8 
for the larger Monitor lyizards, and similar cages, although on a 
smaller scale, will be provided for all the other compartments. 
The two curved ponds for Pacific and Silver Gulls have been 
partially completed and planted, and the birds placed therein; later 
on in the season more rockeries will be erected and the ground 
covered with sand. 
Much painting of fences and buildings has been done during the 
year, but, fortunately, this work grows less every year as the 
wooden buildings and fences are replaced by more substantial 
structures. Several hundred yards of tar-paving have been laid 
on the footpaths throughout the Gardens, and all the space just 
inside the main gate has been cov'ered with this material. 
Many hundreds of trees and shrubs have been planted out, both 
on the footpaths and in the various enclosures; in a few years’ time 
during the summer the Gardens should be a mass of foliage. 
New paths have been made and gravelled, and opposite the main 
entrance the circular lawn has been enlarged and a rockery form¬ 
ed around the fountain. 
In the portion of the gardens near the Giraffe house many old 
pine trees have been cut down, new paths formed and palm trees 
planted, and the appearance of that part completely altered for the 
better. 
The large round pond near the Royal Park railway station 
has been completely cleaned out and twelve small islets made 
therein, these have all been planted and form a very pleasing 
addition to the landscape. The banks of the ponds and islets have 
also been lined with boards, and water lilies have been planted 
round the centre island, and reeds and other vegetation round the 
bank of the pond itself ; this work took a considerable time but 
was well worth the outlay. The portion of the the gardens sur¬ 
rounding this pond has also been planted with various trees and 
and grass sown. 
It is the intention of the Council to erect buildings and fence 
in special enclosures in which to exhibit various Australian 
animals and birds, and with this object in view the Premier has 
kindly promised the sum of £2C0 for making a large new Kangaroo 
paddock. This work will be done shortly atid when completed 
these animals will be seen to better advantage than they now are. 
Some Red Kangaroos were obtained from Riverina about four 
