Document information

Physical location:

B57/4434, unit 861, VPRS 1189 inward registered correspondence, VA 475 Chief Secretary's Department, Public Record Office, Victoria. M57.06.18

Preferred Citation:

David Moore to William Haines, 1857-06-18 [M57.06.18]. 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/mentions/selected/M57-06-18-final.odt>, accessed May 10, 2026

Public Works Office
Melbourne, 18th June 1857.
Sir,
Referring to the enclosed correspondence relative to a supply of Seeds &c for the Botanic Gardens at Adelaide, I have the honor to enclose a package containing eighty six varieties of Plants from the Botanic Gardens, Melbourne.
I have also to forward replies to the enquiries contained in the letter of the Chairman of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens Committee, together with a Catalogue of Plants &c under cultivation here.
1
B57.13.07.
I may mention that the delay which has occurred in replying to the communication under notice, arose in consequence of it being necessary that the Catalogue should be revised, previous to being printed, by the Government Botanist, for which purpose it was withheld until that Officer's return from his tour in Northern Australia.
2
North Australian Exploring Expedition, 1855-6.
I have the honor to be
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant
David Moore
The Honorable
The Chief Secretary
&c. &c.
Questions
Answers
1. How many acres are enclosed, and what portion cultivated?
1. The total of the Garden reserve is about 120 acres of which 20 acres are now under cultivation
2. By what Board, Trust or Committee is the Garden managed and is the appointment to such permanent or yearly?
2. By a permanent Committee appointed by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, but the Gardens are chiefly controled by the President of the Board of Land and Works.
3. What is the present years grant for the support of the Garden?
3. Govt Botanist (for 6 months) £300
Clerk (permanent) £250
Superintendent ( " ) £300
Travelling Expenses £100
Allowance in lieu of Forage £75
Tools, Utensils and Hose £300
Plants, Flower pots & cases £100
Incidental Expenses £50
Wages of Gardeners £3000
Total amount on Estimates for 1857 £4475
4. What is the general distribution of expenditure, under the head of labor, supplies, superintendence, repairs and buildings, Vehicles, Travelling and Sundries?
4. As above
5. What are the duties, and privileges of and restrictions upon the Superintendent? What is his Salary? by whom is he appointed and to whom answerable?
5. The Superintendent
3
John Dallachy.
is in fact merely head Gardener, his duties are to direct the laborers, and to take charge of the Gardens, collect seeds distribute plants &c. There is a Committee but it is merely nominal — the Gardens being entirely provided for by Vote of Parliament and under the control of the Head of the Department of Public Works. It is however intended shortly to place the Gardens more immediately under the management of the Government Botanist.
6. What other persons are employed, with their respective salaries and duties?
6. None except the laborers before mentioned.
7. What animals and vehicles are kept?
7 Animals, one horse
Vehicles a box cart, a light cart for travelling, and a water cart.
8. To what extent are fruit trees cultivated?
8. None except a few loquat trees
9 What regulations are in force relative to the sale, exchange and distribution by gift of surplus stock and what discretionary power has the Superintendent over purchase and distribution?
9. None are sold. The Public receive plants &c upon an order from a member of Committee subject to the opinion of the Head Gardener that the plants &c asked for can be spared.
10. Is there attached to the establishment any Herbarium or Museum, and if so to what extent?
11. How are new species procured, or the stock replaced when lost?
12. What means are taken to procure living or dried specimens of native plants?
10. 11. 12 A large collection of living and dried specimens was made by the Government Botanist Dr Muëller, mostly in duplicate, one complete set has been transferred to the University of Melbourne for exhibition in the Museum. the Govt Botanist is now engaged in completing and enlarging the other set which remains in his charge in the Gardens.
13. What regulations are in force relative to the admission of the Public, and travelling Visitors, and for the holding Horticultural exhibitions within the Garden?
13. The Public are admitted free from sunrise to sunset. The Horticultural Society (a private body) have held shows occasionally in the Gardens, and have been permitted to receive one shilling from each visitor.
14 Can you furnish a list of plants now in the Gardens, and if saleable their price?
14. Yes, Copies enclosed
15. Are there any subscribers, or persons who pay for exclusive privileges such as more free entrance or specimens?
15. None.
16. Has the Garden any other source of income not expressed in the above?
16. None