194 REPORT OF THE VICTORIAN GOYERNMENT BOTANIST. 
It yet remdins for me to record my sense of obligation to the very nu- 
merous donors, who enriched the various branches of the establishment 
during a more recent period. A glance at the list of these supporters 
will also be the most convincing proof of the wide external communi- 
eations of the department, while a reference to the plan annexed will 
at once largely explain the extent of the internal operations, which are 
singularly multifarious. It would be unjust were I not specially to al- 
lude to the graceful concession continued by the Peninsular and Oriental 
Steam Navigation Company, the owners of the ‘Great Britain,’ and 
many other mercantile and seafaring gentlemen, to convey, freight free, 
the consignments of this establishment, or were I to pass over silently 
the kind aid rendered by his Excellency Sir Henry Barkly, in effecting 
from Mauritius the final transits to Bourbon and various parts of South 
Africa. The foreign communications involve the necessity of corre- 
spondence in several languages, the number of all letters issued being 
about 3000 a year. The permanent property in buildings, iron fences, 
drains, boulders, waterworks, collections, library, and lasting improve- 
ments, irrespective of the plants distributed, and irrespective of the 
value of the local plantations, fell not short of £27,000, -according to 
an estimate made two years ago by professional gentlemen not con- 
nected with the department. This lasting property has in 
additions since, considerably in value. In this estimate, ipi he 
value of the iron bridge is not included. While aiming, as far as is in 
his power, at the utmost economy, the Director hopes that those means 
which Parliament may also in future be pleased to entrust to him will 
proportionately enhance the lasting value of the establishment, and 
always bear, in scientific information afforded, and in practical services 
rendered, an ample return. 
Iam, 
dee Von MuzLzzn, M.D., F.R.S 
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT, 
In accordance with your instructions, I have the honour of submit- 
ting a brief Report on the work earried on in the Botanie Garden, and 
the scientifie establishments connected therewith, during the last six 
months, This document may be considered as supplementary to the 
last general Report, and will also briefly explain what additional work 
seems recommendable during the year 1869. 
