10 



will be quite rlcstjoyed. Probably the wisest plan will be while enclosing the grasii, to have certain 

 portions, for instance in tlio vicinity of the Band Stand, gravelled over and planted with shade trees 

 (where they are wanting) so that small play grounds may be formed for the use of children during the 

 day. 



The passage by a French writer quoted below from Robinson's Parks and Gardenn of Parin, gives 

 expression to what should bo the popular sentiment with regard to a Public G-arden. 



" The squares in Paris have now been opened for a long time, and the numberless frequenters of 

 them have conducted themselves with admirable order and decency'. The people evidently vmderstand 

 that they are at home — that it is for their s2)ocial behoof that the gardens have been constructed^ — they 

 know that in pulling up a flower it is their own property they are destroying — and, moreover, they 

 evince a respectful gi'atitude for the hands that have given them these pleasant places of resort. The 

 establishment of public squares in Paris is an eminently social idea. We repeat, it tends to regenerate 

 the human race by the development of the physical forces,— by exercise in the open aii- it improves the 

 morals of the people, by allowing the workingman to change the dirty wine-shop for a pleasant walk 

 and an agreeable resting place." 



The plants transplanted from the P;xhibition Grounds have done well, and more have been brought 

 from Hope Grardcns. The borders have been forked and manured, and a good deal of pi'uning of the 

 bushes and other trees has been carried on The central tank has been cleaned. 



The elevation is 60 feet above sea-level The average rainfall is 37.96 inches, and mean annual 

 temperature 79° F. 



The rainfall during the year was 21.88 inches, and the mean temperature 78''6 F. 



Ba'ih Gardens. 

 Mr. A. H. Groves, the Oversee)-, reports as follows :— 



" The Garden is now in fair order as regards cleanliness, but the continual shedding of leaves at 

 this season of the year makes (;ontinual sweeping and removing a necessity and our periodical strong 

 winds assist in a great measure to make it more so. 



" The large trees prevent the action of the sun from any flowers that may be planted and they 

 should be trimmed for the benefit of all the palms. 



" I am sorry to say that the old Amherstia which was blown down by the hurricane of 1880 is 

 now dead, except a small shoot from one of the arms which I hope to succeed in rearing. 



" I am glad to say since the Mangosteen has been removed, it has improved. 



" The wire fence is not in bad order but wants re-straining and a few posts put in. A good lock 

 is also required. 



" A very poor show of nutmegs this season for potting ; I intend to remove the body of the old 

 tree shortly, so as to give the young tree a chance of thriving." 



King's Holsk Garden and Grounds. 



The area under cultivation at King's House is about six times as large as it was four years ago- 

 There is besides extra work on Guinea grass pieces, the Race Course and Cricket Ground. 



The roads to the House, though practically public roads, are kept in order by the Department. 



Water pipes and Tanks. — Two hundred feet of f inch piping and ten taps have been fixed in the 

 borders. 



In the north-east border six hundi-ed feet of 1^ inch piping and four taps have been fixed. This is 



a great saving in wear and tear of hose, and in laboiir. 



Two tanks have been constiucted by the Public "Works Department, one in the Plant House, and 

 one in the Fern House,— serving to reduce the time spent in watering. 



Tool Houses and Slieds. —The Public Works Department has also put up a much needed tool-house 

 and potting shed. Another shed is badly wanted to protect the mules and carts from sun and rain 

 Barracks are also required for boys coming up from the country for work. Without such accommo- 

 dation it is found impossible to keep boj's for auj' length of time so as to train them to be of some use in 

 the garden and to leave eventually possessed of some knowledge beyond that of a mere labourer. Be- 

 sides this it would be a distinct advantage to have all the watering done before 7 a.m. and after 4 p.m., 

 — but if the boys are not living on the sjiot, such an arrangement cannot be made. 



Kose and Tools. — Hose of f inch has been purchased to the amount of 600 feet, and fittings put on, 

 and a quantity of old hose has been repaired. Several forks and spades have been repaired. 



Fences. — The Dildo Fence at the East Gate has been repaired, and all the fences now are in good 

 order. 



Aveuae lload Walks. — The road to the House has been kept well hoed and cleaned during the year 

 at an expense of about £35 ; the walks have also been kept in thorough repair. 



Pastures. — The pastures have been cleaned, and some more than once, making a total of 140 acres 

 that have been cleaned. Roots to the number of 4,750 have been dug out of the pastures and gx'ass 

 pieces. The Race ^''ourse and Cricket ground have been twice billed. 



Avenue Trees - -Some of the Palms and Ficus trees have made good growth. Others have not done 

 so well, and some of those that were burnt in the fire last year have died. To supply vacancies 20 more 

 Palms and Ficus have been planted. Three large Ficus trees have been transplanted from the Arboretum 

 to the Avenue, and are doing well. 



