6 
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE 
The point of commencement selected by me to carry out the 
remodelling of the Garden was the part immediately surrounding the 
Director’s house, and therefore well watched. This ground was then 
enclosed, and choice camellias, azaleas, &c., thus protected from the 
attacks of larrikins. Previously, there were only two varieties of 
camellia in the Garden ; we have now eighty of the choicest sorts. My 
intention is to keep down the buds until the plants attain a good size. 
A large number of new azaleas and roses have also been planted. This 
portion of the Garden is now complete, showing broad lawns, thickly 
clothed with verdant grass, interspersed with varied picturesque groups, 
single specimens, and clumps of trees, and beds of brilliant flowers. 
This, as a finished portion of the design (of course allowing time for 
the plants to come to maturity) affords some idea of the intended 
general effect; and has attracted % great attention from the public. The 
proportion of visitors during the past year has been greatly in excess of 
the previous one; and from the notice generally taken of the alterations 
and the show of plants and flowers, it is evident that public interest in 
the progress of the Garden has much increased. I trust that this will 
continue ; and that the grounds will not only prove useful to the 
botanical student, but also become a favourite “ lung of Melbourne ” for 
those interested in beautiful scenery simply for its attractions. 
Much was accomplished near the Director’s house during the year in 
forming an entrance to the grounds by a broad, sweeping walk, which 
in its curvatures gives shape to a triangular bed of dwarf shrubs, in no 
way obstructing the view afforded of the spacious and picturesque sheet 
of water which is the grand feature of the Garden. Immediately below 
this bed a gently sloping lawn, descending to the edge of the Lagoon is 
being substituted for the narrow walks which in this part formerly 
crossed each other, and upon the sides of which grew so many common 
indigenous trees plentifully represented in other portions of the grounds. 
In this spot formerly stood the emu pens and monkey cages. 
Before commencing to obliterate these walks, I began to form groups 
in which tropical and sub-tropical plants will eventually be the 
prominent features. Through these, dispersed with a view to landscape 
effect, glimpses will be afforded of the clear lake, studded with islands, 
the careful plantation of which will materially add to the diversity and 
charm of the landscape. On this lawn I am endeavouring to imitate as 
much as possible natural tropical scenery. Most people will agree with 
me that it is far easier to lay out a new garden than to remodel one in 
which blunders have been made, not only in the general laying out but 
