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REPORT or THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT BOTANIST. 191
wel]. Cork-Oaks, of whicli, as of Tea, several thousand plants are
reared, would also produce far naore rapidly their useful bark in the
ranges than near the* city; there the American Hickories and Walnuts,
of which a copious supply of seedlings exist, would grow much faster.
These, with the Ked Cedar, West Australian Mahogany, Sumach,
Scotino, Dates, Carob-trees, Yalonia, and Dye-Oaks, Mastix-trees,
Arrowroot, and perhaps also Tapioca, Tamarinds, and very many other
prominently utilitarian plants, would thrive best in the rich humid soil
of our mountains, and might occupy localities not readily eligible for
cereals.
Observations in reference to the effect of night-frosts on the prin-
cipal plants, as well as records concerning the flowering-time of various
species, are registered in the office. Notes are also accumulating re-
specting the adaptability of the dry desert tracts, and again of the
alpine highlands, to certain cultures. By a Parliam.entary return sub-
mitted last year, it was shown that from 1859 till July 8, 1867, not
less than 355,218 plants Avere distributed to the public reserves,
cemeteries, church and school grounds of Victoria. During 1868,
again, 49,475 plants were rendered available for this purpose. These
distributions comprised very many of the rarest Pines and other select
plants, often not otherwise available, many requiring two years' atten-
tion in the nurseries here, thus involving the necessity of maintaining,
during some years, approximately, 40,000 plants alone under pot cul-
ture. Bearing in mind the increasing extent of trading establishments,
exceedingly well conducted, it is wortiiy of the consideration of the
Government whether these distributions from a public establishment
should not be materially decreased, or abolished altogether. Numerous
plantations, by the impetus given, are now established on public
grounds throughout the colony, from whence, moreover, seeds and
cuttings might be locally obtained. Eminently useful plants of many
kinds have, for local experiments, been widely scattered over the
country. The Treasury Beserve received last year 245 to some extent
already iipgTown coniferous trees.
Turning to the special phytographic department, it may be observed
that the ]\Iuseum now contains about 350,000 prepared and arranged
plants ; the Australian portion being richer than that of any kindred
institution in existence.
The sixth volume of the ' Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae,' a