237 



now be advisable to remove tbe bridges, and have the aqueduct filled 

 up. It would evidently be an improvement and would be a saving 

 in the future for upkeep of bridges, etc. 



I may state that all the pathways require gravelling, but the cen- 

 tre pathway leading from the north to the south gates requires mac- 

 adamizing so as to raise the surface, as it is getting below the level of 

 the Garden, at present it is washed by water from upper King Street 

 during a heavy down-pour of rain. The Garden forms an attraction for 

 crowds of people on Sundays as a recreation ground, also on the evening 

 when the Kingston V. M. Band plays, but the hour generally is unsuit- 

 able for many, I would suggest that the Band play alternately one 

 evening at 5 o'clock and the other evening at the usual hour. 



Infringements of the Garden Regulations have been few during 

 the past year. 



The elevation of the garden above sea-level is 60 feet. 



The average mean annual temperature is 79.1 F., and the average 

 annual rainfall 35.1 inches for twenty-nine years. The amount of rain 

 that fell during the year was 33.99 inches. 



The wettest months were May, June, October, and the driest April 

 December, January, February. 



The mean temperature for the year was 83.8 F. The Meteorolo- 

 gical tables for the different months are given on page 243. 



King's House Garden and Grounds. 



The following Pceport is by the Superintendent, Mr. Wm. Walker: 

 During the past year garden operations have been carried on with 

 satisfactory results. The borders on each side of the avenue have been 

 repeatedly dug and kept constantly watered, and now they are well 

 mulched with stable manure, which has a very beneficial effect on the 

 plants, keeping them moist and in a good healthy condition. I have 

 struck a quantity of Crotons and other plants, which I am now trans- 

 planting to the borders in opeu places where they are most required. 

 The large Palms at the back of borders have been attended to with 

 water, and are doing well. 



The Coralilla and a large quantity of overgrown creepers, etc., 

 have been removed from the steps leading from the lawn to the house, 

 and replaced by Roses, Stephanotis, Ipomsea, Clerodendron, Cissus 

 discolor, etc., which have made rapid growth, and are now making a 

 fine appearance. 



Three Rockeries have been made near the house, and planted with 

 ferns obtained from the Spanish Town Road, with Balsams, Coxcombs, 

 Phlox Drummondii, Geraniums, Calliopsis, etc., etc., they are doing 

 exceedingly well, and have a very gay and bright appearance. 



The Pine ground has been manured and well forked up and is 

 showing well for fruit. 



The Vines have been pruned and are now breaking well for a good 



crop. 



The Rosaries have been well attended to with manure and water, 

 but they are old and worn out, and, if possible, I should strongly recom- 

 mend that new ones be established. 



The Kitchen Garden made last year, lapsed for a time, owing to 

 want of labour, it is now in crop again and promises a good return. A 

 batch of bananas was planted which are taking well. 



