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The English laui'el has now become established in the gardens, and 200 cuttings and 56 layers 
have been put down in the nm-series, and all look well. 
The available stocks for grafting were very poor this year, but some scions of apples and plums 
have been grafted on to the best of them. 
As will be seen below, a great deal of work was done in the nursery during the year in the way 
of propagating and distributing plants. The number of economic and ornamental trees, fruit trees, 
and general garden plants distributed during the year was 22,405, besides 1.420 cuttings and 67 packets 
of seeds. The number of plants — chiefly conifers and ornamental trees and shrubs — that were propa- 
gated and supplied gratis to the Board of Improvement, Nuwara Eliya, was no less than 12,668, and 
620 were supplied for the grounds at the Diyatalawa Camp. 
Borders and Sliriibheries^ Improvements, d'c. — 118,523 plants of ornamental trees and shrubs, 
herbaceous plants, and general garden plants and bulbs were set out during the year in the upkeep of 
the gardens, the majority, as usual, being showy annuals and edging plants. 
Much damage was done in various parts of the gardens by the high winds in June and July, and 
a good deal of labour was employed in cutting up fallen trees and clearing away debris. 
The filling in of the lower side of the drive opposite the lower lakelet was completed in January, 
and 230 square yards of turf was laid down there, which now forms a belt of nice green lawn. 
Some improvements were made at the back of the Picnic Arbour. The ground was dug up 
under the acacia trees and 195 square yards of turf laid down. 
A new border, 48 feet long, has been made on the north-east side of the eucalyptus clump and 
planted with various kinds of liliaceous plants. 
The patana around the new laboratory was cleared of undergrowth and weeds, a new 4-foot 
wide path 234 ft. long was made leading to this building, and 98 square yards of turf was laid on the 
banks in front. 
Fifty large plants of Cupressus macrocarpa were planted in the land between the fernery and 
old eucalyptus plantation. Two hundred assorted plants that have become too large for the nursery 
were also planted out in this land. 
The forest track leading from the upper part of the gardens to the large pool under the Hakgala 
rock has been cleared for a distance of 762 yards, so that it can be used with ease for bringing out 
posts, fence sticks, and other forest produce frequently required in the gardens. 
Classified Herbaceous Garden. — The bank on the east side of this garden, which was broken 
away by the heavy rains in March, has been rebuilt and turfed. 
Rose Garden and Rose Borders. — The rose plants in the several borders flowered very well at the 
beginning of the year, producing some really fine blooms, but those in the rose garden proper have not 
done at all well. These latter were all pruned, lifted, and re-planted during July and August. Although 
3ome plants have answered to this treatment, the majority have not improved, and I am afraid they 
will never do any good again. A fresh stock from Europe is now required to replace them. 
Flower Garden atid Floivers.—^o alterations or additions were made in the flower garden, but 
;he usual display of flowers was maintained. The flowers in the beds and borders in other parts of the 
gardens made a good show from January until the end of May and again in August and September. 
A plant of Magnolia grandifiora flowered well during November and December. Several of 
is handsome pure white flowers measured over 10 inches in diameter. 
Galophyllum Walkeri., the " Kina Tree'' of the Sinhalese. — It may be interesting to state that 
ihousands of these trees flowered most profusely during the first three months of the year. The masses 
)f white flowers in all the forests in this locality were very noticeable. 
Casuarina Plantation. — The plantation of Casua,rina montana has continued to thrive during 
he year. A small strip of land at the bottom, and another at the top has been cleared and planted 
vith 275 more plants. 
Villebrunia Integrifolia. — The cinchona planted on the plot of land cleared last year below the 
amphor plantation was all destroyed by sambur deer. This land has now been planted with Villebrunia 
ntegrifolia, an indigenous plant said to yield an excellent fibre. 
Quercus Cerris, " Turkey Oak. " — A piece of land above, and to the west of, the Casxiarina 
lantation has been cleared up and planted with 1,000 plants of the Turkey oak. This piece of land ia 
cod, well sheltered, and it is px-esumed that this species of oak will do well in it. 
Camphor. — The plants in the small plantation have continued to grow well. Several batches 
f specimens of the leaves and twigs have been forwarded to Mr. Bamber for further experiment in 
istillation. Six samples of the soil they are growing in were supplied to him for analysis in August, and 
