87 



177 American, and 234 European species. Many 

 of these have already germinated, but others re- 

 quiring previous preparation Avill not be ready for 

 sowing till the coming autumn. 



^^A considerable quantity of seed from the 

 Silesian Beet was saved from plants grown in the 

 Gardens. Practical information as to the value of 

 the root for feeding purposes having been made 

 j3ublic through the meetings of the Society, a great 

 demand for the seed sprang up as soon as it was 

 known that we had a supply on hand for gratuitous 

 distribution. Upwards of a hundred applicants 

 from various parts of the colony have received 

 supplies, and we may therefore hope that the 

 cultivation of this valuable plant will now be more 

 generally established in public favour than it has 

 ever yet been. 



^^ The number of visitors to the Gardens during 

 the year was estimated at 26,273, or an increase 

 of 4,829 on the previous year. 



MUSEUM. 



*^ Our evening meetings have been made addi- 

 tionally attractive by some valuable donations to 

 the Museum. We make special mention of the 

 presentation of a mounted collection of Mammals, 

 Birds, &c., from Europe, South Australia, and 

 New Zealand, by Mr. H. Gomolka. Also of a 

 fine collection of Minerals from the islands in 

 Bass' Straits by C. Gould, Esq., F.G.S. 



'^ From the South Australian Institute Museum, 

 Adelaide, we have received a collection of bird 

 skins, procured during the exploration of the 

 northern territory of tliat colony. 



*' Specimens of the arms and war material 

 available for use in the colony have been furnished 

 by the Government for exhibition. These have 



