12 
it is not so satisfactory as its reputation would seem to imply. In 
fact, in acute-dysentery and chronic diarrhoea, it is found un- 
In small doses vs say, 3 to 5 grains of the aan 
stimulant, hence the Kar was often expressed that it might, 
with advantage be combined with cinchona in the treatment 
of certain fevers. Mis an emetic the powder, in doses of 30 to 40 
grains, was found very effectual. 
GEORGE WATT. 
IIIL.-BOTANIC GARDEN, DURBAN. 
Under the skilful administration of the Director, Mr. John 
Medley Wood, A:L.S., the Botanic Garden , Durban, or, as it was 
On the 23th May, 1883, Dr. Sutherland, the Surveyor-General, 
addressed to the Natal Government an interesting report on the 
history and state of the Garden at the time. This is a historical 
document of considerable interest, which it is desirable to repro- 
duce "is convenience of reference, as it is apparently not otherwise 
accessi 
THE SURVEYOR-GENERAL TO COLONIAL SECRETARY. 
28th May, 1883. 
The Botanie Garden at Durban took its rise from a grant of 
50 acres of ground that was made to the Trustees of the Natal 
Agricultural and Hortic ultural Society from the town lands of 
Durban about 30 years ago. A subsidy of £50 a year was granted 
them in aid of the Society out of Colonial revenue. From time 
to time that subsidy was increased proportionate to the increase 
of the revenue until now it stands at £350. The Society was 
established with the view to the promotion of various agriculi tural 
industries, and the subsidy was granted with the same object. 
At the outset the en (vod considerable support to the 
Society, = evinced great interest in the efforts that were el 
forth by the Trustees and the anak, The latter opened c 
mae with kindred institutions in various British Calnaion 
pecially with the Royal Gardens, Kew, Seeds of our 
Colonial flora were collected, and live plants in War 
were sent in exchange for seeds and plants believed 2 be suitable 
for industrial or pedis: purposes. The ann 8 
exhibited a large array of exotics under sul saepe some of 
which give promise of great SRI and as fast as plants were 
suffieiently grown for distribution, they were Pesce up with 
avidity and soon took firm hold in apu Colony. 
