5 
Force, R.A.F., gave an evening concert. The Commander in Chief, Far East 
Air Force, and the Director of Music are thanked for their kindness in 
sending their band from Changi for this special occasion. Whenever a band 
plays in the Gardens the number of visitors is always immensely increased. 
There is no doubt that these performances are greatly appreciated by the 
public. 
VIII. PUBLICATIONS 
21. An issue of the Gardens’ Bulletin was prepared during the year 
and will be published early in 1958. The second edition of Orchids of Malaya 
by R. E. Holttum was published. Both this and Malayan Orchid Hybrids 
by M. R. Henderson and G. H. Addison are having a ready sale to the public 
not only in Malaya but in many countries of the world. 
22. The following articles were published by members of the staff 
during the year:— 
Addison, G. H.: Longevity in Orchid Flowers, Malayan Orchid Review 5 (1). 
Alphonso, A. G.: Cultivation of Ferns, I, Malayan Agri-Horticultural Associa 
tion Magazine 14 (1). 
Alphoso, A. G.: Cultivation of Ferns, II, ibid 14 (3). 
Burkill, H. M.: Malayan Rubber, Malayan Nature Journal 12 (1). 
Purseglove, J. W.: A bulbul’s nest, a strange occurrence, Malayan Nature Jour~ 
nal 11 (3). 
Purseglove, J. W.: Plants for the Amateur, II, Mussaenda erythrophylla, 
Malayan Agri-Horticultural Association Magazine 14 (1). 
Purseglove, J. W.: History and Functions of Botanic Gardens with special 
reference to Singapore. Tropical Agriculture 34 (3). 
IX. LIBRARY 
23. The main part of the library continued to be housed in the building 
intended for the spirit collection, much of which has had to be boxed and is 
not conveniently available. The lack of proper and adequate accommodation 
is a serious handicap. Though the construction of a suitable building featured 
in the Development Programme for 1957, no allocation of funds was made 
available for it. By doubling up the senior staff into office space in the main 
office building, the lower office was cleared, fitted with airconditioners and 
iron racks were put in. These now hold the library overflow not housed in 
the spirit collection room. Previously these books had been kept on the upper 
floor of the herbarium where they were constantly exposed to damp and 
infestation of book vermin. Twenty-five books were added to the library, but 
the main source of accession remains exchange with other institutions. Re¬ 
ciprocal exchange operates with 186 organisations. 
X. CONFERENCES 
24. The Ninth Pacific Science Congress was held at the Chulalongkorn 
University, Bangkok from the 18th to the 30th November by invitation of 
the Government of Thailand to mark the year 2,500 of the Buddhist Era. 
It was extremely well organised, and was well attended by scientists from 
all the major countries of the world including all the countries of South-east 
Asia. Mr. H. M. Burkill went as a Singapore Government delegate, and in 
the Botanical Section was convenor of one symposium “Problems confronting 
