10 
REPORT OF THE CURATOR OF THE 
fine plants of Magnolia grandifiora were also placed on the islands, and 
additional specimens of the magnificent Eucalyptus ficifolia. The 
specimens of this tree — the grandest of its tribe — placed last year upon 
the lake islands, have grown five feet in height ; so that in a short time 
their masses of gorgeous scarlet bloom in the flowering season will add 
to the attractions of this locality. More than a thousand cart loads of 
valuable manure were removed from the bed of the large lake, and will 
be utilised in top dressing the new lawns during the present season. It 
was fortunate that this was done, as a subsequent severe storm nearly 
caused the lake to overflow, though it had been materially deepened. 
The Melaleuca scrub at the head of the large lake is a fine piece of 
natural scenery, and requires very careful handling. There is most 
decidedly room for improvement in this spot, as suggested in my last 
report ; by planting palms, Rhododendrons, Magnolias, and other suitable 
shrubs. Any treatment, however, must be undertaken with great fore- 
thought and deliberation. Until other portions of the design are com- 
pleted, this part may well be left in its present state for a time. 
Progress has to some extent, been made with another classification, the 
Conifer ce. The Piuetum occupies the place where (as described in a 
previous report) stiff formal rows of trees, seven or eight in number, 
were planted, a line of Araucaria excelsa being followed by an avenue 
of Pinus lialepensis, succeeded by another row of A. excelsa ; then a 
line of A. Cunninghamii, backed by yet another of A. Bidwilli, the 
whole presenting a monotonous appearance. All of these superfluous 
specimens, as they are removed, will be used for decorating other parts 
of the Garden ; and the work of addition will in time render this spot a 
complete Pinetum. 
Five hundred iron labels were written and placed in position during 
the year. Careful attention was also given to the renewal of old, 
defective labels. In the same period upwards of 8,000 wooden tallies 
were prepared and distributed ; of which number, over 1,500 were 
permanently secured by wire fastenings. I regret to say that great 
annoyance has been caused from time to time by the wilful displacement 
of labels, evidently the work of some person or persons, not only 
maliciously disposed, but also remarkably practical in their misappli- 
cation. Labels have been transposed in such a manner as to give rise 
to suspicions that none, save those well acquainted with the plants thus 
misnamed, could effect such ridiculous transpositions ; while the manner 
in which the wire fastenings were adjusted proved the Vandal to possess 
