44. Lightning caused a number of tree casualties during the year. 
The whole crown of a 120 ft. high Anisoptera magistocarpa was blown off, 
the main trunk being shattered at about 80 ft. high from the ground by 
one direct strike on 16th August, 1965. A large tembusu ( Fagraea fragrans ) 
on Lawn J was also struck and the trunk split — see Plate I All the leaves 
had dropped from it in three days, but another tembusu on Lawn T, by the 
Director’s house, which was similarly struck in 1963, lingered with curious 
results. Bifurcate from about 15 feet height with two main trunks, the one 
trunk that was struck had a narrow strip of bark seared off along its length. 
There was no apparent ill effect for over 12 months, then the twigs of the 
damaged trunk began to show die back while the twigs of the undamaged 
trunk remained healthy. This continued till 30 months after being struck 
the damaged trunk had less than a quarter of the density of canopy that 
was on the other trunk. As branches were then becoming dead, the tree was 
removed. 
45. With the lowering of the water in the Lake to permit the walling 
to be done, there was an interesting reappearance of Nelumbium — a repetition 
of the outbreak of 1961 after the water had similarly been lowered. (See 
Annual Report, 1961, paras. 44-46.) There is no doubt that seed of this 
species retains a high degree of viability for a long time. 
46. Pests generally remained as the usual few: monkeys ( Macacus irus). 
Rhinoceros beetle ( Orcytes rhinoceros) and the Red Stripe Weevil 
(Rhynchophorus jerrugineus), but continuous prophylactic treatment is 
limiting the depredations of the insects. Several cases of monkey bite were 
recorded and one vicious male was shot. It must be recorded that this monkey 
had been somebody s pet for it had a wire round its neck, and had illegally 
been let loose in the Gardens. Animals released in this manner are not 
accepted by the residential troops, and if they are not mauled and driven off, 
they lead an outcast’s existence constantly attacked and harassed by the 
others with whom it would wish to associate. Release of pets in the Gardens, 
besides violating the Gardens Rules, is plainly an act of cruelty. 
XXV. HORTICULTURAL EXCHANGE 
47. Seed and plant exchanges continued to be an important aspect 
of the Horticultural Division’s activity. One seed collector was kept fully 
occupied. Exchanging institutions are listed in Appendices VIII and IX. 
XXVI. ISTANA DOMAIN 
48. The grounds were maintained in a satisfactory condition throughout 
the year. A number of small changes was made to the golf course, and the 
eradication campaign against Elephantopus scaber which was begun in 1960 
on the golf course (see Annual Reports: 1960 para. 72; 1961 para. 63; 1962 
para. 45) was extended to the out-lying parts of the Domain. Assistance of 
Works Brigade is gratefully acknowledged in undertaking this. 
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