The correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller: 66 Russell St Melb ¶ 2 Apl 1890 ¶ To Baron Von Mueller ¶ Dear Sir ¶ ¶ Can I solicit your assistance in endeavouring to preserve some of the naturel beauty spots of Victoria, particularly those of the...

Document information

Physical location:

FNCV 014-014, Archives, Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, Melbourne. 90.04.02a

Preferred Citation:

Richard Heath to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1890-04-02 [90.04.02a]. 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/1890-6/1890/90-04-02a-final.odt>, accessed June 19, 2026

66 Russell St Melb

2 Apl 1890

To Baron Von Mueller

Dear Sir

Can I solicit your assistance in endeavouring to preserve some of the naturel beauty spots of Victoria, particularly those of the Otway Forest and along the Coast.

Would it not be as well to have all the Gullies and creeks running into the sea along the coast from Lorne to Cape Otway reserved for Public use by having a road of 2 chains wide on both sides of the creek or gully reserved from selection

By doing this we could preserve the Fern Tree Gullies and retard the vandalism (I can use no other term) of cutting down the fern trees, and destroying some of the most beautiful naturel spots in Victoria for a few acres of grass, which afterwards may or may not grow.

I am not aware of any clause in a selectors lease which prohibits the even total destruction of such spots.

I have taken the liberty of calling your attention to this matter and hope that by your influence something may be done to preserve some of our beauty spots for the coming generation

M forwarded Heath's letter to the Secretary of the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria with M to F. Barnard, 4 April 1890 (in this edition as 90-04-04b).

I Remain

Yours faithfully

Rich. Heath.