30 



After this date I have no other Reports or Minutes to refer 

 to except the Annual Reports written by myself, but it is re- 

 corded that at the end of 1881 there existed " a condition of 

 depression which threatened the very existence of the Associa- 

 tion." Meetings were held, and a Committee appointed, con- 

 sisting of Messrs. Escombe, Greenacre, Randies, Aiken, Brick- 

 hill, Stainbank and Vause. Mr. Keit resigned his position, 

 and Mr. J. Medley Wood was appointed his successor, entering 

 on his duties on March 1st, 1882. Since that time Annual 

 Reports have been regularly issued, and I leave the further 

 history of the Gardens for some future writer. 



In conclusion I have only to say that Mr. Blunden has left 

 us, and gone to England on private business, and it will there- 

 fore be necessary to engage another gardener as soon as a suit- 

 able man can be obtained. The remainder of the European 

 staff are still with us. To Mr. Wylie, the head gardener, 

 under whose efficient superintendence the whole work of Nur- 

 sery and Garden is carried on my hearty thanks are due, and I 

 would again tender my thanks to the Committee for their 

 valuable assistance and support in all matters pertaining to the 

 working of the Gardens. 



I have the honour to be, 

 Gentlemen, 

 Your obedient servant, 



J. MEDLEY WOOD. 



