Annum. Report on the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, 
FOR THE YEAR 1 886. 
During the past year, much progress has been made. The improvements un- 
finished at the close of the preceding year have been completed, and other new 
works carried out, as far as the funds available would admit of. Every effort has 
been made to further improve the appearance of the grounds by the removal of dying, 
decayed and unsightly trees, the careful pruning of those that remain, and the 
planting of new ones and flowering plants in suitable positions. 
2. Front Entrance . — The completion of the front entrance improvements is one 
of the most striking works of the year. At the close of the year 1885, the new pillars 
which replaced the heavy masses of masonry which previously did duty as pillars, 
and the levelling and reduction of the drive to a proper curve, were the only work 
completed by the Public Works Department. 
3. During the year, the greater portion of the grass-bank on the right on enter- 
ing the gate was shaped into proper form. In this operation, much soil had to be 
removed, and found a ready receptacle on the opposite side' of the drive, which pre- 
viously sloped southward, but has now been brought up to nearly level ; which admits 
of the flower beds and plants on that side being better presented to the view on en- 
tering. 
4. The carriage drive, which existed on the right of the entrance, has been re- 
duced to a 6-foot path, as far as the junction with the main interior drive. The area 
of the lawn on that side has consequently been considerably Increased, which gave more 
scope for arranging and grouping plants, and advantage was taken of this to re-arrange 
the plants accordingly, and to put down a number of flower beds on each side of the 
drive for a distance of about 90 yards within the gate ; in these beds, Gaillardias and 
other flowering annuals, mixed with coloured-leaved plants, have done well. To form a 
back-ground to these, beds of a larger nature, have been made and filled with Hibiscus 
and other plants, which have flowered and greatly contributed to the general effect. 
The open drain which carried the surface water from the high-ground surrounding the 
aviaries to near the entrance has been laid down in tile piping,* and the surface 
brought up to the general level. In this operation, about 350 8-inch pipes were used 
(cost $28). The new pillars have been painted and topped with handsome globe 
lamps, which give a finish to the improvements generally as well as the pillars them- 
selves. 
5. Rotids and Paths . — Three hundred and ninety (390) square yards of the main- 
drive, from nearly on a line with the junction of the small walk leading to the aviaries, 
to the band-stand, have been re-metalled. The drive surrounding the stand has also 
been remodelled and heavily coated with laterite. Total area renovated, 2,790 square 
yards, requiring about 150 cart-loads of laterite. The other drives and walks have 
been repaired where required, and have been kept in good order. 
6. A series of new walks, 6 f£et in width and about 400 yards in length in all, 
have been made, leading from the band-stand to Garden-road, and towards the lake, 
to admit of easy access to the new fernery, which is being made in that quarter ; and 
about an equal area of old walks had to be closed up to effect the necessary curves 
and alterations. The road to the Superintendent's quarters and the main drive through 
the Garden jungle will soon need extensive repairs. 
