for the year 1877. xix 



English language. Baron Von Mueller is now engaged on 

 an exceedingly valuable work on the plants of New Guinea, 

 the first volume of which is nearly completed, and its pub- 

 lication is anxiously looked for by all who are interested in 

 botanical science. A very useful volume for students in this 

 science has also been issued by the Government Botanist, 

 entitled Introduction to Botanic Teachings in the Schools of 

 Victoria through Native Plants. This work is largely and 

 carefully illustrated ; and while intended for schools, in 

 reality constitutes a valuable work for the advanced student. 

 Amongst his other hterary labours it is much to be hoped 

 that Baron Von Mueller will soon be able to complete his 

 long contemplated Atlas of the Eucalypti, for which he has 

 already a very fine series of drawings prepared. I must not 

 overlook another most useful work that has appeared, 

 entitled Select Plants Readily Available for Industrial 

 Culture in Victoria — a most important work, which cannot 

 fail to be appreciated as it becomes more generally known. 

 It is to be hoped that the Government Botanist will soon be 

 able to resume the phytochemical researches which he com- 

 menced some years ago, and which gave promise of results 

 not only of the highest scientific interest, but also of im- 

 mediate commercial value. 



Our National Museum, under the direction of Professor 

 M'Coy, has also its year's history ; and I am glad to state 

 that it continues to increase in specimens illustrative of all 

 the branches of natural science, whilst the systematic 

 naming and classification by the director continually ad- 

 vances. Professor M'Coy, however, informs me that want 

 of room, owing to the western half of the building not 

 being yet built, renders the labour of maintaining the col- 

 lections in good order, and properly classifying them, each 

 year greater than before. It must be apparent to all who 

 take an interest in our Museum of Natural History that 



