The avenue of Kahong palms leading to the Tyersall 
Avenue gate was planted in 1937* 
The vegetable gardens on lawns P and R (near the Tyer- 
sall entrance) were made as a war measure in 1940-1941 t as a 
demonstration of vegetable growing to the public, and also for 
experiments on vegetable culture. Much useful information has 
been obtained. 
Buildings . On the closing of the Economic Garden, new 
quarters were built for the Tamil gardeners and for the Office 
staff in the area between Cluny and Dalvey Roads, in 1923> and 
extensions roade subsequently. 
~ The main office block was built in 1920, including the 
Director’s office, library and laboratory. The herbarium building 
was re-cons true ted with the addition of an upper floor in 1930. 
Botanical Reserves . In 1937 Bukit Timah Forest Reserve, 
the only area of good natural forest remaining in Singapore island, 
was in danger of being destroyed. On representations being made 
to the Government, this forest was handed over to the Botanic 
Garaens for preservation as a Nature Reserve. New paths were made 
in the forest, the boundary clearly marked, and the area patrolled 
to prevent theft of timber. The forest contains a large number of 
very interesting trees and other plants, many of wnich cannot 
otherwise be found within 30 miles of Singapore town. In addition 
to this, two areas of laangrove were handed over to the Gardens 
Department for preservation, as it is no longer profitable to main- 
tain them as Forest Reserves, and it is desirable to keep areas 
of the natural mangrove vegetation within access of the city. 
Discussion of the establishment of Nature Reserves in other parts 
of Malaya had begun, but little action had been taken up to 1941 
beyond the establishment of the large wild life reserve around 
Gunong Tahan. 
