1 12 



receipts and it should be mentioned that it is not as easy now as 

 formerly to obtain new plants, particularly novelties, by exchange, 

 owing to the preference for temperate rather than tropical plants in 

 home gardens. To obtain new varieties a small sum must be 

 expended for which an assured return may be expected. New 

 plants if novelties are much in demand. 



Routine. 



8. During the absence of the Superintendent for one year, the 

 garden was kept in good order and the general appearance 

 maintained. There remained, however, some urgent arrears which 

 have now been carried out. All the South American Cattleyas, 

 the beautiful Orchids so much admired, were losing their vigour 

 and these have been repotted and are making new growths. In 

 the other plant houses all the pot-plants have been repotted, 

 rearranged, and represent care and culture. 



Improvements. 



9. The Penang Garden is now 25 years old and ^when first 

 commenced it contained many interesting indigenous specimens of 

 trees and palms which have been preserved, while the groups and 

 specimens since planted have made so much growth that the time 

 has arrived for some landscape effects. Some years ago the water- 

 fall was the most striking natural feature of the garden, but latterly 

 it was not easy to view from any part of the garden, and escaped 

 the notice of most visitors. The best view of it which is from the 

 Band-stand has been improved by the removal and pruning of 

 superfluous foliage. The waterfall itself is considerably overgrown 

 and if permission can be obtained it should be recleared during the 

 next dry weather. 



The most important landscape effect has, however, been obtained 

 by opening a vista from a point on the main drive near the entrance • 

 to the garden looking across the stream towards the plant nurseries. 

 The two cascades over the stream are brought prominently into view 

 and a long border of brilliant coloured Cannas between the cascades 

 of water furnishes a pleasing picture. Some other flower-beds have 

 been added and the general appearance of this part of the garden 

 has been made brighter. The work involved the removal of a huge 

 clump of the common and rather formidable bamboo {Bambusa 

 spinosd). This species grows into an almost impenetrable mass 

 which is difficult to destroy (unless by fire which cannot be used in 

 a public garden) so that the task of removing it proved an arduous 

 one. 



The main drive already referred to has been slightly improved by 

 reducing an ugly bend. 



10. By far the largest undertaking however has been the com- 

 mencement of converting the ravine running from the circular road 

 to the swimming bath into a natural rockery for the reception of 

 the large collection of Aroids and certain shade-loving Palms. 



