BANGALORE GAKDEN. 331 



which occur in its course. Admitting this objection fully, I still 

 do not think it of such importance as to outweigh the other ad- 

 vantages of the locality. It would, of course, he desirable to 

 have the garden in the middle of the cantonment, if that were 

 possible, for the convenience of the residents ; but I do not think 

 those persons really interested in horticulture, and therefore 

 likely to further the object in view (and these are many), would 

 lay much stress on this, especially when the climate of Banga- 

 lore — admitting of comfortable and healthy exercise to a late 

 hour, and often all day — is considered. I certainly saw no other 

 site so well adapted as the Lai Bagh in all other respects. 



Some years since (1839), an Agri-Horticultural Society was 

 established at Bangalore, under the auspices of the Commissioner, 

 who made the Lai Bagh over to them, and afforded other assist- 

 ance in the way of convict labour, &c. In all other respects, the 

 Society was supported by private contributions ; but the con- 

 stantly fluctuating number of subscribers, the frequent departure 

 of valued supporters, and other similar causes, led to the disso- 

 lution of the Society in 1842 ; and the garden was then restored 

 to the Commissioner. Since that period little has, of course, 

 been done to it beyond keeping the walks clean, &c. There are, 

 however, some fine trees, such as West India tamarinds, Moreton 

 Bay chestnuts, olives from the Levant, two Spanish oaks, Caly- 

 saccion longifalium, &c, which an able superintendent may turn 

 to good account for ornamental purposes. The question of site 

 having thus been disposed of, the nest point is the establishment 

 requisite. 



From my experience in connection with the Madras gardens, 

 and the results on the Nilgiris, which have followed Mr M'lvor's 

 employment, I have no hesitation in declaring, that the enter- 

 tainment of a skilful and practical European superintendent is 

 indispensable. The object in view is not merely to improve the 

 culture of indigenous productions, but at the same time to natu- 

 ralize exotics, and prepare both for introduction in the plains. 

 For such purposes, European skill and ability, both theoretical 

 and practical, are essentially necessary. I would therefore pro- 

 pose that a superintendent should be entertained on a salary of 

 Es. 150 per mensem, with a suitable residence in the gardens, or 



