REPORT OF THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT BOTANIST. 191 
well. Cork-Oaks, of which, as of Tea, several thousand plants are 
reared, would also produce far more rapidly their useful bark in the 
ranges than near the city ; there the American Hickories and Walnuts, 
of which a copious supply of seedlings exist, would grow much faster. 
These, with the Red Cedar, West Australian Mahogany, Sumach, 
Seotino, Dates, Carob-trees, Valonia, and Dye-Oaks, Mastix-trees, 
Arrowroot, and perhaps also Tapioca, Tamarinds, and very many other 
prominently utilitarian plants, would thrive best in the rich humid soil 
of our mountains, and might occupy localities not readily eligible for 
cereals. 
Observations in reference to the effect of night-frosts on the prin- 
cipal plants, as well as records concerning the flowering-time of various 
species, are registered in the office. Notes are also accumulating re- 
specting the adaptability of the dry desert tracts, and again of the 
alpine highlands, to certain cultures. By a Parliamentary return sub- 
mitted last year, it was shown that from 1859 till July 8, 1867, not 
less than 355,218 plants were distributed to the public reserves, 
cemeteries, church and school grounds of Victoria. During 1868, 
again, 49,475 plants were rendered available for this purpose. These 
distributions comprised very many of the rarest Pines and other select 
plants, often not otherwise available,-many requiring two years’ atten- 
tion in the nurseries here, thus involving the necessity of maintaining, 
during some years, approximately, 40,000 plants alone under pot cul- 
ure. Bearing in mind the increasing extent of trading establishments, 
exeeedingly well conducted, it is worthy of the consideration of the 
Government whether these distributions from a publie establishment 
should not be materially decreased, or abolished altogether. Numerous 
plantations, by the impetus given, are now established on public 
grounds throughout the colony, from whence, moreover, seeds and 
cuttings might be locally obtained. Eminently useful plants of many 
kinds have, for local experiments, been widely scattered over the 
country. The Treasury Reserve received last year 245 to some extent 
already upgrown coniferous trees. 
Turning to the special phytographic department, it may be observed 
that the Museum now contains about 350,000 prepared and arranged 
plants; the Australian portion being richer than that of any kindred 
institution in existence. 
The sixth volume of the ‘Fragmenta Phytographie Australie,’ a 
