268 



Nilgiris, as it has been stated that the bark of trees grown from seed 

 obtained there has deteriorated in quality. 



Quinine has been manufactured on the Nilgiris since 1889. It is put 

 up in five grain powders, and sold at a very small charge at 1,550 Post 

 Offices throughout the Presidency of Madras. The nominal charge 

 made enables the poorest to obtain quinine in his need, and this was 

 the original reason for the introduction of the Cinchona trees from 

 South America. 



The receipts at the Nilgiris Plantations for last year on the sale of 

 quinine, febrifuge, bark, etc., amounted to 147,527 rupees, while the 

 expenditure was 78,317 rupees, showing a gain of 69,210 rupees. 



Kingston Public Garden. 



The railings for enclosing the lawns have been obtained, and will 

 doubtless make a great improvement in the appearance of the garden. 



The vote for the garden is inadequate, and does not really suffice 

 for the maintenance in a proper condition. The pathways require to 

 be gravelled, the Band Stand and railings round it should be painted, 

 and there are many improvements which could be made with a larger 

 vote. 



Several of the large Ficus trees have died without apparent cause, 

 unless it be that the soil round their roots has become quite exhausted. 



Bath Garden. 



The Garden at Bath is in fair condition, considering the small ex- 

 penditure, and the drought. If it had not been for the well in the 

 garden, the plants would have suffered considerably ; the inhabitants 

 also of the town were so short of water that they were glad to have the 

 opportunity of supplying themselves from the well. 



7 King's House Gardens. 



R The other Public Gardens have their various special uses, besides 

 serving as Botanic Gardens, e.g., special attention is paid at Hope to 

 the economic cultures of cane, pines, etc. : at the Hill Gardens, species 

 of Citrus ; at Castleton where the conditions are so favourable for 

 tropical vegetation, the Mangosteen, Amherstia, Palms, etc., are culti- 

 vated ; the Parade Garden is a City Garden. The gardens attached 

 to King's House have also their particular function, which is to serve 

 as a pleasure garden attached to the residence of the Governor. The 

 object is not to form a collection of plants interesting only to the 

 planter and the botanist, but mainly to grow such as are pleasing to 

 the eye. 



A lily-tank has been provided and a Yictoria regia planted in it. 

 It is circular in outline, 3 feet deep, except in the centre where it is 5 

 feet deep. The overflow water will be utilised for the growth of Nel- 

 nmbium and other suitable aquatics. 



EDUCATIONAL. 



Practical Instruction. 



The Department concerns itself with giving practical instruction on 

 the lines of " the greatest good of tne greatest number." While oc- 

 casionally time can be spared for individuals, I can only for the most 

 part work on our present system, and send an Instructor where the 



