Ferdinand von Mueller

William Benson, secretary to the Botanic Garden Inquiry Board, wrote to Purchas on 7 June 1871: 'The above Board being desirous of ascertaining the character results of the distribution of plants for public purposes as at present carried on, would be glad if you would furnish them with information as to its success in the case of the 9547 plants of various kinds supplied to the Melbourne General Cemetery since the commencement of 1859. — whether they arrive in thriving condition — or whether there is much loss attendant on removal — what proportion of the whole number sent is now in a healthy flourishing condition — with any other information or suggestions on the general question of public distribution that you may think it desirable that the Board should be possessed of.' (Letter book 2, no. 76).

For a copy of this letter, see Letter press book B, no. 296 1/2.

In his reply dated 16 June 1871, Purchas wrote: 'I beg to state that nearly the whole of the plants received in pots were so young that they required re-potting and great care before they could be planted out, after one or two years — and that the greater portion of these plants are now in a thriving condition — with reference to those received not in pots the Gardener at the Cemetery estimated that about one half were planted successfully. I think it would be desirable that no plants should be distributed from the Botanical Gardens until they had attained a sufficient age for planting out.' (Letter press book B, no. 286). Evidence for this claim exists in the minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting of 10 June 1868: 'The Gardeners report was read stating that he had received 8 dozen plants from Dr Mueller but that none were large enough to plant out this season' (Minute book 1).

See also A. Purchas to M, 12 October 1871.