10 
expressing my thanks for many contributions received by us; and it will, moreover, be useful 
as a work of reference to the herbarium. 
Of the Plants Indigenous to the Golony of Victoria, about half the first volume is 
printed, and twenty-eight lithographic illustrations are prepared for it. This work is 
intended as a continuation of the series of quarto volumes published by Dr. J. Hooker 
under the authority of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Arrangements have 
been entered into for issuing the first volume in 1860 . 
In the publication of that part of the work referring to cryptogamic plants, I enjoy 
the valuable aid of the Rev. Mr. Berkeley and Mr. E. Hampe, who have made those branches 
of botany referring to cellular plants the subjects of long and careful inquiry. 
For the information of those interested in the progress of knowledge of Australian 
vegetation, I may be permitted to state, that of any apparently uncommon plant, even the 
smallest fragments, such as can be easily pressed into an ordinary note-book, and be trans- 
mitted in a letter, will be acceptable ; and that even specimens of the common plants, parti- 
cularly of the interior districts, are of value to ascertain the range of the various species 
over the country. Such specimens should, whenever possible, be procured both in flower 
and fruit. 
Beyond the frequent application to this office for the systematic determination of 
indigenous plants, also not rarely wishes are expressed for information on uses and qualities 
of vegetable productions, or on plants desirable for introduction — questions which receive, I 
need not state, the promptest and fullest attention I am able to give them. More extensive 
information may be expected will be gained when once the building now under progress, 
intended as a museum of economic botany, is filled with a systematic assortment of such 
raw and artificial materials, obtained from the vegetable kingdom, as are introduced into 
manufactures, medicine, or domestic use. The numerous fascicles of classified dried plants 
will be removed from the small office-building to the museum as soon as the necessary 
fittings are completed, and we may trust that the opening of one of the richest collections of 
Australian plants, and an extensive herbarium from other parts of the globe, will materially 
tend to diffuse knowledge, and add to the attractions of this establishment. 
I have the honor to be, 
The Honorable the Chief Secretary, 
&c., &c. 
Sir, 
Your most obedient and humble servant, 
FERD. MUELLER, 
Government Botanist and Director of the 
Botanical and Zoological Garden. 
