mo:nthly summary. 763 



his taste and talents by establishing a manufactory of objects in 

 a kind of artificial marble or scagliola, whicli has been invented 

 by himself, and which has much of the appearance of real marble. 



Nothing strikes one more, in looking at the objects 'n^hich were 

 formerly in the Exhibition and are at present in the Garden, 

 than the greater advantage to ^vhich they are now seen. They 

 were lost in the Exhibition building. In the Garden they stand out 

 clear and distinct, and each can be seen and estimated as a whole. 

 It proves the justice of our lamented Prince's views, and shows, 

 by their success, the necessity which existed for such a show- 

 ground. The gentlemen who have exhibited their bronzes and 

 vases in the Garden have found their own account in it, having 

 been successful in their sales. A list of the prices of all the 

 articles lent is kept at the Secretary's OiB&ce. 



Mr. Durham's statue of H.K.H. the Prince Consort has been 



k 



submitted to and approved of by the Queen, who has expressed 

 herself satisfied with it in all respects. It now goes to be cast 



without delay. 



It is satisfactory to know that Her Majesty continues to take 

 the liveliest interest in the affairs of the Garden, of which 

 periodical reports are regularly sent to her. 



Considerable improvements have been and are in the course of 

 being made on the horticultural part of the Garden. Bosquets of 

 Khododendrons and other evergreens now flank the corners of the 

 terraces, and large single hushes and clumps are being introduced 

 here and there with good effect. The beds are planted out with 

 tulips, crocuses, and spring flowers, which in due time will make 

 everything gay. 



Collectors' Expeditions. — Supplies of seeds and specimena 

 have been received both from Mr. Weir and Mr. Cooper- The 

 latter gentleman has returned to this country. The district 

 which he explored is the mountainous country called the Drach- 

 enberg, lying in the interior between Natal and Algoa Bay. He 

 found much in it which was of botanical interest, but little of 

 horticultural. Mr. Weir's plants, also, are of minor interest; 

 but whilst the Flora of the district visited by Mr. Cooper was 

 little known, and his exploration has furnished at least negative 

 information regarding it, that traversed by Mr. Weir was pretty 

 well known, and his returns correspond with what was expected* 

 If it be thought that he has lingered longer on the outskirts of 

 ^;,.;i:^«*;^», +i.an woo npnAsaarr it mnst be remembered it was 



