4 
Report on tlie Botanic Gardens, 
The following is a condensed summary of the work effected for the year, with a few 
general observations as to the requirements of the Department : — 
Fern Gullt. 
The value of the thorough trenching and the addition of suitable soil to the slopes of the 
Fern Gully, effected some two years ago, is now apparent in the vigorous growth of the ferns 
and other plants generally. 
Large numbers of ferns, both arborescent and dwarf, palms, including specimens of 
“ Nikau" (Areca sapida) and Livistona Australis (cabbage palm), Aralia papyrifera (rice paper 
plant), Cordylines, Marantas, and Musas (bananas), have been planted in this locality during 
the year, and have grown admirably, especially Musa ensete (Bruce’s banana), the finest of the 
genus as regards foliage. 
The numerous climbers planted throughout the gully have been trained, so as to hang 
in festoons from the trees, or to form canopies of foliage for the protection of the ferns from 
the scorching heat of the summer sun, whilst the trees and shrubs have been pruned of the 
lower branches in order to admit a free circulation of air and light. 
Lake. 
The- Lake having become almost dry during the extreme heat of summer and autumn, 
advantage was taken of a rise in the river to have the sluice-gates opened, and the lake refilled 
with fresh water. 
Several broods of young ducks (a cross between the English mallard and the Japanese 
black duck) have been hatched ; but the water rats are so numerous and voracious that great 
numbers are destroyed by them as soon ns' they m,ake their appearance on the water. Besides 
the raids made by the rats, I am sorry to say that several of our most beautiful birds have been 
either shot or stolen. A pair of the black swans have succeeded in rearing a brood of cygnets. 
The goldfisli annually spawn in the lake, and great numbers of young fish are hatched, but the 
cormorants devour them in incredible quantities. A number of English perch have been placed 
in the deeper and more secluded places, but I fear these share the same fate as the carp. 
It is not uncommon to find upwards of two dozen fish in the stomach of a bird when shot. 
Several raids have been made upon these pests, but although great numbers were destroyed, 
fresh flocks take the place of the defunct. The numerous exotic aquatic plants which have 
been placed in the lake from time to time, such as the Nile Paper Plant (Papyrus Anti- 
quorum, or Cyperus Papyrus), Nymphasa Alba, English Water Lily, &c., have become 
thoroughly acclimatised, wliilst the countless numbers of the Nile Trumpet Lily (Richardia 
iEthiopica), which fringe the margin of the water, show very beautifully when in flower. 
The trees and shrubs planted on the islands and on the banks of the Lake have grown with 
gTcat celerity, and add considerably to the picturosqueness of tire sheet of w#ter. 
Group of Colored Foliage Plants. 
The collection of plants with colored and variegated foliage, which is contained in the 
triangular bed at the head of the Fern Gully, has succeeded well, and has presented throughout 
the seasons a bright and cheerful appearance. Several new and rare kinds have been added. 
The effect of variegated or colored foliage against a dark-greeii background is always pleasing, 
and it often compensates for the absence of flowers during seasons of drought. 
Lawns. 
Palm House Larm. 
The Palm House Lawn, except where tbe ground is of a very poor nature, has been well 
maintained during the year. The bare places have been planted with couch grass, and have 
also been top-dressed wdth well decomposed manure. 
The Classified Groups, and those set apart for representative plants of Queensland 
continue to improve in appearance as the plants become established. Several new species have 
been added to the order Amaryllidere. The bed containing this order has been considerably 
enlarged. The two species of “ Spear Lily” — Doryanthes Palmeri, and D. Exoelsa both 
natives of Queeusl;ind and northern New South Wales, have flowered and produced seeds durino- 
tiie year. The bed surrounding the band-house has been planted with a mixture of variegated 
leafage consisting of Abutilons, Veronicas, and Chilian Beet, which contrast effectively with the 
turf. The large bed near the old Palm House, which formerly contained a number of Cordylines 
and Phormiums, having, for the want of a better site, been set apart for the display of Tulips, 
