16 
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OP THE 
Then of course it is to be considered that the scenery must harmonise as 
a whole. The old System ground on the eastern slope of the Gardens is 
a great eyesore, it is not by any means complete as far as the number 
of orders of plants to be found in the grounds is concerned. In some 
beds as many as nine orders are mixed up [together, generally tending 
only to confuse the botanical student. The whole garden should be a 
system so to speak, and the various orders of plants so arranged as to 
prove not only picturesque, but instructive. Of course great care is 
necessary in pursuing this course, especially in representing the vegetation 
of the different zones. At every step the visitor should see something 
to remind him that he was in not only a Landscape, but also a Botanic 
Garden. Long borders of mixed flowers upon either side of footways I 
therefore wish to avoid, as much as possible; and now that well curved 
walks to the various gateways are nearly completed, rich swards of grass 
will form an agreeable substitute for needless pathways, crossing each 
other at right angles, or radiating from various centres. 
The matter of supplying labels of trees, and shrubs, of an appropriate 
color, to replace the white ones now in use, is occupying my attention. 
They will bear a common English name for each plant, besides its 
botanical name, properties, &c., where of sufficient importance to render 
the latter necessary. There is a collection of plants of medicinal proper- 
ties, which is continually being increased, and which will eventually be 
arranged in a suitable situation, for the convenience of those interested 
in such plants. A proper experimental Garden is much needed, and 
this also will receive attention as speedily as possible. The present one 
upon the bank of the lake is utterly unfit for the purpose. In this 
experimental Garden will be placed collections of fibre plants, gums and 
dyes, and those suitable for paper making, &c., &c. Many kinds of such 
preparations were forwarded (as stated in my last year’s report) to the 
Philadelphia Exhibition. This year a still larger collection was sent to 
the Geelong Exhibition; and another to an Exhibition to be held at 
Amsterdam. The latter includes a collection of Polished Victorian 
Woods. Through the kindness of F. R. Kendall, Esq., Agent of the 
Peninsular and Oriental Mail Company, the collection for Amsterdam, 
was forwarded free of all charges for freight. With the Geelong and 
Amsterdam exhibits I forwarded descriptive catalogues, and with those 
for Amsterdam I also sent the appended essay on the fibres, &c . I also 
appended a descriptive Catalogue of Grasses in the Botanic Gardens, 
which affords valuable information on this important subject, and a copy 
of a letter to the Commissioners of the Melbourne Exhibition, also con- 
taining information respecting fibres, &c., shown at the exhibition. 
