[ 8 ] 
sand against the sides, it cannot be used in all cases. Several of the 
smaller walks stand in need of side drains. 
• 
10. Orchid and Plant House . — During the past year, the orchids have 
all been re-potted in more suitable baskets made of galvanised wire, 
which have the advantage of being both neat and durable. It was with 
some diffidence at first that I used the galvanised wire, thinking it might 
have an injurious effect on the tender rootlets which are so abundantly 
developed in all the family; by experiment I found my fear groundless, 
and in consequence have had the remaining orchids put in similar- 
baskets. 
The remaining plants which are here arranged for effect, as in a 
conservatory 'at home, are, I regret to say, not happy in their situation, 
owing to the low fiat roof which; is covered with creepers; the superin- 
cumbent weight is causing the roof to give way in several places, and 
the wooden supports are also in a decayed state owing to white ants. 
• 
11. Propagating Department . — This important department has. in- 
creased considerably since the inauguration of “ sales of plants M by the 
Superintendent; although only one sale has taken place during the year, 
the work of propagation has been actively carried on, and a large quantity 
of plants is now available for sale. In addition to various economic 
plants, a great demand for our native India rubber plants has sprung up, 
upwards of 2,000 having been sent to Ceylon alone. Various plants have 
also been supplied to the Malay College, the Hospitals, new Criminal 
Prison, Dhoby Green, Government H ouse, and also to Perak. 
12. Oranges . — During the year, two large Wardian cases of selected 
oranges were received, containing varieties sent by the Director of the 
Botanic Gardens, Sydney, to !Iis Excellency the Governor-, who liberally 
distributed them between Singapore, Penang, and Perak. 
13. Economic Grounds .— These grounds have occupied by far the 
greatest amount of time and attention during the past year. For some 
considerable time back, the question as to how these grounds eould.be 
arranged to accommodate the rapidly increasing plants of economic value 
and interest, has occupied considerable attention, and has resulted in a . 
plan drawn up by the Superintendent before his departure for Europe, 
in which he proposed to extend the grounds considerably by cutting 
down jungle (secondary growth), and clearing the slope of one of the 
hills of Lalang, “ tin pe rata KmnigiiV' by which the grounds w ere bounded. 
In connection, it was also proposed to form an arboretum for our native 
timber trees; and also have a piece of ground for shewing the various 
fruits of the Settlements. It will hardly be necessary to say that this 
work is as yet incomplete, although during the year great progress has 
been made. The Lalang hill referred to has been dug over, and the 
roots picked out (a most tedious process); the ground was then levelled 
and laid down in grass; a walk has also been made parallel to it. A 
most interesting experiment was tried during the progress of the work, 
it was found necessary to move 200 Liberian Coffee trees which were just 
commencing to fruit; the operation being done carefully, only 5 or 6 of 
1 ie trees died, which goes to prove that, with care, trees may be moved 
ut almost any time, or in any condition. This ground, together with the 
VrT 11 * l )ur ^ on cleared, was subsequently turfed over; considerable 
difficulty was experienced in finding a sufficiency of turf, whose chief 
benefit- is to prevent the surface soil from being washed away. , The 
intending grouping, either botanically or commercially, such as arranging 
together in groups plants which produce oils, resins, gums, fibres, medi- 
cines, cordage, food, &e., &c., will be a great improvement. 
♦ 
