4 
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE 
Camellias, and other choice shrubs. These were placed in this enclosure 
for protection, to be propagated extensively for the decoration of other 
parts of the ground. The new borders received large numbers of 
flowering plants — Chrysanthemums, Pelargoniums, Oxalis, Mesembry- 
anthemums, Lantanas, and bulbs — the latter such as Amaryllis, Narcissus, 
Nerine, Ixia, Iris, &c. In the Fern Gully two large specimens of 
Ficus, 20 feet high, were placed ; a Loquat 8 feet high ; a Balfouria, 25 
feet ; Gleditschias and Ailanthus, 25 feet, and other large trees, to shade 
the ferns. Early iii August the new collection of camellias in pots was 
planted out. The botanical collection including many hundred species of 
dried plants, carpological specimens, &c., was formed. It is being 
continually added to, and will ultimately prove exceedingly useful for 
reference. A new walk at the back of the Fern Gully was made ; and 
spaces cut through the Melaleuca scrub, to afford glimpses of the Lake 
scenery. A temporary strip of ground for a collection of grasses was 
prepared and planted, the grasses being duly labelled. 
In December the rose stocks in the Garden were budded, and an 
Amaryllidaceous bbd was formed and planted. From Bishopscourt, 
1,093 plants were received, having been purchased by the Public Works 
Department some time previously. Throughout the warm weather, every 
attention was paid to maintain an effective floral display in the Gardens; 
in fact, this was done throughout the 3 'ear as far as possible, a succession 
of bloom suitable to the seasons being kept up, the roses at this time 
receiving special attention, while the annuals and other flowering shrubs 
were very plentiful. Lawns and groups were in many places substituted 
for long formal beds, containing dry, poor soil ; and large quantities of 
earth, were carted to improve the condition of the beds. The soil of the 
Palm House Lawn is very poor and I intend this season to topdress it 
with rich mould to make the grass exuberant in growth. 
In the Domain, large trees were planted, and drained by cutting long 
open drains in the stiff clay, the rockery planted with Agave, Aloe, 
Gasteria, Sedum, Mesembryanthemum, and other suitable plants. 
The Rhododendrons from the American Garden were removed to the 
nurseries in the Botanic Garden. Many large trees — Piuus, Araucaria 
and Cupressus, were transplanted from the Botanic Garden ; new walks 
were formed ; the planting of the Fern Gully in the private grounds 
continued, and the pruning in the orchard accomplished. About 60 
elms were planted along the edge of the Domain, next the St. Kilda 
Road, Palms, &c., were also planted, with other miscellaneous plants 
suitable for effective grouping. Much danger was caused during the 
