8 
dye stuffs, wood vinegar, tar, wood spirits, and tannic acid, from native plants, especially trees ; on all 
of which ample information was offered in the documents concerning the Exhibition. These 
phyto-chemical observations have since been continued as far as circumstances permitted. 
Appended to this Report are the tables of very extensive series of analyses, conducted in detail 
by Mr. Chr. Hoffmann, in reference to the yield of potash in our more gregarious native trees. They 
show that the manufacture of this alkali can be pursued here more profitably than in those countries 
in which the supply of original timber is far less extensive than in Victoria. The examination into the 
yield of iodine and bromine in our seaweeds is commenced ; likewise, the yield of soda in one of the 
principal littoral plants is recorded. I have entered also on a series of toxicological researches, by 
which it is hoped the nature of those poison plants so injurious to stock will be fully elucidated. 
A supplementary catalogue of the library is also given ; many of these works, however, had 
to be provided by the Director s private means. 
It yet remains for me to record my sense of obligation to the very numerous 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 communications 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 
allude to the graceful concession continued by the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, 
the owners of the Crreat Britain, and many other mercantile and seafaring gentlemen, to convey, freight 
free, the consignments of this establishment, or were I to pass 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 correspondence in several 
languages, the number of all letters issued being about 3,000 a year. The permanent property in 
buildings, iron fences, drains, boulders, waterworks, collections, library, and lasting improvements, 
irrespective of the plants distributed, and irrespective of the value of the local plantations, fell not short 
of d^27,000, according to an estimate made two years ago by professional gentlemen not conneci^ed 
with the department. This lasting property increased, by additions since, considerably in value. Nor 
is in this estimate the value of the iron bridge included. While aiming, as far as 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 
bear, in scientific information afforded, and in practical services rendered, always an ample return. 
I have the honor to be, Sir, 
Your very obedient servant, 
FEED. YON MUELLER, M.D, F.R.S., 
Government Botanist and Director of the Botanic Gardens. 
The Honorable J. M. Grant, M.P., 
President of the Board of Land and Works, 
&c., &c., &c. 
