5 
The stream-bank between the office and Plant-house No. i, has been 
strengthened by stones in wire cages, and rebuilt in places. The old swim¬ 
ming-bath was cleaned out. The water-lily pond near the office which had 
greatly silted up, was drained, and its dam demolished. For the plants which 
it harboured, there are other places in the Gardens. The water-lilies for 
instance have been beautiful in the old swimming-bath. 
Of trees, two Araucarias were lost by white ants, and one Eucalyptus 
Corymbosa. A tree of Eugenia grandis near the Gate and the remaining 
Polyalthias of the Lower South road were removed, allowing the interplanted 
Delonix full space. 
A scientific observation upon these is worth record before passing on. 
It is that of all the trees, the two which have made the most growth in the 
poor sandy soil are those nearest to the Rain-trees, which limit the avenue. 
It is probable that the shade of the well established Rain-trees, by increasing 
the moisture in the soil has had something to do with this: and extremely 
probable that the bacteria of root-nodules upon these have passed freely to 
the DelonLv and benefited them. 
It is now some time since the Public took to feeding the monkeys in the 
Gardens, and since the monkeys, therefore, came to live almost permanently 
in the neighbourhood. Eating the young buds from the Albizzias by the 
nursery, they have killed some of the trees and have disfigured the others 
by leaving only the very slenderest and remotest branchlets. 
Split bamboo was put upon the roof of Plant-house No. 2, on one side 
and bertam upon the other side; an experiment which will demonstrate their 
relative durability. 
There were two thetts of Adiantum parleyense, the whole supply being 
taken. * 
The plants and packets of seeds sent out were:—- 
Plants. Seeds. 
3,059 447 
Among the plants sent out was a most interesting Amorphophallus, not 
much less in size than A. Titanum; and it is now established in the Water- 
lily house at Kew. Four Wardian cases were sent to Kew, and two boxes 
of plants. 
GOVERNMENT HOUSE DOMAIN AND OTHER CHARGES 
Hie Edinburgh road in the Government House Grounds, Singapore, 
worn the Gate upon Orchard Road to the hill crest has been planted with an 
.ivenue of Arfeuillea arborescens alternating with Delonix regia and 
Peltophorum ferrugineum. The young trees promise well. Planting has 
also been done on the edge of the Medical College grounds, in the Cathedral 
compound and elsewhere. A census of roadside trees in Singapore has been 
commenced with the object of co-operating with the Municipality in the better¬ 
ment of the town avenues. The roadside trees of Pithecolobimn Sarnan were 
very badly attacked by the Coccid, Phenacoccus iceryoides , and the Delonix 
trees defoliated by the moth Pericyma Cruegeri; it is not easy to get either 
pest under. It is probable that the Phenacoccus has arrived newly from 
India. 
Efforts are being made to get shorter grass upon the slopes of the 
Government House domain: for only when that is achieved will the motor 
mower be able to cut them effectively. 
I. HENRY BURKILL, 
Director of Gardens S. S. 
Hh April, 1924. 
