4 
REPORT OP THE DIRECTOR OP THE 
new lawns which have been formed in the Botanic Gardens are kept in 
thorough order by a one-horse machine, attended by one man; and the 
work is efficiently done in this manner, whereas a garden cut up with 
innumerable straight paths, with narrow borders and mean edgings 
requires continual attention, and a far greater amount of labor. To 
obviate this as far as possible, I have adopted the system of broad grass 
edgings, which maintain a regular, smooth appearance, at a minimum 
cost of labor. The high opinions I expressed in my two previous annual 
reports respecting the Buffalo grass as being a splendid grass for lawns, 
has been practically demonstrated in these Gardens. It is also a very 
valuable grass for resisting the encroachment of sand on the coast, 
besides possessing other admirable qualities. The u Cynodon dactylon” 
or Couch grass, may be advantageously mixed with it. 
Trees numbering 682 and averaging in height from 7 to 35 feet 
were removed to the new lawns from the thickets bordering the old paths, 
and only five of the number died — an acacia, two Pittosporums, a Pinus 
insignis, and a Grevillea robusta — all of which are plentifully represented 
in the Gardens. The trees thus removed are doing well, and success- 
fully -withstood the two months’ excessively hot weather at the close of 
the summer. 
A lawn of several acres in extent, planted with Buffalo grass, has 
been formed on a space sloping down to the Botanic Gardens lake. It 
includes portions formerly occupied by the emu pens and monkey cages, 
and a part divided into segments by eight walks, three of which were 
parallel a few yards from each other. The rubbish yard and sheds 
formerly existing in this spot have been destroyed and the hedge of 
Pittosporum undulatum together with the thickets of Buddleia removed. 
The lawn has been grouped with plants of sub-tropical character, and 
the space affords pleasant glimpses of the lake. The temporary iron 
fence mentioned in my last report was removed as soon as the grass had 
properly covered the lawn, which now presents a beautifully even and 
verdant appearance. Many of the trees removed to this part of the 
Gardens are fully 25 feet high. In the months of May and June last a 
number of Palms were lifted consisting of u Chamserops excelsa,” and 
u humilis,” “ Corypha Australis,” “ Phoenix sylvestris,” “ Phcenix dacty- 
lifera,” “ Phoenix spin os a,” “ Areca sapida,” “ Latania Borbonica,” and 
others, together with some Zamias, Cycas, and Encephalartos. They 
were placed in suitable positions in the groups which now adorn this 
lawn, and without exception they have thriven remarkably well. 
Seventy fine Cycas of the species “media” and “ NormaribyancC' of 
