GARDENS. 
Consequent on the annual grant being increased to 
£800, more labour has been employed, fang a marked 
improvement in the appearance of the Gardens has already — 
taken place, and many urgently needed repairs and | 
additions have been effected. 
By the Act of Parliament already referred to, the 
Gardens have also been incorporated and placed under the 
same management as the Museum. 
A large bush or lath house has been constructed for the 
combined purposes of growing the more hardy varieties 
of florists’ flowers and general nursery stock. For both 
purposes the house promises to be of great utility, the 
plants in it having done remarkably well. 
About 450 new plants have been received, and a large 
number of seedlings of many plants suitable for planting 
parks or public reserves have been raised. 
The beautiful Picea amabiilis, the Japan silver fir ( Picea ), 
and the Crimean fir ( Adies Nordmannania) are producing 
cones for the first time. As these three plants are much 
sought after for ornamental purposes, their fresh seeds will 
be highly valuable. 
The heavy rains which fell in November cut up the beds — 
and walks, but were very beneficial to the plants generally. 
From the same cause the grass lawns have also remained 
green without artificial watering longer than in ordinary — 
seasons. 
The estimated number of visitors was 67,000. 
Domain. 
-The improvement of the Queen’s Domain has been 
continued ‘so far as the funds provided for the purpose 
would permit. ‘The drive leading past the new cricket 
ground is now complete, and promises to become very 
popular. 
