3 
Acquisitions and Exchanges. 
By exchange the Gardens received rather more than six hundred packets of seeds 
or living roots, and sent out almost the same ‘number. The largest consignments 
were from the Botanic Gardens of Glasnevin, Paris, Lyons and Port Darwin. Messrs. 
Dammann & Co. and M. Herb, Seedsmen of Naples, also made a considerable number 
of exchanges. Whereas the Gardens sent out more living plants than packets of seeds, 
the Gardens received more packets of seeds than living plants; such an occurrence is a 
consequence of exchanges between countries replete with annuals and one such as this 
where annuals are in the minority. For gifts of seeds the Committee had to thank 
Mrs. Lloyd (Bangkok), Mrs. Mills (Port Swettenham), . Father Gex (Singapore), 
Messrs. Edwin Philips (Kuala Kangsar), St. V. B. Down (Singapore) and A. Resasco 
(Papua). 
Among the new plants tried, Asparagus falcatus has done well and promises to be 
useful in the conservatory. Dracaena hookenana which has long been in European 
Gardens, and probably before this in Singapore, is growing well. An Agave heter- 
acantha , perhaps not the source of Tampico fibre — for their nomenclature is confused— 
has been raised easily from seed ; but it is improbable that it will be an useful economic 
plant for the Straits. Some Ipomceas tried, if given a very great quantity of manure 
became strong; but it has not been possible to save their seed. Oxyanthus 
natal ens is and Dombeya iiatalensis are both doing well as small plants ; the former is 
described as a very handsome shrub growing generally under large trees ; the leaves 
peculiarly large and shining and the corolla white. A species of Hibiscus (near 
H. surat tensis ) given to the Gardens by Mr. Down shows itself at home. In August 
the Assistant -Curator was sent to Sarawak whence he brought back a supply of living 
orchids, etc., and a collection of dried plants. 
Beds and Borders, etc- 
Beds and borders have been kept as gay as possible throughout the year under 
review, but to the uncertain weather must be attributed the grudging way in which 
plants flower. To avoid the irregularity of the beds, which is a consequence of this, 
many hitherto devoted to annuals and such plants, have been planted up with 
perennials, such as crotons, possessing variegated foliage. 
Pruning and mulching with decayed leaves have been practised when necessary 
and well repaid the trouble and expense. Among the few plants marked by the 
abundance of their flowers were a P haler ia named P. Blumei , Clerodendron 
macrosiphon , Muss vend a erythrophylla and Randia macrantha. 
The Phaleria has fruited plentifully during the year, and can be distributed widely 
as soon as sufficient stock has been raised. Beds of Mussaenda erythrophylla have 
been particularly attractive during the year owing no doubt to the plants having 
become established : many of these beds have been pruned with a marked improve- 
ment. Clerodendron macrosiphon , like M ussaenda , is found to require frequent 
pruning; when so treated it is" nearly always in flower: a more extensive use of it will 
be made in the future. Now that Randia macrantha has become established, its 
suitability as a decorative shrub has become more noticeable ; and as it delights in full 
sun or shade, it has proved extremely valuable. The Canna beds have been heavily 
manured on two occasions ; but it will be necessary to obtain a new stock of these 
plants in the near future as that of the Garden is degenerating. A large part of the 
Fern-rockery had been somewhat unsightly owing to a fungus having killed many of 
the plants therein; and it was thought expedient to remove the old and infected soil, 
as applications of lime had proved unsatisfactory. This vvas carried out; and at the 
same time, taking advantage of the falling of some trees at the entrance to the rockery, 
a small extension was made which has added considerably to the attractiveness of this 
part of the Garden. 
Nursery, 
The nursery has been well stocked for distribution with young plants ; but from 
the nursery it has been found expedient to pot up a supply of the newly rooted 
cuttings instead of lifting only when required for despatch : for the plants in pots after 
being kept for some little time, travel much better than lifted plants; and after 
adopting this plan not a single case of ordinary plants perishing in transit has been 
reported throughout the year. It is noticeable that those who buy plants from us are 
becoming much more particular; and the cases in which the choice is left to 
the Gardens are growing fewer. The stock of decorative palms for lending on 
special applications has greatly diminished, chiefly owing to the want of care and 
forethought of the participants of this great favour ; and it will be necessary to 
curtail the favour considerably until the younger plants are of a sufficient size for the 
purpose. 
