27 
t “ profitable ee aeni system of rotation of crops; and now 
wes at it is the to 
“ possibly conflicting their interests at present, to combine and 
“ settle, once for all, the question of the possibility of a — trade.” 
BOTANIC GARDENS. 
[THE Botanic Gardens in British Guiana were started in 1879, 
on land known as Vlissengen, immediately at the back of George- 
s under water during the greater part of the year.” The total 
area is about 185 acres. At the present time about 85 to 100 acres 
are actually under cultivation. 
e first efforts to start the gardens were assisted by visits made 
to the Colony by Mr. Prestoe, the Superintendent of the Botanic 
Gardens at Trinidad. In August, 1879, Mr. G. S. Jenman, F.L.S., 
formerly of Kew, who had been for some years fapasintendcil of 
the Botanic Gardens at Castleton, Jamaica, was appointed Superin- 
tendent. Mr. Jenman still remains in charge. 
A loan for 50,000/ was raised in the first sie for the 
purchase of the land and laying-out the Gardens. This sum was 
expended during a period oi five years—from 1879 to 1883, In the 
latter year a further sum 0007. was voted for levelling and 
planting up the land nese ein to the ser Agee roads. For 
some time afterwards the annual vote was 2,5007. In 1885-86 it 
was slightly reduced. During 1896, including the up-keep of 
various gardens in Georgetown, and the Public Garden at Berbice, 
it was ae It is Sg that the first cost of establishing 
the ardens, apart from their maintenance of late years has 
a chat 60,0007. The | Sarees foe the Superintendent and Head 
Gardener, both of artistic design, were added in 1883. 
Owing to the liability to excessive moisture during the rainy 
season, and to oie of dry weather at other seasons, with strong 
breezes blowing for many months in the year, the task of 
almost unsurmountable difficulties. Almost simultaneously, pia 
quantities of water accumulating on the land had to be got rid o 
an elaborate system of drainage, while water for irrigation hanes 
the dry season had to be regularly pumped by a steam engine 
erected for the purpose. 
It is to ar credit of all concerned, that papag rae these 
and numerous other drawbacks, the Botanic Gar n British 
Gui ate amongst the most attraetive of any in tl ropics. 
There are extensive ore. well-kept lawns and groups of palms of 
a very ornamental charact 
