THE ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY 



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apprenticing young lads of seventeen — six were given 

 a trial in 1812 — who were to receive 9/. weekly, and 

 at the end of twelve months a sum of five guineas, 

 provided that they obtained a proper certificate from 

 the head-gardener, who acted as their master. He was 

 to receive ^5 for each apprentice, and the profits from 

 sale of the catalogue, as his remuneration for instruct- 

 ing them. The school for young gardeners is still 

 maintained. It may be observed that, in the year 

 1783, premiums had been offered by the Society to 

 nurserymen for taking apprentices who were to be 

 instructed in the art of grafting, rearing, and planting 

 trees, when Robert Power, of Gal way, was granted ^20 

 for two apprentices taken by him. 



Mr. Thomas Pleasants, whose liberality has been 

 noted in connection with his bequests of pictures, &c, 

 to the Society, in 18 15 presented ^600 for the Botanic 

 Garden, and the amount was applied in erecting a 

 suitable entrance and porter's lodge, which were much 

 needed, and which would serve as a lasting memorial of 

 his munificence. Subsequent expenses brought the total 

 sum expended by him up to ^700. About this time, 

 the committee of botany made a calculation of averages, 

 and came to the conclusion that the expense to be 

 incurred in the improvement and support of the 

 Garden should not exceed ^1500 a year. 



In 1 8 17-18 1 8, the range of hothouses was moved 

 to a new site, being that of the present large palm- 

 house. 



The Norfolk Island pine now began to display 

 symptoms of a sickly condition, its health and beauty 

 became much impaired, and its recovery seemed 

 doubtful. The injury was found to have arisen from 

 the building — the octagon house — which was ordered 

 to be erected round it, not having been put up in time, 



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