234 



BATH GARDEN. 



The following Report is by Mr. A. H. Groves : — 



" A change took place in the appearance of this Garden in the first quar- 

 ter of the year from a visit by the Director in the early part of May with 

 a view of removing some of the shade so detrimental to the other bearing 

 trees, consequently we had 14 of the trees to remove by cutting down 

 each tree and carrying away same to the river course, and after, remov- 

 ing roots, etc., from out of the ground, so as to enable us to prepare 

 land for flower beds, etc., with flowers and crotons. The former were 

 supplied by a few local friends, and the latter by the Director. These 

 thrive well in some parts of the Garden, but in other spots do not look 

 healthy, the cause being too much shade, and this cannot be remedied as 

 some of the shade trees are very valuable Palms. But taking into con- 

 sideration that the Garden has only been under improvement a few 

 months, I have but little cause for complaint. I however have to report 

 that one of the Pimento trees near where the new gate now stands should 

 be removed, as it prevents the flowers from thriving. This is the second 

 time I have planted the spot. 



" We have made 20 chains of new walk around the Garden, costing- 

 about 6s. per chain and raised the ground round the "Talipot" Palm y 

 circling the same with large stones and growing lilies. 



" The re-establishment of the old well with a windlass, rope and bucket 

 for watering purposes has proved of great benefit to the Garden in the dry 

 months ; also for drinking purposes for the inhabitants of the town, as 

 many are to be seen drawing water all day. 



" 1 have found it requisite to cut out a few trenches to relieve the plants 

 of too much water when a heavy shower of rain occurs. And indeed more 

 drains around the Garden are still required. 



"Now that the Parochial Board of this Parish has put the west and 

 south lanes in order and deepened the trenches to carry off the overflow 

 from the Garden, it is left for me to take advantage of the same, and 

 cut more drains when in funds to do so. 



" I have to report the erection of a new wire fence of six strands : 6 

 of which are round wire, and 1 barbed wire — with mesh wire around the 

 entire fence to prevent trespass by small stock — all of which has iron stan- 

 dards, droppers, etc., except at the gate where 2 wooden posts were re- 

 quired. The whole of the fences was erected by Mr. F. H. Lindo of Bath, 

 with the new gate standing opposite the Fountain Road, as previously- 

 decided on by the Director. 



u I am sorry to say that the Manilla Hemp suckers forwarded to this 

 Garden have not all proved successful, as out of the dozen sent, I have but 

 three growing. The chief cause is too much shade ; and I need not say 

 that all such plants require good, rich soil ; so that instead of throwing 

 away the rubbish as before, I have established a manure depot at the ex- 

 treme east end of the Garden w T here all rubbish, etc , is deposited to decay, 

 and as soon as decomposition ceases, I intend to apply it through the entire> 

 Garden. 



- " I must again call attention to the shade of this Garden, and would sug- 

 gest that where we have 2 or 3 trees of the same kind we should retain 

 but one and remove the others . I chiefly allude to timber trees and 

 pimento trees. 



" I have to report that labels have been placed on nearly all the trees 

 in the Garden, giving their names. 



" A few more large Spathodeas should be removed; but I find it expensive 

 to cut down the limbs ot the trees first, and then the body, to prevent damage 



