455 
Points of Interest. 
There are many other things which I should like to 
talk about in connection with this show. I have been 
specially interested in seeing the exhibit of the entomolo- 
gical department of the Federated Malay States Go\ em- 
inent and I hope that those of you who are practical men 
will not only look at it, and read the fascinating pamphlets 
which are obtainable, but that you will make use of the 
instruction given . There are other things m the show 
which point to the fact that we can, if we wish, have more 
than one string to our bow. There is a magnificent exhibit 
of coconuts and essential oils, for all of which a large 
market might be found were it not for the fact that rubber 
pays so much better; and there is a very interesting new 
exhibit of fibre, which I am sure may yet come to be of some 
importance to us. There are other things I cannot mention 
but I am sure you are all very hot and uncomfortable. I 
thank vou for the patience with which you have listened to 
me, and have great pleasure in declaring the show open 
(applause). 
Reprinted 
12, 1909. 
from “Straits Times,” Singapore, August 
THE PAIiMETTJM 
Botanic Gardens, Singapore. 
Plate IV. 
The collection of Palms growing in the Botanic Gar- 
dens, Singapore, is one of the most complete in existence. 
Probably the -only other more rich in species is that ot the 
Buitenzorg Botanic Gardens Java. The Singapore col- 
lection now contains upward of 95 genus and 270 species 
and these numbers are increasing yearly. Unfortunately 
the soil on which the Palmetum is formed is very poor and 
considerable care and expense is entailed in keeping t e 
collection in a healthy condition. . 
Our illustration (Plate IV) is a view of section of 
the Palmetum near the Herbarium and gives a fair idea of 
the decorative effect of this most useful family of plants. 
The chief charm of all tropical gardens is due to the gian- 
deur and beauty of many of the plants of this order. Palms 
under glass, however spacious the accommodation allowed 
them, fail to impress the mind as do the same subjects 
planted out of doors in tropical climates. 
