3o 



not all, the availalilc labour for some time to come ; still, as the ohjcct of 

 tbo deputation was certainly a very important one, he would make every 

 elTort to meet their views by getting together as much labour as possible, 

 and placing it at their disposal. 



His Excellency, after referring in complimentary terms to Mr. 

 Abbott's letter, observed that he was thoroughly convinced of the 

 necessity of a very carefully considered plan being laid down before 

 any practical action was taken. The Domain was most beautiful in 

 itself and also possessed great capabilities of improvement, but when 

 developing these capabilities great care should be taken at the same 

 time to preserve generally the natural features of the locality. Were 

 he about to undertake such a work himself he would m the first instance 

 spend weeks in walking over and over every portion of the ground 

 80 as to become thoroughly acquainted with its every feature. By this 

 means all its latent capabilities would be discovered. The greatest 

 caution should be exercised in the after proceedings, especially in re- 

 moving old, and planting new trees, etc. If one ugly tree were rashly 

 removed it might only uncover another still more ugly, or if a rock 

 were taken away something worse might appear and require removal 

 in turn, and thus we might go on improving everything off the face of 

 the ground till nothing was left. Without going into very extensive 

 plantations, excellent effects could be obtained by planting the best and 

 most ornamental trees in those localities which were most suitable. 

 The natural formation of the ground would assist them in choosing what 

 and where to plant. For instance, in hollows, where masses of foliage 

 would naturally occur, there they ought to plant. In this manner other 

 natural indications should guidethem in forming their plans. For his own 

 part, as he (His Excellency) had always taken a very great interest in 

 matters of this kind he would at all times be most willing to give his per- 

 sonal assistance to any well-considered action which might be taken to 

 improve the Domain. (Applause.) 



Mr. Grant was glad to find that the views he had given expression 

 to at a previous meeting, on the economical improvement of the Domain, 

 were likely to find favour. Without going to the expense of trenching 

 on a large scale, a very great deal could be done by carefully selecting 

 proper spots and planting suitable trees here and there, and as the 

 general formation of the ground was favourable for easy drainage, this 

 could be carried on in a gradual and progressive manner at little com- 

 parative expense. 



The Blshop of Tasmania observed that any one undertaking a work 

 of this kind should possess the practical knowledge of the horticulturist, 

 with the taste of the landscape gardener. Good results could be obtained 

 only by the combination of both. His Lordship gave an instance of a 

 locality well known to himself in England, which, in its unimproved 

 state, was rude and uninviting, and greatly inferior in its capabilities to 

 the Domain, yet, under such skilled management as he had alluded 

 to, was converted, at comparatively small expense, into one of tho 

 most attractive public resorts with which he was acquainted. He con- 

 gratulated the meeting on the fact that the restoration to health of the 

 learned author of the paper they had had the pleasure of listening to 

 had been the means of laying them under a fresh obligation to him. The 

 paper wa-s one of great interest, and this interest was much enhanced 

 by the running commentary with which it was accompanied. Its full 

 value, however, could only be realised by a careful study of it when 

 printed, which he hoped it would soon be, in their "Transactions." 

 He was about to propose that the cordial thanks of the Society were 

 due to the Rev. Julian Woods, but before doing so he would take the 

 opportunity of alluding to the cxquiaite drawings by Mrs. Meredith, 



