6 
40. — Library. — The Garden Library is contained in one large case 
with glass doors which I had constructed for the purpose at a cost of 
$35, and has been placed for the present in the Garden Office. For list 
of books added during the year, see Appendix B. 
41— Sale of Plants, &c., from tlio Gardens.— The opening of sale 
of plants from the Garden at nominal rates is much appreciated by the 
public, who have largely availed themselves of the privilege. For the 
number of plants sold during the year, see para. 75 and for receipts of 
sales, see Appendix A. 
* 
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE GROUNDS. 
42. — Clearing and Levelling. — The chief improvements to the 
grounds during the year have been the clearing away of the old plant house 
erected in the centre of the Garden, a Coolie-house, and another old 
building from same quarter which had been condemned as unfit for use 
as well as occupying a very objectionable position. 
43. — These being removed the sites were found very uneven and had 
to he cut down and remodelled over* a space of 9,000 square yards. The 
whole of which being got into the necessary shape of slope and terrace 
was turfed over with grass, a work which occupied the majoritv of the 
effective staff for several months. * 
44. — This work has removed one of the most objectionable features of 
the Gardens, and opened up to view at the same time some line clumps of 
Mascarine palms and other objects of interest previously hidden; while 
the addition made to the grass lawn has been an extensive one and affords 
room for the formation of a Rosary which has been made during the pres- 
ent year. 
45. — West Entrance. — The corner shrubbery at West Entrance 
which always presented an unsightly spectacle was taken in hand about 
the middle of the year, a grass verge laid down in front, behind which 
the soil was raised about 1 foot over a superficies of 50 square vards 
and mostly planted with ferns — plants which the heavy shade -af- 
forded by the surrounding trees made particularly suitable. The ferns 
have grown well and the corner from being one of the most unsightly has 
now reverted to the opposite extreme. 
4*6. — Improvements to Lawn North of North Boundary Walk — 
The lawn north of North Boundary Walk which passes the aviary 
has been slightly raised over its whole surface, and closely turfed over. 
The area of the ground thus covered is about 400 square yards, and 
extends the whole length of the walk. 
47.- ew Shrilhhcric: — Behind this lawn a shrubbery border lias 
been made to form a back ground and line the edge of the jungle passion 
between the lawn and plant houses. This shrubbery has been planted 
with a variety of introduced trees and shrubs. 
48 — Planting out of Specimen Plants. -On the removal of the 
collection of foliage plants from the old plant house, advantage was taken 
to plant out one specimen of each kind of Croton contained in the col- 
lection. These form a line on each side of the terrace walk near the 
Bandstand, and have been labelled with printed slate labels. The plants 
have taken away the bare unfurnished appearance which this walk pre- 
viously presented, and their bright coloured leaves make a pleasirm 
contrast with the heavy dark green of their surroundings. 
