6 
Plants Inwards and Outwards 
Some 536 packets of seeds and 338 plants were received in exchange. 195 
packets of seed were purchased. 1,036 packets of seed were sent out in exchange as 
well as 492 plants. 1,621 plants were supplied to Government Departments and 
Charitable institutions. 23,419 plants were sold. 
Government House Domain 
The grounds of the Domain were kept in good condition throughout the 
year. Various rough areas were levelled and lallang and tree seedlings removed, 
so that they can be cut by the motor scythe. In particular, the old Malay cemetery, 
which had become overgrown and a breeding place for mosquitoes, absorbed a 
considerable amount of labour. 
The beds and lawns in front of Government House were replanted and 
manured when necessary, the Ganna beds being replanted twice. Two new orchid 
beds were made and planted with Singapore hybrids. The lily pond in the new 
garden was cleaned and the water plants manured regularly. The Hibiscus hedge 
near the centre gate was removed. 
Pot plants in Government House were maintained at a high standard, and, as 
usual, changed twice a week. Some idea of the work entailed in the proper upkeep 
of the large number of pot plants required can be gathered from the fact that 
between 25 and 28 tons of burnt earth were made during the year, all of which 
is used in potting. To keep up an adequate supply of cut flowers, new nursery beds 
were made. 
Two new hard tennis courts were constructed by the Public Works Depart¬ 
ment and to accommodate them a large Sentol tree, which, however, was in poor 
condition, had to be removed. An area adjoining the tennis courts was levelled 
and turfed and planted with Hibiscus, Acacia and Muntingia. Stigmaphyllon was 
planted round the fence of the tennis courts. 
Several old and unsafe trees in various parts of the Domain were removed. 
Six Canarium trees were taken out of the back drive in order to make room for 
the Millettias which were planted there before the war. 
Other Work outside Botanic Gardens 
The Gardens staff gave advice on planting and layout of gardens to Govern¬ 
ment, Military and private establishments when asked to do so. Contact with the 
Municipal Parks Department was maintained and planting material exchanged 
with them. 
Botanical Reserves 
A police wireless station was constructed on the summit of Bukit Timah, 
but as this area was once the site of a house, there were no trees of value upon 
it and no interference with the native forest resulted. All the reserves were main¬ 
tained satisfactorily. Thefts of timber were not serious. 
i 
