10 



There are still many trees and shrubs in the Gardens 

 which are without labels, or with only the wooden ones bearing 

 a number corresponding with the one given in the Guide, and 

 it is I think advisable that more of the metal labels should be 

 obtained ; after several years trial they have been found the 

 best for the purpose ; the enamelled ones with black letters on 

 a white background are more conspicuous, and look better, but 

 will not stand the changes of temperature, the enamel chipping 

 off until at last the lettering is illegible ; all of them will 

 eventually have to be replaced. We imported some iron ones, 

 with the lettering in white metal, and with a smaller label 

 hanging from each bearing the number given to the tree in the 

 Guide, and these though less conspicuous than the enamelled 

 ones, we find to be the best for general use. It would be 

 advisable to obtain some of a larger size, giving the popular 

 name of the tree as well as the Botanical name, the native 

 country, and the date of planting. These would be rather 

 more expensive but the number required would not be large. 



The European staff at the Gardens is unchanged, but 

 another gardener is much required, and it is hoped that when 

 circumstances permit a suitable man may be engaged. Several 

 of the indentured Indians have left, their time having expired, 

 and the supply of Native labour is very uncertain, more men 

 are required than we have or can obtain at present. The 

 Curator, Mr. Wylie, is, during much of the year hard pressed 

 with work, but during the last few months we have been 

 quieter than is usual. 



The malaria from which we suffered so severely is now 

 almost, if not, quite a thing of the past, though the "Anopheles" 

 mosquito is occassionally seen, and doses of quinine as a pre- 

 ventative are still necessary. 



To the members of the Committee my very hearty thanks 

 are again offered for much valuable advice and assistance in 

 the matters which have from time to time been brought before 

 them. 



I have the honour to be, 

 Gentlemen, 



Your obedient servant, 



J. MEDLEY WOOD, 



Director. 



