REPORT ON THE ROYAL GARDENS AT KEW. 187 
raging accoTints of the increased fertility and moisture of the island 
consequent on the extension of the plantations^ which we continue to 
supply with young trees, etc., in Ward's cases. The Cork Oaks, men- 
tioned in my last report as having been sent out at the request of the 
Government of South Australia, have arrived in excellent condition, 
and are^ thriving. Under the direction of George Macleay, Esq., 
similar cases of live Cork Oaks have been sent to Victoria, Sydney, and 
Queensland ; of these the second alone has failed, and other cases are 
now preparing to be sent there*; those sent to Victoria and Queensland 
have arrived in good condition. Most flourishing accounts of the 
Chinchona plantations continue to arrive from India. In the Neil- 
gherries, Sir Wm. Denison informs us that though the country had in 
April last suffered from 112 days' drought, yet the Chinchona planta- 
tions had not been damaged, and that the plants were being propagated 
at the rate of 30,000 to 40,000 moniUy. From Ceylon Dr. Thwaites 
writes, that in September last he had 190,000 plants, the tallest six 
feet high, that applications had been received for S8,500 plants, of 
which 9000 had been supplied, and that he expected to issue 20,000 
monthly. Jamaica still needs a proper person to superintend a Chin- 
chona plantation. The capability of the island for its growth has been 
abundantly proved by Mr. Wilson, of the Botanic Garden, who^ under 
every discouragement, has planted out 400 plants in a suitable locality, 
which, however, being at a great distance from the Botanic Garden 
require a good resident practical gardener for their superintendence 
and increase. 
2. Pleasure Gronnds. — The most important work commenced here 
during the past year has been the revision, etc., of the Arboretum ; 
the pleasure grounds being devoted to the cultivation of a complete 
named collection of all the trees and shrubs that will stand our climate. 
During the past twelve years upwards of 3000 species and varieties of 
these have been planted, arranged in groups according to the natural 
system, besides many thousand orftamental or interesting specimens 
for the decoration of the 2:rounds. The time has now arrived for 
showing how far the choice of plants and their disposal has been 
satisfactory, and for rearranging, replanting, or giving better soil where 
necessary ; as also for revising the names and renewing the tallies. 
The condition of the collection is exceedingly unequal. Owing to the 
summer droughts, the sterility of the sandy and gravelly soil over 
o 3 
