28 
The roads are carefully planned and in saat condition. 
They are constructed of burnt clay and have a reddish tint 
neighbourhood of Colombo, Ceylon The re numerous lakes 
with aquatic plants. The in ndigenous Vi re regia is seen not 
only in the wae but also commonly in the canals s in and around 
and N. luteum are also very striking aquatic plants, A noted 
avenue of venerable Orinoque trees (Hrythri a Ades is the only 
attractive feature r emaining of the or riginal si The old gnarled 
bright-flowering climbing plants. A drive under these trees is 
part see ene cool and shasta In 1887, the trees in flower 
re described as presenting “a most glorious sight ” ; covered 
with a mass of golden-orange food 
The principal features of the establishment consist of the 
nurseries with propagating arar and shelter houses for ferns and 
co 
ids, th j 
kept lawns with turf as close as in an English garden dotted with 
ornamental trees and shrubs, the lake, drives through a park-land, 
and winding avenues. The collection of palms includes about 200 
species. Some of the pery are of singular size and beauty. 
Nipa fruticans, a or stemless palm, growing in the salt marshes 
and coast of the ian Ocean, is thoroughly established in the 
la Tanina eas birds have made their home in the 
gardens and are carefully a One of the most interesting 
is the spurwing, which may be s r cma over the lily leaves 
or along the banks. Of other cians the tapir and manatee have 
small portions of the gardens to themselves, while turtles, electric 
eels and alligators, are recorded as denizens of some of the lakes 
e Superintendent has also charge of the Victoria Law Courts 
ee, ena Buildings grounds, Arinna House grounds, 
the Promenade Garden and Queen’s College grounds, all at 
Georgovi He has also diaree of the Public Gardens at Berbice. 
The latter, consisting of about two acres, was completed in 1885 
at a cost of 1,0007. It is in care of a native gardener. 
The following particulars of the cost of maintenance are taken 
ed t 
from the estimates submitted to the Court of Policy of British 
Guiana for the official year 1896-97 :— 
Approved BP pe 
BOTANIC GARDENS. Estima te. Eor 
Fixed Establishment. j 
$ | 
Superinte a ae ee A I es | 320 
Head D Maa yens to ee 200 en $72 ae "S nis 1,200* | lL. 200 
Assistant Gard Ste a Bs 720 | 720 
Total, Fixed Establishment ... Soe 3,840 | 3,840 
E 
* With residence. 
