5 
Most of the old roads and tracks in the reserve have been obliterated during the 
o 
formation of new lawns or their restoration. Several thousand plants, rare or new to our 
establishment, have been transferred from the nmseries to the open flower-borders, and thus 
by the annually augumeuted variety of plants in our shrubberies increased interest will 
be displayed in the floral treasures of our^ garden. South African and West Australian 
shrubs, the majority of which being exceedingly gay and ornamental, are found particularly 
desirable in resisting the trying effects of hot winds. But it is sincerely to be hoped that 
after this year we shall not be without the boon of a general system of irrigation, which 
by the expected approach of the Yan Yean pipes to South Yarra could be introduced to 
our ground at comparatively limited expense. 
The Chamomile edgings have been very extensively renewed. The New Zealand 
flax has been jilanted to a considerable extent along the Yarra and lagoons, to be available 
for copious supplies over all districis of the colony. Probably no fibre-plant is entitled to 
greater attention than the Phormium, which, whilst it recommends it.self on account of its 
remarkable facility of growth, its plentiful yield and ornamental appearance, furnishes a 
fibre almost as strong as silk. The plant moreover may be grown in .such swampy or 
inundated localities as are not suitable for any other culture. 
It has been my aim to establish gradually natural hedges in various parts of the 
garden, with a view of assisting to ascertain which species are best adapted for permanently 
enclosing farms and gardens. The cultivation of various prickly Acacias and Hakeas, the 
Osage Orange, Hawthorn, Cape Broom (Genista Canariensis), South African Ceonothu.=, 
Whin, Prickly Pear, having engaged our attention for this purpose. Perhaps also the 
White Mulbeny might be advantageously used for forming hedges, and mthout occupying 
areablc grmmd would at a later period furnish the material of a new branch of industry 
in the rearing of sillcworms. A large quantity of young plants, cuttings and seeds of 
this promising tree, were distributed last season, by which means it may be to any extent 
multiplied throughout the country, as it has been remarked that nothing surpasses the 
facility with which it may be increased from cuttings. 
Many different trees, protected by iron guards or fencing, have been planted in 
the northern zoological reserve, not merely to enhance the beatity of the park-hke spot, 
but also to subject certain species cultivated on the southern ground in decomposed 
Silurian rock to a trial in the basaltic soil of the northern enclosure. 
During this season it has been one of our objects to secure large quantities of seeds 
of some of oiu rapidly-growing trees, for introduction into timberless countries stretching- 
through climatic zones similar to ours. Supplies were forwarded to Algeria, Port Natal, 
United States, and the Feejee Islands. Consignments of such seeds mil be also made early 
this season, on request, to the Government of Hong Kong and to the British Consulate of 
Jerusalem. 
Attention has repeatedly been directed to the great resources we possess throughout 
many of our littoral momitaiu districts in our fine Blue Gum Eucalypti Shipments of their 
wood have already taken place to ports of India, otherwise famous for their timber, where 
also the value of this tree on account of its dimensions and durability, both in a dry and wet- 
state, is now fully recognised ; and it is deserving of our deep consideration, whether a much 
felt want of thnber for ship-building in Great Britain cannot be supplied from this colony. 
A renewed display of our resources in timber, for which the forthcoming grand 
Exhibition in London will offer an appropriate occasion, cannot be otherAvise than 
beneficial to the colony. _ _ r .u- 
Many plants of interest and utility have been brought into possession of this 
establishment during the past year. Amongst them I may enumerate the Br^dfruit 
tree, received from the Feejee Islands thi-ough the kind aid of Sam. James, Esq., o 
Levuka, the Madagascar Lace-plant, brought from the Botanic Garden of Mauritius by 
Captain Russell, of the Grecian Queen, the Canadian Blackberry, mtroduced by Mr. G. 
Elliot, several rare pines, &c. ■tA.dditional importations are dafiy expected. 
No. 19. b. 
