8 
REPORT OF THE CURATOR OF THE 
are to be found several hardy orchids — including Dendrobi ums from 
Northern New South Wales and Queensland. Principal among the 
climbing plants are Passiflora, Tropseolum, Clematis, Lonchocarpus, Bank- 
sian Roses, Tecomas, Wisteria, &c., &c. Some of these graceful plants 
already hang in festoons from the branches of the shade trees. Judging 
from their rapid growth, the time is not far distant when they will throw 
overhead a leafy screen, studded with many hued flowers. Already this 
spot has proved a great attraction to the visitors, to whom the cool 
refreshing green of the fern fronds, and the shady aspect, give welcome 
relief from the fierce glare of the summer sun. Many fine plants of 
Macrozamia spiralis are distributed through this gully and the adjoining 
Palmetum, greatly adding to the tropical effect. In the lowest portion 
or dip of this fernery (where the iron bridge and bird-cages formerly 
stood), a glimpse is afforded of the rustic bridge spanning the lake. In 
arranging the Palmetum alluded to I have included the Cycadese, as they 
are closely allied to the Palms ; in fact they are intermediate between 
the latter and ferns. The classification in question may therefore be 
considered appropriately placed. The names of the species will be 
found appended. 
The rustic bridge just mentioned was designed principally to break 
the long line of embankment between the lakes, by bringing together 
the two promontories, which was done by a one-span arch. Greater 
variety in the scenery was obtained, by heightening the embankment, 
and grouping trees and shrubs thereon. At the southern end, a large 
Pinus halepensis and an Araucaria, together with some Corynocarpus and 
New Zealand Karaka, form a pretty clump ; while on the opposite side 
by massing Pittosporums of various shades of green, a few tall Coi'dylines 
peeping above them, and drooping to the water’s edge a group of 
Arundo or Danubian reed, the monotony of the scene has thus been 
relieved. 
Several Rockeries have been constructed. Close to the rustic bridge 
is an extensive one, containing a valuable collection of succulent plants ; 
such as various species of Opuntia, Cereus, Epiphyllum, Aloes, Yuccas, 
Agaves, Fourcroya, &c., which were formerly stored in the present 
fern-liouse. This house now contains, I have no hesitation in saying, 
the finest collection of Ferns and Lycopodes in the colony. Care has 
been taken to secure, by propagation, a supply of the succulent plants 
represented in the rockeries. The construction of the new bridge was 
effected by the ordinary labor employed in the Garden, directed by 
myself ; it is built in a most substantial manner, and the cost (f 50 ) was 
