0 
57- The wooded portion of the Reserves contain timber suitable for most pur- 
poses, and, as pointed out in my last year’s report, contains a much larger proportion 
of the better kinds than has generally been known. Investigation into the nature of 
the trees was continued during the past year, and several new species and one new 
genus were discovered. The re-wooding of the watershed of the Penang River was 
ruled to be a Municipal undertaking, and my duty has, therefore, been confined to ad- 
vising that body. 
Protection and Up-keep of Boundaries. 
58. The amount disbursed last year on protection of Reserves and up-keep of 
boundaries was $561. 34, which gives an average of about 8 cents per acre protected. 
The Forest guards made three arrests, each case being convicted and fined §10, 
which was paid. 
Fires and Damage. 
59. The Reserves have been free from fires throughout the year. 
Nurseries. 
60. The Experimental Nurseries in Penang rival those of Singapore in some 
respect, owing chiefly to the scope which a command of temperature and climate 
gives them. 
It is known that, to obtain the best results from botanic experiments, provision for 
planting at various elevations must be made, and in Penang these conditions exist, 
where there are three Nurseries — one on the plain, one at about 1,900 feet, and one at 
2,550 feet elevation, respectively. Of the work carried out during the year in the 1,900 
feet elevation Nursery, I quote the following from the report of Mr. Curtis 
61. “ Peaches and other plants have been propagated freely, and experiments are 
in course of progress in grafting and inarching the cultivated fig on an indigenous 
“ species, and which promise to be successful.’’ 
“ The fruit trees introduced last year from Australia, India and China are for the 
“ most part growing vigorously, especially the olives and oranges. 
“ Two of the apple trees planted in September, 1885, have already borne fruit of 
" excellent quality, as also have the peach trees, which have grown very freely. 
“ Cardamums planted in a semi-shaded position have grown well. ( Vide Appen- 
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62. “ His Excellency the Governor having expressed a desire, when last here, that 
every encouragement should be given to vegetable cultivators, 150 packets of 
European vegetable seeds easy of cultivation, as proved by a series of sowings in 
this Nursery, have been distributed to Chinese growers, whose gardens are at an 
altitude where they cannot fail to command success. Also a number of that admi- 
rable West India vegetable ( Sechium edule ) have been propagated and distributed 
to Chinese market-gardeners. This plant, though some years in the Settlement, has 
been confined almost exclusively to Penang Hill top, and believed to refuse to grow 
elsewhere, but its botanical origin having been determined by the Superintendent, 
this was found to be erroneous. It is hoped that its distribution among the Chinese 
will be the means of brino-hm* into the bazaars a olentiful supply tor the whole com- 
munity. 
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63- I he Hill Top Nursery includes the grounds which belong to the Government 
galow and convalescent bungalow. Economic plants tried in the Nursery have 
given less promise of satisfactory growth than elsewhere, which i attribute to exposure 
and to the scarcity of manure. The sum apportioned for the up-keep of the Nursery 
is no more than used to be expended on the bungalow grounds before they came 
under the control of the Department, and is found no more than sufficient for their 
proper maintenance now, which necessarily gives little scope for alteration or improve- 
ment. 
Waterfall Nursery Garden. 
64. The Waterfall Nursery Garden lias become very popular, and now supplies 
means of recreation and instruction. The garden has an advantage of natural 
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ornament, which few public gardens can boast of. Regarding this garden, ?vlr. Curtis 
writes as follows : — 
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65. “So far as means would permit, the extension of the Waterfall Garden has 
“been steadily pushed on during the year, and judging by the increased number of 
“visitors, the work is thoroughly appreciated by the general public. A small plant- 
“ house has been erected near the entrance. The main road has been reduced to 
