How far I am qualified to execute this project, it is not for me to say. The World, indeed, 
has lon<T given me credit for much greater talent than I probably possess, either as the author of 
the Zoological Volumes, in Lardner’s Cyclopedia, or of many other works more expensive, but 
not less useful. tx- -n n it- 
I have made a similar offer of my services to His Lxcellency the Lieutenaut (xovernor of 
Victoria, to whom I am personally well kuowu. It is a province which offers a much more ample 
field, since no Botanist whatever has explored it. But for many reasons, I should prefer prosecuting 
my researches in N. S. "Wales. 
I have the honor to be, &c., 
(Signed) WILLIAM SWAINSON, J. P., 
of New Zealand. 
The Honorable 
E. Beas Thomson, Esq., Colonial Secretary. 
&c., &c., &c. 
(Copy.) 
Sir, 
Wollongong, N. S. Wales, 
80th July, 1852. 
I beg to enclose you the copy of a communication which I have made to the Local Govern- 
ment of this Colony, relative to an investigation of the Australian Timber Trees, which if declined, 
1 make also to the Government of Victoria, with such a modification of the terms of remuneration 
for my services, as the state of your province may reasonably require. 
May I request that you will submit this paper for the consideration of His Excellency the 
Lieutenant Governor, and inform me of the result, at your earliest convenience, as my stay in 
Australia, will be entirely influenced by the results of this proposition. 
I have the honor to be, 
Sir, 
Your most obedient servant, 
(Signed) 
The Honorable 
The Colonial Secretary, 
Ac., Ac. 
Melbourne. 
WILLIAM SWAINSON, J. P., 
of New Zealand. 
( 52 - 3414 .) 
Sir, 
(Copy.) 
Colonial Secretary’s Office, 
Melbourne, 26th August 1852. 
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th ultimo, offering your 
services to the Government of this Colony, to pursue investigatious into the botanical character 
of the xVustralian Trees; and I am de.sired by the Lieutenant Governor to inform you, in reply, 
that in the event of your propasitiou to the Government of New South Wales, not being accepted. 
His Excellency would avail himself of your experience; and in that case, I am to state, for your 
information, that the sum of £350 per annum, with travelling expenses, would be the amount of 
.salary, His Excellency would be enabled to offer you. 
W. Swainson, Esq., 
Wollongong, N. S. W. 
(Signed) W. LONSDALE. 
(Copy.) 
Wollongong, 
16th September, 1852. 
Sir, 
I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 26th ultimo, intimating that the 
proposition made by me to the Government of Victoria, will be accepted, provided my services have 
not been previously engaged by the Government of New South A\^ales, and tliat the remuneration 
which His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor is enabled to offer me, will be £350 per annum, 
with travelling expenses. 
In reply, I beg to state, that as His Excellency the Governor General, (on the 20th 
ultimo), * regrets that he is not in a position to avail himself of my services,’ I am enabled to accept 
the offer, contained in your letter, of carrying on my researches under the patronage of His 
Excellency the Lieutenant Governor of Victoria. 
