29 



seen, but I have never yet seen or heard of their being found 

 in such profusion as 8. coccinea and S. Forbesii, though they 

 are plentiful amongst grass, on the hillsides all over the upper 

 districts. Information on this point would, however, be very 

 welcome. 



Xanthium spinoawn. (Linn). Natural order, Gompo sitae. 



,, strumirium. ,, ,, ,, 



The first of these plants is too well known to n-3ed any mention 

 here ; spasmodic attempts are made to keep it under or destroy 

 it, but it seems still to increase and to extend its area of 

 growth. It may not be generally known, however, that 

 X. struniarium has the reputation of being poisonous to cattle, 

 and some years ago I supplied the Government with informa- 

 tion which had come into my possession on this matter : an 

 attempt was then made to exterminate the plant, but I note 

 that it is still occasionally met with. It is quite probable that 

 it is only in the early spring, when grass is scarce, that cattle 

 would care to eat it, and then only in its early stages of growth. 



In conclusion, I wish to offer my very hearty thanks to the 

 members of the Committee, for much kindness and valuable 

 support in the prosecution of my work, also to all donors of 

 seeds and plants, both within the Colony and abroad, and I 

 have much pleasure in again acknowledging the very valuable 

 services rendered by Mr. Wylie, who has given his time and 

 ability without stint to the work of the Gardens during the 

 busiest year that we have had since I took charge of the work, 

 and probably since the Gardens were first established ; also to 

 Mr. Harman and Mr. Rutter, who still remain withns. 



I have the honour to be, 



Gentlemen, 



Your obedient servant, 



J. MKDLEY WOOD. 



