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The following particulars are quoted from a paper by the present 
Director (Mr. W. G. Freeman) in “The Trinidad Christmas 
Guardian ”’ 1919. 
“The Gardens were established in the year 1818, in the time 
of Sir Ralph Woodward, under the direction of Mr. Lockhart. 
Many of the plants were imported from Caracas and St. Vincent. 
Mr. Lockhart was Assistant Botanist attached to the ill-fated 
expedition of Captain Tuckey up the River Congo in 1816 during 
which he suffered severely and was long a patient in the hospital 
at Bahia. He visited Venezuela and the countries of the Orinoco, 
discovering the ‘‘ Cow Tree ” (Brosimum utile) and the “ Saman ” 
or “ Zaman” (Pithecolobium Saman) which with many kinds of 
orchids he introduced to Trinidad and during his incumbency 
special attention was given to the introduction and cultivation 
of the various spice trees. Under the fostering care of Lor 
Harris, for many years Governor, the Gardens flourished and 
their area was considerably extended. It is said that he annually 
expended from his private purse a large sum towards their 
development. Mr. Lockhart was succeeded by Mr. Purdie on 
the recommendation of Sir William Hooker in 1846 and after- 
wards the Gardens were successively under the care of Dr. Crueger 
1857, Henry Prestoe 1864; J. H. Hart 1887 and J. B. Carruthers 
1909-1910 during which many notable trees were introduced 
including the “Saman” (as before stated by Lockhart)—the 
Mango” (Mangifera indica—good varieties) from India and 
Martiniqué in 1859 and many others from all parts of the world. 
The distribution of plants was also effected on a large scale and 
the article concudes with: “I think we may safely say that 
much has been done and that during the past century the Royal 
Botanic Garden has been the means of introducing and distributing 
many of the plants on which the welfare of the Colony is based, 
and others which are of value for the sake of their fruits an nd 
flowers.” —J. H. H. 
a et Sen Se hr Te ee NG OPEN As eS Ae eee 
rae under the authority of His MAJESTY’s STATION 
ERY OFFICE 
By Eyre and Spottiswoode, Ltd., East Harding — E.C. 4, ri 
"Prin nters to the King’s most Excellent Majesty 
