9 
immediate effect. This natural arrangement would afford varying glimpses of the more picturesque 
portions of the grounds instead of the present formal appearance of three stiff rows of trees, and would 
admit, in suitable places, of a foreground of light plants and flowering shrubs, as shown in a sketch 
attached to my Report of August last. 
Last month (April) the time was principally occupied in the Domain in planting large trees and 
shrubs, preparing and planting the islands at Prince’s Bridge, collecting manure, carting soil, and 
clearing the orchard of weeds. The islands at the Bridge are, in my opinion, too numerous and not of a 
sufficiently irregular and natural appearance ; but such as they are they have been planted and the best 
possible appearance given to them. I have to acknowledge the kindness of the Colonel Commandant in 
giving the use of a pontoon raft for the carriage of trees, &c., to the islands for planting, without which 
it would have been impossible to carry over the water such huge specimen trees. 
The projected reservoir for supplying the Botanical and Domain Gardens should be of such 
magnitude as to afford moisture in seasons of drought to the vast plantations of trees which, in course of 
time, will be formed through the grounds of both Gardens. It has been decided to place this reservoir 
upon the laboratory hill, which is the highest point in the Domain. 
The terrace at the eastern end of Government House can be made one of the most pleasing 
features in the vicinity of that building. I quite agree with the suggestion of His Excellency the 
Governor that the croquet ground should be in this spot, instead, as in the original plan, of being fixed 
at such an inconvenient distance from the house as the extreme end of the lawn. The principal flower 
garden will also appropriately he created upon this terrace, and will be especially distinguished for its 
collection of the choicest and most beautiful varieties of flowers, harmoniously and tastefully arranged. 
I suggest the buffalo grass, to the sterling qualities of which I have previously alluded, as being 
in all respects the most suitable for covering the splendid lawn to be formed in front of Government 
House, as, when once thoroughly spread, which would not be long, it would ever present that emerald 
green and beautiful appearance which in this climate, as proved by the experience of last summer, no 
other grass possesses. Small portions of it in the Botanical Garden were flourishing when even the 
Indian Doub grass had suffered from the heat, while other grasses were entirely burnt up. 
I have the honor to be, Sir, 
Your obedient servant, 
WILLIAM R. GUILFOYLE, 
23rd May 1874. Curator, Domain and Botanical Gardens. 
By Authority : Johx Ferres, Government Printer, Melbourne. 
B 
No. 30. 
