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L77/7970, unit 153 VPRS 3991 inward registered correspondence, VA 475 Chief Secretary's Department, Public Record Office, Victoria. M77.07.11Preferred Citation:
Louis Smith and others to Graham Berry, 1877-07-11 [M77.07.11]. 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/M77-07-11>, accessed September 11, 2025
Melbourne
11th July 1877
Sir,
I have the honor to forward herewith the Report of the Board appointed "to inquire
into the present position of Dr Mueller, in relation to his professional duties, with
the view to advise, what alteration, if any, is necessary, to afford him reasonable
facilities for the due discharge of his scientific labours."
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most obedient Servant
Louis L. Smith
Chairman of the Board
The Honorable
Graham Berry M.P.
Chief Secretary and Treasurer
&c&c&c
We the undersigned, being a Board appointed,
"to inquire into the present position of Dr Mueller in relation to his professional
duties, with the view to advise, what alteration — if any — is necessary, to afford
him reasonable facilities for the due discharge of his scientific labours", have the
honor to present the following as our report: —
1
The file includes letters to W. Odgers from L. Smith (22 June 1877), M. King (23 June
1877) and J. Bosisto (23 June 1877) agreeing to sit on the Board.
We think it well to state in the outset, in order to guard against misapprehension
that the complaint of Baron von Muëller, as laid before us by him, is not as to his
personal remuneration, but it is, that while he holds an office of practical importance
to the Colony, and of interest to the scientific world, he is deprived of the means
of properly discharging its functions.
We find that the present position of Baron von Muëller, is that of Government Botanist;
but that he is without a Garden; without a Laboratory for technical work; with an
insufficient Museum for dried plants (an absolute requisite in Botanical science);
and that he is without a sufficient staff and premises, for effectually carrying on
his department.
A State Botanist in such a position as this, cannot perform the duties required of
him: his proper place is in the midst of his living plants which he needs for daily
study. An adequate and ample Museum for dried plants; a Laboratory and Apparatus;
are also essential requirements in Botanical science.
We deem that an alteration of this state of things is most advisable and for the following
reasons: —
1st Because the important work of observing and describing the Flora of Victoria is
yet far from complete.
2nd Because it has nevertheless, under the assiduous labours of the Government botanist,
arrived at such a stage as to have commanded the favourable notice of scientific men
in all parts of the World.
3rd That to stay the work at such a juncture, would in our opinion be exceedingly
unwise.
4th That this colony having the peculiar advantage of the services of one of the foremost
botanists of the day, it would we think be a shortsighted policy, not to prosecute
the work in question — which would stand to the credit of Victoria throughout all
time.
5th That the labours of the Government Botanist relate not only to abstract, but also
to practical science, demonstrating the utilitarian and commercial value of our indigenous
vegetation as well as indicating what portions of the vegetation of other countries
may be acclimatized here.
6th That although this might entail a further outlay to a small extent at the commencement,
it would prove ultimately remunerative.
We therefore after due consideration, submit the following as our recommendations
1. That the duties of the Government Botanist be defined, and his title of Director
restored; so that it should be clearly understood that the scientific functions of
Government Botanist pertain to him. For instance we consider that letters of enquiry,
as to the habits, growth, and culture of plants; and all communications bearing upon
the science of Botany should be addressed to the Government Botanist, and that any
not so addressed, should be transferred to him to be dealt with.
2. That the Government Botanist should have a Garden of acres in extent in close proximity
to the City and the present Botanic Gardens, and that it be termed the "Scientific
Botanical Garden", and that he be allowed three specimens each, of such plants as
he requires from the present Botanic Gardens.
We refrain from recommending any particular spot, but would point out that there are
certain lands apparently available, such as those adjacent to the Immigrants' Home
and the site around the present Botanical Museum; or, the Albert Park. The first two
are at present unsightly, and their cultivation would ornament the Government Domain,
and improve at small cost one of the entrances to the City.
3. That the Government Botanist be allowed a sufficient staff.
4. That he should have a Laboratory with suitable appliances.
5. That the Botanical Museum should be enlarged or some suitable building be provided.
To save outlay, we would suggest — after having inspected them — that the buildings
of the present Immigrants' Home being in close proximity to the City and the Botanic
Gardens, would be suitable for offices, Museum &c.
6. That part of one of the State Forests should be at the Government Botanist's disposal
for the culture of trees and plants, — indigenous or acclimatized — for economic purposes.
All which we submit as our Report.
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Louis L. Smith,
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Chairman
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M. L. King
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Members
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Joseph Bosisto.
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Melbourne
11th July 1877