CO129-218 - Administrator Marsh Governor Sir Bowen & Others - 1884 [11-12] — Page 581

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF KEW GARDENS TO THE COLONIAL OFFICE.-Dated 30th of October, 1884.

The institution of such local herbaria in connection with the various Colonial Botanic Gardens is a work of the highest utility. Without an institution of the kind, we are burdened with the task of naming and identifying for our correspondents year after year the same plants. The preservation at each botanical centre of accurately named types of the vegetation of their respective countries obviates this tax, and sensibly relieves our overburdened correspondence. It becomes easy to sift out on the spot from collections the new and undetermined specimens, which our staff can then examine and report upon with expedition.

It is very important that such a permanent collection should be protected from the ravages of insects. Mr. Ford has probably taken steps to provide for this, but it may be useful to give the composition of the fluid in use at Kew for the purpose :—

Methylated Spirit

Corrosive Sublimate

Carbolic Acid

1 gallon

416.

lb.

With this the specimens are brushed over once for all after they are mounted.

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