, which are constantly traversing the reserve.
The funds for fencing and trenching, (allow me to suggest) would probably be available in the vote for planting & fencing public parks.
I have the honor to be
Sir,
your most obedient servant
Ferd. Mueller,
Director of the botanic Garden
Professor W. P. Wilson, M.A.,
Hon. Secr. to the Board of Visitors of the Observatory
&c &c &c