28 



A model farm had already been started (1899) in conjunction 

 with a forest reserve (about 4,000 acres of forest land) at Ibadan, 

 on a smaller scale than that previously described, and although 

 it was intended to serve as an object lesson to the natives, its chief 

 aim lay in the propagation of rubber and timber trees for 

 reafforestation. The farm was under the superintendence of 

 Mr. Cyril Punch, who had some time before been constituted 

 Inspector of Forests. 



Ultimately another model farm was founded (1901) at Oloke- 

 Meji, in the Abeokuta territory, about 93 miles from Lagos, and it 

 was at this place also that the site for the new botanic station 

 was selected. Mr. Edgar William Foster of the Royal Gardens, 

 Kew, was appointed Curator of the Department, March, 1901. 



Mr. Millen, it may be mentioned, resigned in 1908 and was 

 appointed Curator of the Botanic Station at Tobago. The 

 Ebute Metta Station had in the meantime been looked after by 

 Messrs. Leigh and Dawodu, the assistant Curators, natives of the 

 Colony, who had received their training in the West Indies and at 

 Kew. Mr. Foster was transferred to the Forestry Department as 

 Assistant Conservator, in 1906, and was succeeded (1906) as Curator 

 by Mr. John Lloyd Williams, of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 

 The Department came under the control of the present Con- 

 servator of Forests (Mr. H. N. Thompson) on the amalgamation of 

 the Forestry Departments of Lagos and Southern Nigeria, 28th June, 

 1905. 



Some idea of the nature of the work being done in 1905 may 

 be gathered from the following extract from the report for that 

 year ;* and incidentally it shows that the original botanic station 

 had not been entirely abandoned. 



" The Botanical Gardens both at Oloke-Meji and Ebute Metta 

 were well maintained during the year, especially the former, 

 which is being increased and has supplied the bulk of the plants 

 distributed. The work of distribution is becoming heavier every 

 year, and it alone practically takes up the whole time of one 

 European Officer." Again, in 1906, it is reported f that " a large 

 number of plants of economic importance were distributed during 

 the year from the Oloke-Meji Gardens to farmers ancj others in- 

 terested in their cultivation. }, 



It is also satisfactory to note in the same report that a systematic 

 course of instruction is given at the Gardens. The course covers 

 a period of three years, and the pupils are instructed " in the 

 propagation of plants, the essential conditions requisite for good 

 growth, pruning, elementary botany, farming, and plantation work 

 in the forests." 



" After the completion of the course the best pupils are given 

 appointments in the more important Native States and Districts." j 



* Col. Rep., Ann., No. 507, S. Nigeria, 1906. for 1905, p. 25. 



t „ „ „ No. 55-1, .,, 1908, for 1906, p. 41. 



X It is of interest to notice in this connection that four pupils are now (1908) 

 wanted for the Forestry and Agricultural Department, Western Province, at a 

 salary of £20 per annum. Govt. Gaz., S. Nigeria, Sept. 23rd. 1908. 



