BOTANIC AND DOMAIN GARDENS. 9 
the Buffalo grass lawn. This year I propose to remove the present 
bridge, which is not in keeping with the surroundings, and construct a 
rustic one in its stead, with one simple arch. An Agonis jlexuosa, 
Acmena pendula, and some Melaleucas of large size, have been planted 
on either side of the bridge, so as to divide this embankment; which 
even now, appears monotonous by reason of its length. When the 
bridge alluded to is built, however, there will be a better opportunity to 
complete this portion of the lake scenery. In this, as in other projected 
improvements, I am compelled to regulate progress according to the 
money at my disposal. 
The sloping bank to the lake where the experimental Garden now 
exists, and at present clothed from end to end with Willows , Fraxinus , 
Ulmus , Aloes , Ricinus , Cypress , Finns , &c., &c., has straight paths 
running down to the lake. This part of the grounds could be trans- 
formed into a most picturesque spot, and various orders arranged in 
groups. The Amaryllidce have been grouped near the band-stand, 
on the Palm house lawn; near this the Liliacece will be arranged a 
little lower down, and nearer again to the lake the Iridacece . The 
Liliacece , Cordylines , Draccenas and Yuccas , will be beautiful objects 
with Ripogonums, and other climbing plants of the tribe, planted at 
their stems. They would tower far above the Aloes , Pkormium (or 
New Zealand flax), Ruscus, Arthr op odium, Astelia, Dianella, Ornitho - 
galum and Hyacinth , &c., &c., and altogether form an interesting 
collection for the student of botany. The tea-tree scrub at the head of 
the lake should not be altogether destroyed, but it*.might be much 
improved as I have pointed out in my last annual report. At present it 
is a swamp, quite impassable for visitors in winter time. It might be 
raised with good soil to be obtained from the bottom of the lake. The 
scrub could be so thinned out as to form glades and vistas, opening on 
lawns of grass, upon which groups could be formed, of the order 
Ericacece . In this of course would be included the Ericas themselves, 
an abundant supply of which, can be obtained from Victorian nursery- 
men. The varieties of Rhododendron, Arbutus, Kalmia, Azalea , 
Andromeda and a variety of others belonging to the same order would 
be placed here. The Magnoliacece too, of which we have already so 
many representatives, and the Hydrangeas with their gorgeous blue 
and pink flowers, would also grow well in such a situation. A variety 
of foliage could be created here, such as could not under any circum- 
stances be grown in any other part of the grounds with the same 
success. Palms would also succeed; the masses of tea-tree affording 
