6 
WORK IN THE GARDENS. 
Singapore. —Various improvements Avere made along the borders of the 
Gardens. Along Cluny Road a number of dangerous trees were removed, and 
some new trees planted to fill up the gap near Tyersal Road corner; the shrubby 
borders in the southern part of Cluny Road were cleared of many unnecessary 
plants, and the dense growth of weeds by the propagating yard replaced by 
hedges of Hibiscus and Bougainvillaea. The thicket along the border of 
Tyersal Road round Lawn Z was also cleared, a hedge planted, and a row of 
Mesua ferrea planted inside the hedge. 
The sun rockery was improved by banking up the lower part, and covering 
it with coral in which pockets of earth were made. In this way accommodation 
was provided for a large number of small plants. The Kalanchoes and 
Crassulas made much improved growth under these conditions. 
The appearance of the lake was improved by manuring the Nymphseas, 
which responded remarkably in their flowering. New Nymphaeas raised from 
seeds obtained from H. A. Dreer & Co., were also planted. The dell at 
the head of the lake and the path leading to it were planted with balsams of 
various colours, and additional tree ferns were planted. An Albizzia by 
the lake had to be removed, and was replaced by a Lagerstroemia. 
Several new climbers were planted in the large plant house, to give more 
shade, and made good growth, except Argyrcia campanulata. This species 
had proved very successful at Penang, but perhaps the iron supports of the 
Singapore plant house did not suit it. 
The base of the fine tree of Terminalia subspathulata at the top of Maranta 
Avenue Avas cleared of the shrubs which had grown up about it, and the 
appearance of the corner much improved. 
Ficus irregularis was planted to take the place of the avenue of Arenga 
saccharifera above the Tyersal-gate; the Arengas will have to be removed in 
a few year's time. 
Penang.— In addition to the usual routine work a number of improve¬ 
ments were made in various parts of the gardens. Part of the rockery on 
lawn E was rebuilt and the whole replanted. A new retaining wall was built 
by the fern rockery to prevent damage when the stream is in flood ; this proved 
very satisfactory, being thoroughly tested by the floods in October. Other 
repairs were also made to the stream bank. 
New planting of ornamental plants was carried out in various places, 
with the object of giving additional colour. 
GOVERNMENT HOUSE DOMAIN AND OTHER OUTSIDE 
CHARGES 
Singapore. —The usual routine work at Government House was continued, 
and various small improvements were carried out. 
At the request of the Singapore branch of the Ex-Services Association 
the Government agreed to maintain permanently a wreath on the Cenotaph. 
After trial, a wreath of living plants was prepared which proved satisfactory. 
The Committee of the Cricket Club kindly consented to be responsible for the 
necessary daily watering of the wreath. This work was carried out by the 
Assistant Curator, Parks. 
During the year about 1,800 trees were provided for the Admiralty oil fuel 
stations; the planting of these was supervised by the Assistant Curator, 
Parks. Trees and shrubs were also provided for the Geylang English 
School, and for Government building sites at Ridley Park, Mount Rosie, and 
in Scott's Road. 
The Assistant Curator, Parks made regular inspections of roadside trees 
in Singapore, and gave advice with regard to new planting, and to the develop¬ 
ment of the new roadside tree nursery. 
