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13. Walks.-Repairs to these as well as many other things were suspended between March, 1900, and October, 1901, but in the autumn arrangements were made for resuming the work of surfacing with cement a large area of the decaying lime-concreted walks, the whole of which should be completed during the current year when no further expenditure should be needed on any walks with gradients for a great many years to come.
14. Lawns. Many of these are becoming very uneven owing to the sinking of the earth in places, but more particularly to the action of earth-worms which are very numerous and very large. For this reason the lawns require to be frequently re-laid and a good deal of work is needed and should be taken in hand as soon as possible.
15. Shrubberies.-Shrubs grow so rapidly and become worn out so quickly that it is necessary to be constantly re-planting some of them, and there is of this work a rather unusual amount which now requires to be done.
16. Rockeries-What has been said in regard to shrubberies applies equally as much to rockeries. These are usually made in the shade of trees and over their roots, which quickly grow into the good soil prepared for the plants which grow in the rockeries. The re-planting of all rockeries is now much needed and work on them has commenced.
17. Succulents.-These have become overgrown in places and worn out in others and much need increased attention and re-planting.
18. Roses-I have been for many years endeavouring to improve these and increase the number of varieties which can be grown here, but although there is ample evidence that very great improvement is possible and that all the conditions for greater success are within reach, yet I find the greatest diffi- culty in the execution of what is indicated by myself.
19. Japanese Bamboos.-A few years ago a small collection of were obtained from Japan and planted in a group by themselves. good effect and encourage the enlargement of the collection.
bamboos, including Phyllostachys, These have thrived and produced a
20. Indigenous Orchids. A small rockery was made some years ago for the reception of a collection of Hongkong orchids, which, however, are not in the condition which good cultivation might have produced.
21. Rhododendron javanica.-In 1897 a collection of hybrids from this beautiful Java Rhododen- dron was obtained for trial from Messrs. J. VEITCH & SONS of London. They were kept under glass. for some time, but afterwards they have been grown-in pots-under slight shade and shelter from heavy rains and have succeeded very well indeed, and annually produced their lovely flowers.
22. Bougainvillea glabra. Casalpinia nuga.-The exceptional colour of the flowers of the formee exercise the minds of many people when making use of it in combination with other colours. For thr benefit of those who are interested I may mention that if it and Caesalpinia nuga, which is a robust climber indigenous to Hongkong, are planted near to each other, the yellow flowers of the latter and the flowers of the Bougainvillea have a pleasing effect. Casalpinia vernalis, also an indigenous climber but with more beautiful foliage although smaller flowers, is also useful for the same purpose.
23. Fibrous-rooted Begonia.-Seeds of this plant were obtained for experiment from Messrs. SUTTON & SONS two years ago and it has proved a most valuable addition to bedding plants here, flowering between the cold and hot seasons. It has been treated as an annual, but as one plant has lived through both seasons although in a bed and exposed to all weathers, it is possible that by careful selection `in plants from which seeds are gathered a strain may be established which will be perpetual.
24. Wistaria sinensis.―This favourite climber has not flowered well in Hongkong, but it has been experimented with by providing good soil for its roots and a horizontal trellis for its branches where it gets full exposure to sun. With this treatment it produces flowers in fair quantity, but the racemes are rather small, these however should be capable of improvement by better cultivation.
25. Acclimatisation.-Opportunities are watched for increasing the number of desirable ornamental plants, and in this way two welcome additions have been established; one a Pink-Dianthus—which Mr. E. S. KELLY had introduced to his garden, was kindly contributed by that gentleman in response to a request, and it is flourishing even through the summer. This is the first of the Pink family which has made itself at home here. The other is the "southern-wood"-Artemisia abrotanum― which Mrs. WICKING before she left Hongkong had successfully established at the Peak, and which thrives equally as well, with some protection down here.
26. Hippeastrum (Amaryliis).—VEITCH's strain of this showy bulbous plant which was introduced some years ago to replace older and inferior varieties is succeeding remarkably well not only in pots but in an open border for which a sufficient stock was propagated three years ago. For those really interested in their gardens this easily cultivated plant could not be too highly recommended.