BOTANIC AND DOMAIN GARDENS. 
19 
keeping transplanted trees and shrubs in good order during seasons of 
drought, will be an important one. If a larger staff of labor is provided, 
according to my estimates furnished, the grounds can be at once laid 
out, and the only expense afterwards would be the wages of the 
gardeners in keeping them in order. 
The Domain requires much preparation of the soil, and judicious 
planting, since in some places the earth is exceedingly poor. With 
careful attention, however, it can be made a most beautiful public 
ground. The road along the Yarra bank, as far as Prince’s Bridge, 
should be prepared, and in this case an avenue would be appropriate 
instead of the wild wattles ( Acacia mollissima) which though they now 
act as a temporary shade during the summer, are not particularly 
picturesque. In this instance it would be desirable to form the avenue 
in such a manner, that while the perspective lines, which are the chief 
beauty of an avenue are preserved, occasional openings will occur, 
through which visitors on the bank and the river, may obtain views 
of the landscape beyond. The site on which Government House stands 
is undoubtedly a most commanding and beautiful one, unsurpassed any- 
where in the colonies ; and the surroundings can be made worthy of the 
situation. Some good views can be created from the elevated ground 
by judicious planting, in which the distant city, with its tall spires, 
■would form a background, while many objectionable masses of bricks 
and mortar could be hidden. A study of the upper lines and undula- 
tions, and the preservation of the natural contour of the grounds, where 
harmonious, will materially aid in producing the proper effect. 
The footpaths of the South Yarra drive, and some of the walks in 
the Domain have cost much trouble to keep in order ; and with such a 
small staff of laborers in comparison with the immense size of the 
grounds, and the vast quantity of work which has had to be done, I 
have been compelled to limit the progress in proportion to the money 
available. The Government House orchard has been dug over many 
times during the past year; the old pear and apple trees have been 
pruned; and some choice orange trees from Messrs. Shepherd and Co.’s, 
establishment in Sydney have been planted around the croquet lawn. 
I have the honor to be, 
Sir, 
Your obedient Servant, 
WILLIAM R. GUILFOYLE, 
Director. 
