MANfTAL OP THE NtLAQIRI DISTRICT. 575 



have been expected, the effect of these exhibitions could not have CH. XXXI. 

 been other than beneficial as an incentive to both native growers Horticul- 

 and amateur gardeners. ture. 



Among the most noteworthy improvements since Mr. Jamieson Eecent 

 has taken charge are some which come more especially within ^g^^^^^^' 

 the province of landscape gardening. Portions of the lower 

 part of the grounds have been cleared of the Acacia dealbafa. 

 and A. melanoxylon and laid out in grass studded with aurcicarias 

 and other handsome trees, including some rare varieties of the 

 eucalyptus, and many additional flower beds have been introduced. 

 Handsome gates flanked by lodges, one of which is used for a 

 herbarium and the other as an office, have been placed at the 

 entrance of the gardens. The approach to Government House 

 is now through these gates, and the carriage drive which has been 

 cut along the lower slope and first terrace having made it neces- 

 sary to lay out these portions of the grounds afresh, a good deal 

 has been done to improve their general appeai'ance. A spacious 

 conservatory has been recently erected above the terrace near 

 the band stand. 



As regards natural beauty, however, the Ootacamand gardens Sim's Park, 

 must yield the palm to the more recently formed garden at 

 Coonoor, called after the late Member of Council, Sim's Park. 

 During the last few years of his stay in India Mr. Sim devoted 

 much time and attention to the formation and laying out of 

 these gardens. The site is a particularly suitable one, and the 

 climate of Coonoor being milder, is more adapted for the cultivation 

 of flowers, and especially of roses. The ground embraces some 

 stretches of natural shola which are finer than any in the gardens 

 at Ootacamand. The tree ferns are especially beautiful, and 

 many foreign varieties have been placed in the shady hollows 

 which ai-e the natural habitat of this graceful family of plants. 

 A miniature lake has been formed by damming up the stream 

 which flows at the foot of the gardens, and a number of jjaths 

 cut through the wilder portions of the enclosure. 



The Superintendent's reports for the last few years are of Snpeiinten- 

 special interest, showing the number of useful plants which have po°ts! *^" 

 been introduced and propagated, among others the Santung 

 cabbage, prickly comfrey (Symphytum asperrimum), and the 

 mahogany tree. The list of medicinal plants now includes the 

 ipecacuanha, jalap, rhubarb, peppermint, lavender, digitalis, 

 taraxicum. A medicinal garden was formed in 1878 at the head 

 of the Botanical Gardens, Ootacamand, five acres in extent, on 

 the suggestion of the Surgeon-General, Indian Medical Depart- 

 ment. A spcci.'il grant is given for this purpose. In 1878-79 no 

 less than three acres were cultivated with jalap. A quantity of 



