9 
the subsequent volumes, for the elaboration of which the material is collated 
and arranged, will appear in regular succession. In my endeavor to render 
this work one of lasting utility and of authentic information, it was necessary 
to base it solely on original research, involving a long series of observations, 
both in^ the .field and stud3^ A compendious work on our native plants 
might readily have been comjiiled, within a very limited period, fi-om partially 
excellent but imperfect material ; but experience has constantly pointed oiit 
that any synopsis of intrinsic value can not precede, but must emanate from 
the works of more extensive scope. The plants as published in the volume 
now submitted have been treated in critical conpiarison with those of other 
countries, and thus it is hoped that this publication will prove not without 
value beyond Victoria. In the second volume of the “ Fragmenta Phyto- 
giaphiaj^ Australia}, published during the year, a series of botanical 
descriptions is offered of new or imjierfectly known ))lants, deposited in our 
Botanical Museum. It contains, also, the results of a critical examination of 
the specific limits of all the Eucalypti found in extra-tropical Australia. To 
clear up further the chaos of their uomenclatiu-e, and to afford an oppoi-tunity 
of recognising each s]5ecies with fiicility and certainty, it is proposed to publish 
a folio volume, with illustrations of all the well ascertained .species of these 
trees, which, on account of their various useful qualities are now becominc-- 
gradually more and more appreciated. The publication of a universal work 
on the Australian flora is contemplated by Mr. G. Benthara, the President of 
the Linnejen Society of London, whose phytological labors, continued since 
the last forty years, have raised him to the highest lank in botanical 
science. Foi- this work the treasures of plants accumulated in Britain since 
the time of Sir Joseph Banks will form the foundation. I felt it incumbent 
on mo to share in so important a task, and tender to it all the support which 
could be derived from the use of our vast collections, and from the niauu- 
scrij^ts therewith connected. Accordingly arrangements have been made for 
the temporary transmission to Kew of such fascicles of our herbarium as 
require to be consulted for the elaboration of each particular volume. This 
universal Australian Flora, to which the Governments of several of the 
Austi-alian colonies have given generous encouragement and support, is likely 
to extend over eight or ten volumes, and will probably require as many 
years’ labor for its completion. 
If, through the exertions of the colonists in each of the botanically 
unexplored districts, additional collections could be secured for examination, 
sucli would be highly acceptable in the prosecution of the undertaking. It 
would be alike ])leasiug if the issue of this work would awaken a more 
general interest in the study of the rich and varied vegetation which sur- 
rounds us in the now widely spread settlements of Australia, and it would 
be extremely gi-atifying to reflect that, at this comparatively early age of 
Australian colonization, the phytological investigation of the country had 
advanced with a rapidity equal to that of its general development. 
I have the honor to be, 
Sir, 
Your most Obedient and Humble Servant, 
FEED. MUELLER, M.D., 
Government Botanist and Director of the 
Botanic Garden. 
The Honorable 
The Chief Secretary, 
&c., &c., &c. 
Xo. 105. — h. 
