3 
Descriptions and illustrations of new orchid hybrids raised in Singapore 
were published in the International Orchid Journal, U.S.A., by Messrs. 
Addison and Henderson. 
An illustrated article describing suitable ornamental and shade trees for 
Malaya, with additional notes on Palms and Hedges, in which methods of 
planting, manuring and pruning were given, was published in the Malayan 
Forester by Messrs. Addison and Henderson. This was later issued by the 
Malayan Forester as a separate pamphlet for sale to the public. 
HORTICULTURAL WORK 
The bulk of the work done in any one year is made up of numerous 
small items such as routine planting and replanting, manuring, small improve¬ 
ments, etc., which need not be detailed. Only the larger items, on which a 
considerable amount of time and labour were expended, or those which alter 
the appearance of parts of the Gardens are mentioned here. 
One considerable undertaking was the removal of the Chinese gardener’s 
benches and potting shed from the old site on Lawn Z to a new one in the 
Nursery. This was done to reduce the labour previously required in handling 
pots and in pumping water. Close access to the benches by lorry is now 
possible and the water tanks are fed by gravity from a spring at the head 
of the Nursery. A new potting shed and a roof under which burnt earth can 
be prepared were built on the new site. 
The small plant house, which previously had a slatted wooden roof partly 
covered by creepers, was re-roofed with corrugated aluminium sheet and 
Perspex. This was done to allow the display of a more varied collection of 
plants, including succulents, which require as much sunlight as possible and 
complete protection from rain. The work was done by the Gardens staff and 
included the removal of a large clump of Sealing Wax Palm in the centre 
of the house, the resurfacing of the benches and the clearing away of under¬ 
growth and some trees round the house to admit more light. 
A representative collection of small succulents, some planted out in a 
miniature rockery, some in pots, was arranged along the sunniest side of this 
house and have done well here. As many hybrid orchids as possible are 
displayed, as well as collections of foliage plants, ferns, begonias, etc. 
The Lake was cleaned and weeded during the early part of the year. 
Large quantities of the Sacred Lotus {Nelumbium speciosum) and the water 
fern Salvinia auriculata, mentioned in the 1952 Report, were removed, as well 
as the usual weeds. All this material is composted. 
A considerable amount of clearing was done along the boundary from 
Office Gate to the large planthouse and also along the side of the planthouse. 
This area had gradually become overgrown with unwanted seedling trees 
and shrubs. One result of this work was to show to better advantage a fine 
specimen of Kurrimia paniculata, a native Malayan tree which when it 
flowers is covered with innumerable spikes of tiny white flowers. Another 
result was the opening up of the side of the planthouse, where further improve¬ 
ments in layout are planned. 
The avenue of Royal Palms along Office Gate Road, the first section of 
which was planted in 1950, was continued down to Cluny Gate. The young 
plants have all made good and even growth. The older ones, planted in 
February 1950, are now approximately 32 feet tall. 
Towards the end of the year a programme of alterations to the Bougain¬ 
villea collections, behind the Canna beds on Lawn B, was begun. This was 
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