1 12 
receipts and it should be mentioned that it is not as easy now as 
formerly to obtain new plants, particularly novelties, by exchange, 
owing to the preference for temperate rather than tropical plants in 
home gardens. To obtain new varieties a small sum must be 
expended for which an assured return may be expected. New 
plants if novelties are much in demand. 
Routine. 
8. During the absence of the Superintendent for one year, the 
garden was kept in good order and the general appearance 
maintained. There remained, however, some urgent arrears which 
have now been carried out. All the South American Cattleyas, 
the beautiful Orchids so much admired, were losing their vigour 
and these have been repotted and are making new growths. In 
the other plant houses all the pot-plants have been repotted, 
rearranged, and represent care and culture. 
Improvements. 
9. The Penang Garden is now 25 years old and when first 
commenced it contained many interesting indigenous specimens of 
trees and palms which have been preserved, while the groups and 
specimens since planted have made so much growth that the time 
has arrived for some landscape effects. Some years ago the water- 
fall was the most striking natural feature of the garden, but latterly 
it was not easy to view from any part of the garden, and escaped 
the notice of most visitors. The best view of it which is from the 
Band-stand has been improved by the removal and pruning of 
superfluous foliage. The waterfall itself is considerably overgrown 
and if permission can be obtained it should be recleared during the 
next dry weather. 
The most important landscape effect has, however, been obtained 
by opening a vista from a point on the main drive near the entrance 
to the garden looking across the stream towards the plant nurseries. 
The two cascades over the stream are brought prominently into view 
and a long border of brilliant coloured Cannas between the cascades 
of water furnishes a pleasing picture. Some other flower-beds have 
been added and the general appearance of this part of the garden 
has been made brighter. The work involved the removal of a huge 
clump of the common and rather formidable bamboo ( Bambusa 
spinosa). This species grows into an almost impenetrable mass 
which is difficult to destroy (unless by fire which cannot be used in 
a public garden) so that the task of removing it proved an arduous 
one. 
The main drive already referred to has been slightly improved by 
reducing an ugly bend. 
10. By far the largest undertaking however has been the com- 
mencement of converting the ravine running from the circular road 
to the swimming bath into a natural rockery for the reception of 
the large collection of Aroids and certain shade-loving Palms. 
