H 



the purpose of procuring scientific works for the library. 

 The first year's interest on this sum, amounting to £10 19s., 

 has been received, and placed in the Savings* Bank for the 

 purpose indicated. 



Gardens. 



The past year has been one of great financial difficulty. 

 The grant in aid, which for some years previously had 

 been £600, was reduced to £450 for 1880. This loss of 

 income, taking place after various increases had been 

 made in wages and salaries, completely upset existing 

 arrangements. It became necessary in consequence to 

 discharge the only skilled assistant, and to make other 

 reductions, the effects of which have been detrimental in 

 the highest degree; and, notwithstanding all possible 

 reductions, it has not been found practicable to keep the 

 expenditure within the income, the result being that the 

 gardens, as shown by the balance-sheet, are indebted to the 

 Society to the amount of £25 175. 



The Arboretum has been completed, with the exception 

 of laying down the ground in grass. This will be proceeded 

 with in the proper season, and the effect at no distant date 

 will be that this locality will be one of the most attractive in 

 the gardens. 



The old garden seats have been repaired and repainted, 

 twelve new ones have been erected, and in order still 

 further to consult the comfort and convenience of the 

 public it is intended to supplement this number during the 

 incoming year. 



About 300 plants, many of which are of a very orna- 

 mental character, have been introduced. From the Royal 

 Gardens, Kew, was received a box containing upwards 

 of 100 varieties of willow cuttings ; but, unfortunately, 

 arriving in the heat of summer all efforts to retain vitahty 

 in them proved futile, and, with the exception of two 

 varieties, all perished. From Messrs. H. Low &; Co., 

 London, was received a case of plants in excellent condition, 

 consisting principally of ornamental variegated Coniferee 

 and a few choice herbaceous plants. 



