.7 
plants which will grow in Singapore is limited, whereas Botanic Gardens in 
temperate regions can grow tropical plants in their glass-houses and the num¬ 
ber of tropical Botanic Gardens is small. Furthermore, we have always had 
a high reputation for sending out seeds in good condition and well packed. 
This friendly exchange is valuable and helps to maintain contact with a 
great number of Botanic Gardens and institutions throughout the world, who 
help us in many ways. 
33. A further service provided by the Gardens is the loaning of potted 
foliage plants for ■ Government and certain charity functions in Singapore,, 
and during the year 4,201 plants were loaned for this purpose. 
VIII. GOVERNMENT HOUSE DOMAIN 
34. The grounds of the Domain were kept in good condition except 
for a period in the middle of the year when most of the mowers were out 
of order at one time. The Allen motor scythes were found invaluable in 
keeping down the rough grass in the outlying parts of the Domain. 
35. The major improvement during the year was the reconstruction 
of the Court Garden at Government House. The tree screen was removed 
and replaced by a Cordia hedge, thus permitting the entry of more light and 
air. The pathways were redesigned and laid with crazy paving by the Public 
Works Department, while new beds were planned and planted with Cannas, 
Pentas . Galphimia, Crosscmdra, Bouganvillia poultoni and Calliandra surina- 
mensis. 
36. The triangular section on the left of the road leading to the office 
was also replanned. Three tall trees and some ancient Hibiscus standards 
were removed. A new border was planted with fairly tall shrubs such as 
Stenolobium stems and Jatropha pandurifolia, interspersed with Lantana and 
Crosscmdra , which should be very colourful. 
37. The very large Lagerstnemia on the top of the slope above the 
Guard Room in Government House grounds, which became poor and very 
unsightly, was pruned severely and cut back to a height of 12 feet, and has. 
since made an excellent recovery. The two pergolas of Mucuna bennettii 
(New Guinea Creeper) have grown well and it is of interest to record that 
the younger plant which has never been pruned flowered very well, while 
the plant which was pruned in 1953 has not flowered since that date. The 
Stenolobium stans on either side of the main drive flowered six times during 
the year. With the application of Sterameal, it has been found that the Cannas 
may be planted once a year instead of twice as formerly. The fine Araucaria 
cunninghamiana in the Colonial Secretary’s garden fell during a high wind 
and was found to be badly damaged by white ants, a common failing with 
this species. Frequent applications of organic manures, such as compost made 
from spent-hops and garden refuse, and also with cattle and horse manure, 
is essential for good growth and flowering in the Domain. 
38. About 2,500 pot plants have to be maintained in order to supply 
the houses of the Domain twice weekly. Burnt earth is made once per month 
for potting. The heavy rains in December did much damage to the plants, 
particularly the younger seedlings in the potting yard. Vegetables and orchids- 
were supplied regularly from the nursery. 
39. Plants from the Domain were again entered in the Singapore Flower 
Show. 
