132 BRITISH HONDURAS. 



shipping plants from Belize to the southern settlements, as well 

 as supply the demands of planters on the Old River. Being 

 near to Belize, and in close communication with the head- 

 quarters of the Government, the institution might be more easily 

 supervised. It would also be conveniently at hand to receive 

 plants on arrival from other countries, and place them under 

 immediate treatment. 



In the absence of railway facilities at Belize, the Botanic 

 Garden might be established at Mullin's Eiver, and only a few 

 miles inland, where there would be good facilities for receiving 

 and shipping plants. 



A Botanic Garden, by showing practically the best methods 

 for the treatment and propagation of plants, by training natives 

 and others in the art of gardening, and in the management cf 

 nurseries, in diffusing information respecting the treatment of 

 the diseases of plants, as also in saving large sums too often 

 wasted in new countries in worthless experiments, would prove 

 most valuable. All that would be required at first would be a 

 small plot of ground for experimental cultivation, and a nursery ; 

 the establishment might grow as the resources of the colony are 

 more fully developed, until at last it might become a recognised 

 institution, contributing largely to the wealth of the colony, and 

 fostering every effort to promote its welfare and prosperity. The 

 initial expenses of a small garden such as I recommend would 

 be about 500 per annum, including the superintendent or 

 manager's salary, and the necessary labour. 



Until a trained gardener arrives in the colony, it would be 

 well to continue to make collections of all its indigenous plants 

 and have them carefully examined and described. I trust that 

 my recommendations, under this head, which have been already 

 submitted to the Government, will be adopted. There are 

 doubtless numerous valuable plants still to be found in the 



