BOTANIC AND DOMAIN GARDENS. 
13 
whole of this part is now included in the Fern Gully. Many of the 
trees formerly growing in the spaces now occupied by the new lawns 
were removed to this gully. The walk replacing the bridge now dips 
into the hollow, affording a good view of the Fern Gully, with a back 
ground at the lower end of the islands in the lake. The overflow from 
the new reservoir may be here used most effectively in the creation of a 
trickling stream winding over the rocky boulder strewn bed of the 
gully. The sight and sound of such a stream would be in harmony 
with the surroundings, and add to the natural appearance of the spot. 
A rockery has been made on the Buffalo grass lawn near the gully. 
The ferns, both large and small, have developed luxuriant fronds, and in 
summer time, the cool, sequestered shade of the spot is generally appre- 
ciated. It was suggested, when the gully was in process of formation, 
that the ferns would fail before the trees planted could afford the 
top shade, but I am happy to say these prognostications have proved 
worthless, the matter being successfully accomplished during the second 
season for transplanting- since my appointment. The fern gullies of 
Victoria should be imitated in these Gardens, as opportunity allows. In 
these, more than anything else, the highest order of beauty is in the 
natural aspect given. Many cartloads of stones have been brought 
from the grounds of the Kew Asylum, for making rockeries, <fcc., in the 
Botanical Gardens. 
The number of visitors to the Gardens during the past year has been 
exceedingly great. The “Southern District” brass band performs every 
alternate Saturday in the grounds, in fine weather. It is gratifying to 
find that the Gardens are so extensively visited by the public, and that 
the lawns and other improvements made, are generally appreciated. 
During the past season, a good display of flowers was kept up through- 
out the Botanic Gardens until the drought set in. In my opinion flower 
gardening in such an extensive place should be concentrated in certain 
spots ; for nothing is gained in effect by scattering flowering annuals 
and herbaceous plants indiscriminately throughout a large garden. A 
corner of flowers here, or a bedding out there, can be watched; but 
flowers everywhere amongst trees aud shrubs become monotonous, and 
are out of place in those portions set apart for showing the various 
species of different orders of plants, an arrangement which must receive 
strict attention in any Botanic Gardens. I am most anxious to form a 
good Rosery in these Gardens. Though there are some magnificent 
collections of the “Queen of Flowers” around Melbourne, I have not 
seen a Rosery on a thoroughly grand scale in the colonies; and the 
Melbourne Gardens should certainly not be deficient of this beautiful 
