12 
Report on the Botanic Gardens^ 
Pinus, have been planted in various parts of the domain. Although a considerable amount of 
labor and trouble was expended in the laying out and forming of the new gravelled walks 
through the domain, for the convenience of pedestrians to and from Melbourne, a portion of 
those for whose benefit these footpaths have been made, persist in making fresh tracks for 
themselves through the grass, thus causing much annoyance and a useless waste of time in 
trying to stop it. The dust from the St. Kilda road having accumulated to a considerable 
depth alongside the picket fence enclosing the domain, and evidence of the decay of the timber 
having become apparent therefrom, the accumulation of debris has been removed along the 
whole frontage of the St. Kilda road. Besides the foregoing items of work, the eradication of 
noxious weeds, thinning out of young wattles where they interfered with exotic plants, pruning 
the lower branches of trees so as to prevent damage by fire, carting of soils, stones, gravel, &c., 
lifting and relaying pipes, transplanting trees and shrubs, assisting in new works in the 
Gardens, and other incidental work, has fully occupied the staff of men allotted to the Domain. 
In conclusion I beg to state that the numerous trees and shrubs which have been planted in the 
Domain add materially to its appearance ; and taking into account the reduction of the staff, 
and the amount of work which has been got through in Government House Grounds and the 
Botanic Gardens, this portion of the grounds is in fair order, seeing that it has never been 
drained nor trenched. 
I have the honor to be. Sir, 
Your obedient servant, 
WILLIAM R. GUILFOYLE, 
Director. 
