220 



Proceedings. [No. 9, new semes. 



randiira of the best method of carrying it into effect, in the pro- 

 ceedings of the next monthly meeting to be held on the 3rd proximo. 



Management of the Gardens. — During the period under notice, 

 the Society's Garden has been much improved in general appear- 

 ance and condition by a strict attention to its internal arrange- 

 ments, and this without any increase in its fixed establishment, or 

 current expenses. Additional walks have been made allowing of 

 free access to every part of it. A quantity of brush wood has been 

 removed from the bottom of the Tope, in the centre of the Garden, 

 by which the circulation of air has been increased and the pic- 

 turesque appearance of the Garden much enhanced. The hedges 

 and shrubberies have been thinned and dressed. The old tank has 

 been repaired and several ornamental shrubs planted on the Lawn. 

 Gates have been erected at all the entrances to the Gardens, and 

 the formation of a tree nursery has already been commenced. A 

 new tank for the exhibition of Water flowers is now in course of 

 construction and will probably prove a considerable attraction to 

 visitors. 



4 Specimens of the Manilla Hemp plant (Musa TextilisJ have 

 been successfully introduced. These were received from Col. Bal- 

 four, c. b., in February 1858. The plants are now 20 feet high 

 and are thriving in every respect as vigorously as the common 

 plantain. Many other useful and interesting plants have been in- 

 troduced into the Gardens. Among these may be mentioned the 

 true West India Ginger, roots of which were brought from Ceylon 

 by Mr. Goldingham. Plants of these may be had on application 

 to the Superintendent. The Sorghum brought to notice by Mr. 

 Balfour was also grown successfully. The " Ife" ( Sansievera Cy- 

 lindica) forwarded by Sir W. Hooker, e. e. s., has also been suc- 

 cessful. 



Large collections of Australian Seeds have been presented by 

 Colonel C. A. Browne and Colonel Lawford, and the collection of 

 Orchis has been enriched by valuable contributions from Major 

 General Johnson and others. A system of Correspondence is now 

 being organized whereby a mutual interchange of plants can be 

 effected. 



Finances of the Society. — The accounts for the year 1858 

 have been submitted to the Auditors and been found by them to 



