812 
STRAITS SETTLEMENTS GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, MAY 22, 1885. 
36. — Over i, 160 lbs of seeds have been got together from various quarters and 
utilized for the benefit of the reserves. About 1,600 Herbarium specimens of 
plants affording material for scientific investigation, have been procured at an aver- 
age cost of $10 per 100 ; which, when the difficult nature of the country and places 
requiring to be visited is taken into account, must be considered reasonable. 
37. -— The buildings erected include quarters for the overseers, stations for the 
forest watchmen, coolies’ houses and plant sheds: in all 27 in number. 
* 
39. — A small Library of books on forestry has been formed for the benefit of 
the Forest Staff. A list of books received during the year is appended. 
40. — In conclusion, I would add that, irrespective of periodical tours through the 
Settlements generally, a good deal of my time has been taken up in travelling over 
the island of Singapore on special forest duty, such as reporting on forest lands 
applied for by Chinese cultivators, it being now the rule that all forest lands applied 
for should be reported on by the Forest Department in the first instance. 
These inspections entailed much heavy travelling and exposure, as in every 
case miles had to be walked on foot to reach the spot requiring inspection. 
41. — I may also mention that the amount of correspondence which the addi- 
tion of the Forest Department has thrown upon the Garden’s office has about 
quadrupled the business of previous years. 
N. CANTLEY. 
Singapore , ijth April, 1885. 
