3 
19. A great number of plants and seeds have been introduced during 
the year, and much valuable information gained as to the kinds most 
likely to succeed in this climate. 
These include fruit trees and economic plants from Australia, India 
and China ; and a great variety of trees and shrubs from other parts, a 
list of which is appended. Annexure B. 
Hill Nursery. 
20. Among fruit trees lha\ have grown well and promise to succeed 
here, may be mentioned peaches, figs, olives and oranges. Many other 
European fruits have exceeded our anticipations in this Nursery, but a 
sufficient time has not elapsed to form an opinion of the ultimate result. 
21. The selection and improvement of the best native fruits has 
been kept in view, and many kinds are planted in the Nursery. 
22. A collection of vegetable seeds was received from England in 
February, and a portion at once sown, but, owing to the unfavourable 
state of the weather, did not prove a great success. 
A second sowing, made a few weeks later, proved that, in favourable 
season^, many European vegetables can be grown here with but little 
trouble. 
A list of the kinds that have grown best is shown in Appendix C, 
23. The general result, points to the conclusion that quick-growing - 
kinds, such as are sown in England for a first crop, are best suited for. this . 
climate, and very late kinds the least so. 
Carrots, parsnips, beet, tomatoes, spinach, endive, lettuce and radish 
grow freely. 
24. The great drawback to maintaining a constant and regular 
supply is the great difficulty of preserving, for any length of time, the 
vitality of seeds, but this could be overcome by giving a standing order 
for small quantities to be sent out from England three or four times a 
year. 
, . 25. In March, the Government Bungalow grounds on the hill top, 
at an altitude of 2,500 feet, were placed under the Eorest Department, 
and made available for extended experimental work. 
It is found that some plants do better in exposed than sheltered 
positions, and advantage has been taken of the bill-top to arrange the 
collection accordingly. 
26. The flower beds on the upper terrace in front of the corridor 
have been replanted, and attention paid to the collection of plants in pots. 
Waterfall Garden. 
27. The formation of a garden at the waterfall, commenced in 
October, 1884, has been pushed on during the past year, the work con- 
sisting principally in the completion of roads and bridges, and in turfing 
and planting the ground already cleared. 
28. As in the case of the Experimental Nursery, the drought prevent- 
ed planting operations being commenced until April, and in the meantime 
the roads were got in good order, and holes prepared for the reception of 
trees. 
29. With the first rains, planting commenced in earnest, and to the 
end of the year three thousand trees, shrubs, &c., of various kinds, had 
been put out in ground specially prepared. 
30. A collection of economic piants have been planted in a portion 
of land adjoining the nursery, and include many plants of commercial 
