BOTANIC AND DOMAIN GARDENS. 
7 
in the planting of trees and shrubs. It should always I think be the 
aim of those in charge of public gardens — not to reproduce vegetation 
which may be seen in other portions of such gardens — but to bring 
before the public, in special spots scenes of beauty not to be found 
elsewhere, by representing plants of a different character to those more 
or less common to the locality. Thus, on the lawn previously mentioned 
I have partly created groups of scenery which being uncommon will 
add to the attractions of the Garden. The iron fence at present round 
this lawn is merely a temporary one to prevent people walking over the 
ground until the buffalo grass with which it is being planted has time to 
spread and form a good sward. 
In my first report I mentioned this grass as splendidly adapted for 
edgings and lawns, and a visit to the Garden will prove that no other 
grass can excel — even if it can equal — the buffalo grass in clothing the 
surface on which it is planted for ornamental purposes. 
I intend making a good display (when means are available) upon 
that portion of the Garden known as the Melaleuca Scrub, on the north- 
eastern side, near the Botanical Bridge. This is an eligible spot for such 
plants as Magnolias, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Camellias, Ericas, Arbutus, 
Palms, Cycads, tree ferns, Hydrangeas and a host of others. It can 
be rendered one of the most attractive portions of the grounds. From 
here by a little art the lake surrounding it might be made to represent 
a beautifully winding river ; and glimpses might be occasionally had of 
the higher parts of the Garden. 
On the lawn near the Palm house, I am planting specimens of 
vegetation of the more temperate zone, such as numerous species of 
Abies (single specimens), many Pines, species of Oak, Poplar, Plane, 
Ash, Larch, Elm, Chestnut, Walnut, Beech, Holly, &c., &c., which 
cannot fail to prove interesting to the large number of visitors in whose 
recollections of “ Home ” these trees will find a familiar place. To pass 
gradually from the sub-tropical into the more temperate zone is in my 
opinion one of the chief objects to be kept in view in creating a public 
Botanic Garden. I am also adopting a rule of placing various species 
of any particular genus — such for instance as the Berber is, Veronica, 
Salvia, Bouvardia, &c., &c., in order one after the other, so that the 
visitor who may take an interest in knowing or learning the names and 
nature of the kinds of any particular tribe may see them at a glance. I 
intend creating a Palmetum at the head of the fern gully, as the spot 
chosen will not only be suitable, being sheltered, but appropriate in 
carrying out the idea of changing the character of the vegetation in 
