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REPORT OF THE COUNCIL, 



addition of force, reduced tlie permanent establishment by two 

 men, and by all extra labour for mowing, unless in the week dur- 

 ing which the Exhibitions take place; and they anticipate from 

 the measure a diminution of cost as well as a better condition 

 of the turf. 



The department in which the propagation of plants for distri- 

 bution among the Fellows of the Society takes place has, for 

 many years, been confided to the especial management of Mr. 

 Donald Munro, lately the Society's chief gardener. The in- 

 creasing age of this officer having rendered the duty, added to 

 his other responsibilities, more than he could advantageously 

 execute, the Committee resolved upon recommending to the 

 Council that Mr. Munro should be relieved of his charge in the 

 Garden, and that in consideration of his long and faithful services 

 for 30 years, he should be allowed a retiring pension of 5/. per 

 month. The Council having acquiesced in this arrangement, the 

 Committee determined to divide the duties of the Distribution 

 Department between the two remaining Superintendents, each 

 of whom, upon Mr. Munro's retirement, became head of the 

 division of the Garden entrusted to his care. The Super- 

 intendent of the Ornamental Department, upon assuming' his 

 charge, represented that the means at his disposal were not such 

 as, in his opinion, would enable him to discharge his distribution 

 duties as efficiently as the interests of the Society required : the 

 Committee have therefore caused a new house, 63 feet long, 

 in two departments, to be constructed for the propagation of 

 plants ; a range of cold pits, 75 feet long, to be built for protect- 

 ing plants ; and certain old and incommodious houses to be 

 altered and enlarged. In this way they expect that the distri- 

 bution of plants will acquire additional activity, and be more 

 productive of advantage to the Fellows of the Society. 



During the past year the Committee find that the distribution, 

 has been as follows : — 



These have been divided among the applicants in the following propor- 

 tions : — 



The plants among 314 applicants, making 19 plants to each applicant. 

 The cuttings among 110 applicants, making 17 cuttings to each applicant. 



