REPORT OF THE CURATOR OF THE 
20 
members of the band gave their services gratuitously ; and the thanks 
of the public are due to them for their liberality, in providing such an 
excellent entertainment. It gives me great gratification to state that 
on the last occasion, when a moonlight concert took place in the grounds, 
the conduct of the large number of people who attended was most 
orderly. So far as I could ascertain, not the slightest damage was done, 
even to the displacement of a label ; and the grounds might in my 
opinion be safely used for a similar purpose many times during the year. 
It is evident that an interest has been created in the public mind, con- 
cerning these Gardens, which induces visitors to aid in protecting them 
from the depredations of what is called the larrikin element. I have 
had occasion in previous reports to complain of flower and plant rob- 
beries committed in the Gardens, and in some degree these still continue, 
plants being taken from the borders, and even out of the houses in spite 
of the strict watch kept. A watchman is employed to patrol the Botanic 
Gardens all night, and measures are taken to ensure the watch being a 
vigilant one. 
A rough estimate was taken of the entrance of visitors on the first 
Sunday of this month (June) ; the number exceeded 2,000. A very 
great attendance may therefore be anticipated during the more favorable 
seasons. I have had written and posted up in various parts of the 
Garden the following very excellent notice copied from one to be seen 
in the Fitzroy Gardens, signed by Sir Charles Gavan Duffy. The 
same suggestion was made by the Hon. J. J. Casey when Minister for 
Lands, who saw a similar notice in the Berlin Botanic Gardens : — 
“ These Gardens were established for the recreation and enjoyment of 
the People ; and the improvements are placed under their guardianship.” 
The public are thus reminded that they are the natural custodians of this 
national property, maintained for general recreation and instruction. 
Government House and Domain Grounds. 
A large amount of work has been done during the year in the private 
grounds attached to Government House. The borders round the base 
of the house, varying in width from 5 to 10 feet, had inferior soil re- 
placed by rich earth, to a depth of 2 feet. The Fountain Court was 
top-dressed with good soil, and flower-beds cut out in the sward. These 
beds were filled with gay flowering plants, and kept up a very bright 
appearance during the year. The orchard was dug over several times 
