BOTANIC AND DOMAIN GARDENS. 
11 
no prentice hand. Every precaution has been taken to guard against 
this malignity or senseless practical joking, whichever it may be. 
Metal labels, with stamped numbers, have been largely employed. 
Founts of steel type have been procured for stamping names — -a system 
which will ultimately save great time, labor, and expense. The letters 
will be filled with a preparation of hardened vermilion, producing an 
agreeable effect. 
Two summer houses, or kiosks, have been completed, and a third 
nearly so. The latter stands above the Fern Gully, where the beautiful 
order of the Lilies will be arranged. All are of a rustic design, con- 
structed of superflous wood from the wattles lining the Yarra banks. 
The floors are composed of blocks of wood, laid down in a sort of tessel- 
lated pattern, and in a substantial manner. Seats to accommodate 50 
persons surround the interior. Two pipes have been laid in the grounds, 
from which a supply of Van Yean water can be obtained by visitors. 
Considering the great number of people who visit the Gardens, it is 
very desirable that drinking fountains should be liberally provided 
throughout the grounds. There should also be one grand fountain in 
the centre of the Gardens, forming an attractive feature and supplying a 
useful purpose. One of the pipes supplies a small fountain near the 
rustic bridge ; the other is at the entrance gate near the office. 
A large portion of the Palm house lawn (which has been increased by 
several acres) has been planted with groups of Queensland trees which 
have thriven remarkably well, the ground having previously been care- 
fully drained. These groups have all been labelled with botanical and 
common names. Labels having a red mark underneath signify that the 
plant is also indigenous to New South Wales. This geographical dis- 
tribution has proved very interesting to visitors from the neighboring 
colonies, enabling them to recognise at one glance many old acquaintances, 
while the various trees and shrubs, changeful in their hues as they are 
diversified in size and age, fall agreeably upon the eye as it glances upon 
them from the unbroken sward. 
The floral display during the year appeared to give general satisfac- 
tion, and attracted a large share of attention. This matter will of 
course be properly attended to during the ensuing year. Here I may 
mention that I have this year asked for two lodges, one to be placed 
opposite Park street, the other at the principal entrance gate to the 
Gardens from the St. Kilda road. A third might be advantageous] v 
placed at the entrance gate of the Domain, opposite the barracks. The 
