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them to carry on the Gardens in the’ way 
they were intended to be carried on by 
the original founders, made a proposal 
to the Government, that the Gardens 
should be handed over to them, in order 
that they might be placed upon a proper 
scientific footing. 
This proposal was accepted by the 
Government, and the late Mr. MurTON 
(recommended by Sir J. D. Hooker) 
was appointed Superintendent. 
Mr. Murton’s thorough knowledge 
of his work soon enabled him to raise 
the Botanical Gardens to a place of first 
utility. 
During the five years of his holding 
the office of Superintendent, he increased 
the number of known species in the Gar- 
dens, from about five hundred to over 
thirteen hundred. 
In 1880, Mr. MURTON left the Colony, 
and entered the service of the King of 
Siam. 
He died in Bangkok the same year. 
Mr. Murton was succeeded by the late 
Mr. CANTLEY, then Assistant Director 
