5 
prove the South European Manna Ash to he highly desirable for introduction 
on a larger scale into the Australian Arboreta, this tree having well retained 
its verdure through the season. The Sophora Japonica, in France much 
recommended for lining walks, seems also well adapted to our climate, and 
flowered here for the first time this year. 
Various kinds of hedges have been planted, and other kinds will be 
added, so that visitors may judge on their relative value. 
In consetiuence of the removal of the quadrupeds from the northern 
reserve, it will be possible to devote the basaltic ground, w'hich the garden 
possesses only in that area, to the planting of rarer trees and to convert the 
whole into a park ; whilst it is hoped that, sooner or later, avenues will be 
formed from thence along the road to East INIelbourne, and thus a jfleasant 
promenade will be opened between South Yai’ra and the eastern part of the 
city. In carrying out this Avork much assistance was enjoyed from Mr. J. 
Ilarcourt, the Superiutendent of the Immigrants’ Home. By the aid of the 
MuuicqAality of Melboimie, the planting of weeping willows on the northern 
bank of the Yarra, opposite to our northern gTouud, has been effected 
In the domain between the city bridge and the gardens, the levelling 
of the drive marked out last year, has been completed ; the old roads and 
tracks have been obliterated, and the bare spots have been soAvn Avith grass 
and clover seeds. Since the domain ceased to be pasture laud, young 
natAe trees sprung up, which, together with the piues next season to be 
planted on the brow of the Yarra ridges, are likely to giA^e a pleasing asjiect 
to this desolate locality. A series of Corsican Pines has been planted along 
the St. Kilda road. At the summit of the ground, Avhere such a delightful 
view is commanded over the city, suburbs, bay and the garden, a circular 
enclosure of iron fencing has been erected surrounding a number of elms. 
It is to be hoped, that AAuth the proposed early extension of the Yan 
Yean aqueduct to the ncAv ban’acks, the opportunity will arise of bringing 
the water-pipes also across the ridges of the domain and thence to the 
Botanic Garden. The command of a con, slant supjAly of water for uTigation 
Avould greatly increase the growth and verdure of all our plants, Avhilst by 
such means much labor Avould be saA'ed in the attendance to our plantations. 
For the formation of fountains opportunities would simultaneously ai’ise. 
, An-angements have been made for the plantation of elms between the 
rows of Eucalyptus trees along the domain dri\’e. For the reception of 
these trees and for effecting in the sterile soil the necessary fertilisation and 
drainage, the ground Avill be trenched in a continuous line from the Immi- 
gration Depot to the gardens. Several hundred good-sized Aveeping AvilloAA’s, 
obtained from Messrs. Smith and Adamson, haA^e beeii planted around the 
lagoons near the city bridge, Avhere their graceful forms are likely to remove, 
at no distant time, the monotony of an unsightly locality so near to the 
metropolis. 
It is my intention to erect some boAvers in localities of the garden 
from Avhence the most cheerful view can be enjoyed ; to form a naiTOAv Avail 
of basalt boulders along the base of the Araucaria ridge; to proceed Avith 
the formation of the Avalk at the western entrance of the garden, and to have 
the south-Avesteru slopes on the lake prepared for the growth of such plants 
as delight in humid Aalleys or requhe sheltered positions. The formation of 
islands in the lagoon may he deferred to some future period, for although 
they Avould enhance the beauty of the landscape they Avill iiiAmlve a consider- 
able outlay without being of immediate necessity. In rcgai-d to groupings 
of roses, of dahlias, other florist flowers and bulbs, and the formation of 
rockeries, much is yet left to be done, but rich collections of the plants 
needed for these purposes have gradually accumulated in our nursei'ies. 
The garden vegetation may also at an early period be rendered more 
picturesque by the introduction of the tall Indian Bamboo, whicJi seems 
hardy in our colony ; by the Pampas Gynerinm, and along. the edges of the 
No. 105, — a. 
