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Speaker: Jennifer Sanders, Chair ������

Title: The Governor-General’s Xylotheque

In 1918, Richard Baker, Curator/Director of the Technological Museum, Sydney, presented His Excellency Sir Ronald Crauford Munro Ferguson P.C. G.C. M.C., Governor-General of Australia with a collection of 100 ‘dummy’ books each carved out of an Australian timber with the botanical name on the spine of the timber sample. Carved by renowned timber carver, Frederick W. Tod, each volume represents not only the refined cabinetmaking skills of Tod but also the richness and potential of Australia’s native forests.

More than a gift, this timber ‘library’ or xylotheque was the embodiment of the deep respect Baker had for Munro Ferguson, who was himself a forester. The respect was mutual – Baker, an Economic Botanist was a leading figure in a distinguished group of botanists who researched and classified the botanical resources of the new southern land of Australia, following in the footsteps of Sir Joseph Banks.

This paper throws new light on the influence and connections of Munro Ferguson, Governor-General throughout World War 1and, an advocate for a sustainable Australian timber industry.