BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 25 



made the Lall Bagh over to them, and afforded other assistance in the 

 way of convict labour, etc. In all other respects the society was sup- 

 ported by private contributions ; but the constantly fluctuating number 

 of subscribers, the frequent departure of valued supporters, and other 

 similar causes, led to the dissolution of the society in 1842, and the 

 Garden was then restored to the Commissioner. Since that period little 

 has of course been done to it, beyond keeping the walks clean, etc. 

 There are however some fine trees, such as West India Tamarinds, 

 Moreton Bay Chesnuts, Olives from the Levant, two Spanish Oaks, 

 Garcinias, which an able superintendent may turn to good account for 

 ornamental purposes. 



" The question of site having thus been disposed of, the next point 

 is the establishment requisite.. From my experience in connection with 

 the Madras Gardens, and the results on the Neilgherries, which have 

 followed- Mr. M c Ivor's employment, I have no hesitation in declarin 

 that the entertainment of a skilful and practical European Superinten- 

 dent is indispensable. The object in view is, not merely to improve the 

 culture of indigenous productions, but at the same time to naturalize 

 exotics, and prepare both for introduction in the plains. For such 

 purposes, European skill and ability, both theoretical aud practical, are 

 essentially necessary; I would therefore propose that a person like 

 Mr. Jaffrey, now Superintendent at Madras, should be entertained on a 

 salary of 150 rupees per mensem, with a suitable residence in the 

 Gardens or their immediate neighbourhood. An excellent house might 



IT 



be built, I should suppose, for about 2000 rupees, or one might be 

 rented for 30 rupees or 40 rupees per mensem ; but I should advise 

 building in the Garden in preference to renting at a distance, as the con- 

 stant presence of the Superintendent is a matter of great importance. 



"The expense proposed would be altogether a monthly grant of 300 

 rupees, and a single grant of about 2000 rupees, exclusive of the sum 

 required for the possession of a house for the Superintendent. 



"As to management, the Garden, the Superintendent, and every 

 person connected with it should be under the immediate and exclusive 

 control of the Commissioner, whose decision and orders must be in all 

 cases final. Any other course would only be attended with embarrass- 

 ment, and no other is so likely to ensure the success of the under- 

 taking. The Commissioner will probably tind it convenient to place 

 the immediate superintendence of the Garden under the charge of some 



VOl,. JX. 



