2 
(:o answer their purpose effectively, while being very ornamental and less expensive to keep 
in order than bamboo. 
Lake— This was cleaned out in May, and a large quantity of sand and mud removed, 
but. the rains have washed quantities of weeds down from the higher lands, which easily 
become established. They have been cleared out twice since. 
Hie Lily pond has been kepi in good order, but the Nelumbiums arc encroaching on the 
space alloted to the Nymph a*as so rapidly that 1 have found it necessary to make a separate 
pond for the former, which is now being made on flic site of the old rhinoceros house, 
lo prevent any accidents happening to horse:', a number of strong iron gratings have 
been placed on the drain-holes in various parts of the Gardens. 
Flower-beds. These,- with but few exceptions, have been re-planted during the year, 
and have been rather gay throughout. 
As regards the beds on the' terraces, I would suggest the propriety of re-modelling them 
altogether, as they have run out of shape a good deal, owing to repeated trimming with 
ehankols which .Tavarese coolies will persist in using, although more suitable tools are 
provided for tbe purpose. 
Tu addition, tbe planting in the early part of the year was done rather hastily, in 
consequence of the previous untidy state of the ground around the band-stand, and it is not 
quite so satisfactory as I could wish* and to render them a little more interesting, without 
in any way interfering with their ornamental use, 1 propose to collect the different species 
and varieties of the same genus together, as for instance, such large genera as Ixora, Bruns- 
elsia, Clerodendron, and Croton, Ac., Ac,, as this w ould give opportunities of comparing the 
species, and they would have a fixed place where they could always be found. 
Orchid House. — This is now fairly well covered with climbing plants, but I have not 
licensable to fill it with Orchids as yet. " 
Most of the Orchids have done well, and made good growth, especially the Assam and 
Burmese species, so that a good show of bloom may be expected this year. 
Over 150 species have bloomed during the year, and some of the best specimens have 
been sent to Government House while in bloom. The Bari dins still continues to give us a 
little trouble with such genera as JErides, Vanda ami Saeeolabium. 
Fernery. Little has been done to this, owing lo the frequent robberies of the best and 
rarest kinds that were perpetrated in the early part of the year. J 
It has been slightly extended and kept well supplied with plants. 
ITibse left alone have grown very well and math 1 good plants. 
Planting. — Very little lias been done in the Botanic Garden as there is now but little 
space that can be planted with additional trees. Vacancies have been filled up when they 
occurred. 
A Palm clump has been made near the Cluuy Bead entrance, and comprises over 70 
species already. 
A new border is being made behind the band-stand for shade-loving plants, such as 
Marantas, Zingiberads, Aroidea*, Ac., Ac. 
^ dVursery. Tbe new nursery and the new way of working it has answered very well. 
1,0/ T plants have been supplied from it during the vear. A list of the principal recipients 
ns appended. 
number of plants in bamboo-pots has been supplied to the Principal Civil Medical 
Officer for planting at. Tan Toek Seng’s Hospital, where all previous attempts to get the 
plants to grow had failed. 1 
Replying to my enquiry about these last planted, Dr. Rowell writes, under date 18th 
January, 1379, that they have done w r ell, and that the majority are now making fine, healthy 
young frees. 
This is doubtless owing to their being transplanted into the bamboos when very small, 
pi eventing any injury to their roots when put into permanent positions. 
Flower Ground.— This w r as formed in the early part of the year for the purpose of 
supply mgr cut flowers to subscribers, and so obviate the necessity of cutting them from the 
■if' S J n | 10 ' ,oramc Garden. It is now beginning to prove very useful for this purpose, and 
it a. little more ground was cleared and planted. I think we should soon cease to cut from 
the beds altogether. 
The average number of baskets of flowers supplied per month is above 100, 
Economic Garden. This is now commencing to assume a definite form, and to bo 
interesting, as a good number of Economic plants have been planted out and labelled.* 
Amongst the new plants introduced, I may mention tbe Bread-nut of Jamaica (Brosimum 
Alieastruin) Xeosmte (Euehlama luxurians),’ 28 varieties of E. Indian Mangoes,- Ebony, 
Oaiamander, 25 varieties of Sugar-cane from Saigon and Australia, Psidium guianense, 
Sappan, Divi Divi, Ac., Ac, 
This department of tbe Gardens will be very important if the land in the Native States 
is taken up as present appearances promise for planting purposes, as intending planters will 
doubtless apply to us in a great many cases for plants and seeds. 
Cinchona— Seeds of C. officinalis have been procured, and sent to some of the Native 
States, as the temperature of Singapore is too Lot to give much chance of, success here. 
iN one of the seeds, however, had germinated up to Hth February last, 
