6 
28. During the year a few new hybrids flowered for the first time. 
They were Aranda Abdul Kadir (Vanda Kapoho x Arachnis Ishbel), Cypri- 
pedium Pygmy (C. coneolor x C. barbatum ), Dendrobium Max Lewis (D- 
Bali x D. Louis Bleriot), D. Bali (selfed), D. Ng Tar >Kuay (D. Medusa x 
D. Curlylocks), Vanda dearei x V. merrillii, V. dearei x V. Kapoho, Vanda- 
chnis Premier {Arachnis fios-aeris x Vandopsis lissochiloides). 
29. The number of orchid seedlings increased considerably and the 
four orchid seedling houses, of which one was built during the year, with 
aluminium and Perspex roofing and open sides, have proved very effective 
and the young plants have shown excellent growth. Further houses are now 
required to house the ever-increasing number of seedlings. During the year 
144 crosses were made and there were over 1,500 flasks of seedlings in the 
laboratory, with over 50 seedlings per flask. As stated in last year’s report, 
flasks plugged with cotton wool disinfected with mercuric chloride and picric 
acid gave a poor germination and caused yellowing of the seedlings. These 
disinfectants have now been replaced with copper sulphate, which shows no^ 
harmful effects. The use of Vacin’s formula in the flasks, which is a mixture 
of inorganic salts and sugar in agar-agar was continued. The use of urine and 
extract of decomposed fish was discontinued, as the odour was somewhat 
obnoxious to the laboratory staff. Mr. J. L. Pestana carried out an experiment 
using Sterameal, fish manure and inorganic manures on seedlings which had 
been potted up and placed in the seedling house. It was found that the 
organic manures resulted in the growth of a thick mat of algae on the benches 
and the bottoms of the pots, which eventually blocked the drainage holes, 
thus causing water-logging and the eventual death of the young plants. This, 
was overcome by placing the pots in sand to facilitate drainage. 
(iii) SUCCULENTS 
30. I he succulent collection was added to during the year by the ex¬ 
change ot seeds with other institutions and we now have over 300 species in 
cultivation. There is an increasing interest bv the general public in growing 
succulents locally and it was found impossible to meet all the demands for 
the purchase of these plants. 
(iv) PLANT EXCHANGE AND SALES 
31. The Gardens continued to sell plants to the general public and 
there was a considerable increase in the number sold, namdly 24,057 com¬ 
pared with 15,117 in 1953. In addition 2,740 orchid plants and seedlings 
were sold. Numerous requests were received from overseas and these were 
met as far as possible. It is the policy of the Gardens to grow for sdle only 
those trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants which cannot be obtained from the 
local nurseries. In providing this service, undoubtedly the standard of local 
horticulture is raised and the variety of plants grown in local gardens is ex¬ 
tended. The total revenue from the sale of plants was $19,416, an increase of 
$1,888 over the 1953 sales. Of the total figure, $11,920 came from The sale 
of orchids. We supplied 9,690 plants free to schools and other government 
institutions. 
32. in addition to the sales, it has been the custom of the‘Gardens- 
to exchange seeds and plants with other botanical institutions. The requests for 
such exchanges is increasing. 179 plants and 878 packets of seeds were sent 
out, while we received 154 plants and 489 packets of seeds. This disparity 
in numbers is not surprising, as the number of institutions which can supply 
