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The specimen trees of Spathodea nilotica, which were raised from seeds in 1909 and planted in the following year, flowered for the first time in the Gardens.
The seed of this tree was introduced from East Africa, and for some years the young trees suffered badly from the cold weather; they now appear to have become acclimatised.
"Grass Caterpillars" did not make their appearance on any of the lawns during the year, very probably owing to the weather conditions being unsuitable to the moth which is said to be responsible for this most destructive pest.
Three persons were arrested and fined at the Police Court for damaging plants in the Gardens.
The total number of plants sold during the year was 1,589, a large proportion of this number being Adiantum cuneatum (Maidenhair Fern). There is a constant demand for Chrysalidocarpus lutescens (Bamboo Palms) but the number available for sale each year is now small owing to the extensive use by this Department of this Palm in hedges and general planting in various parts of the Colony.
Government House Grounds.-In connection with the building alterations and additions to the house the tennis lawn and two large clumps of Bamboo Palms on the north-west side of the ground were entirely removed; a very fine specimen of the Traveller's Tree (Ravenala madagascariensis) which was too large for removal had to be cut down.
The whole of the creeper fence, which formerly screened part of the house, was removed and a number of small specimens of Camellia japonica were taken up and transplanted elsewhere.
A small area of ground not occupied by the new building was relaid with turf.
The decomposed granite walks in front of the house, which were formerly maintained by this Department, were taken over by the Public Works Department.
All lawns were treated with "Cha Chai" and large quantities of earthworms collected and destroyed.
A large bed of flowering shrubs near the stable block was removed to allow of the erection of other buildings.
"Grass Caterpillars" did not appear on either of the grass lawns during the year.
Undergrowth on the north bank was cleared twice during the year.
The pruning of shrubs and replanting of Cannas was proceeded with throughout the year.
A specimen tree Spathodea nilotica, which was planted in the grounds about twelve years ago, produced a fine show of flowers for the first time.