THE CITY OF MELBOURNE. 



493 



in which experiments are carried on for ascertaining the economic uses and products of 

 numbers of the plants in cultivation. The results of these have been si-ni t< exhibitions 

 in various parts of the world, and an active interchange of seeds and plants is main- 

 tained with kindred institutions in other countries, so that whether n-urded in their 

 utilitarian, aesthetic, educational or recreative aspects these Gardens may be re-arde,! 



IX THE MELB.OURNE BOTANIC GARDENS. 



one of the soundest and most remunerative investments of the public money which 

 have been made by the Government of Victoria. Their popularity is attested by the 

 many thousands of visitors who resort to them on public holidays. 



All the threat cities of Australia, by an instinct as artistic as it is wise, have made 

 excellent provision for botanic gardens. Sydney led the way, and the example has been 

 universally followed. In no instance has any public money been grudged for the adorn- 

 ment and maintenance of these delightful retreats. The different cities vie with one 

 another in the care they take of this portion of their public property. In no two cases 

 do the sites resemble each other, and each great botanic garden has its special: 

 That of Melbourne, as now improved, yields to none as to its amplitude, its educational 

 value, or its adaptation to cultivate the tastes of a city population. 



The Domain immediately adjoining, comprising an area of one hundred and fifty- 

 two acres, and the grounds of Government House, covering sixty-one acres, are like- 

 wise- under the management of the Director of the Botanical Gardens. The vice-regal 

 residence occupies an exceptionally fine site on the crown of a hill, and commands a 



