on which to hang the lanterns, and which, in consequence of Sunday being a dies non remained until Monday. These fixtures were thus unsightly for the whole of one day and parts of two others. The lanterns also necessitated the attendance of a number of men. To dispense with the unsightliness of the lantern fixings, the attendance of men on Sundays, the expense of the lantern illuminations, and the circumstance of the lanterns being subject to extinction of their lights by a sudden shower I had the honour to propose the introduction of gas for the purpose of illuminating the two terraces and entrances. The proposition was approved and the necessary vote for carrying out the work was placed at my disposal, when gas was at once laid on and the requisite fixings were made.
45. At the request of the Colonel of the Regiment a Wooden Platform two feet high and 28 feet in diameter was constructed for the use of the Band when it performs in the Gardens.
At present there is only one situation where this platform can be placed. It has to be carried and put in position on Saturday, where it remains until Monday. When it is not in use the appearance of the platform does not add to the beauty of the terrace. It would be desirable to find another place for it, if this can be done without interfering seriously with the effect of the music, where the platform might be planted off from view.
46. AL FRESCO FETE.-In November a large Fête in aid of the Alice Memorial Hospital was held in the Gardens on two nights. Very extensive preparations in the way of mat structures for theatre, fancy work stalls, refreshments, bar, and other things had to be made. I believe there were about 6,000 people admitted to the Gardens on each night. Considerable damage was done to the grass turf, and most of the flower beds which had just been filled for the winter season were so much trampled on that they had to be replanted after the fete was over, some shrubs and plants in pots were also destroyed. The staff for some time after the fête had to be withdrawn from their usual occupations in order to get the Gardens into respectable order again.
47. HORTICULTURAL SHOW.-The Annual (15th) Flower Show was again held in the Gardens. The space required for the exhibits was greater than it previously had been. These shows have been productive of the greatest good in the cultivation of vegetables, in which, as is most desirable, the Chinese take more and more interest, which is a proof that to them the industry is a paying one.
48. It would greatly enhance the value and interest of the shows if exhibitors would have each plant carefully and conspicuously named.
49. A new interest was attached to the exhibition last year by the award of Silver and Bronze medals-called Belilios Medals-and Money Prizes provided for by a handsome Endowment Fund which was generously placed at the disposal of the Committee by Mr. E. R. BELILIOS.
It is hoped and expected that these prizes, which will be offered every year, will still further stimulate horticultural enterprise in the Colony.
50. OFFICE. Since my return from leave I have devoted much time to the institution of an improved system of office work and arrangements, which were urgently needed, and of the working up of arrears in both ordinary routine, and correspondence. Improved furniture and conveniences were pressingly necessary, and they have been obtained. By these improvements work is greatly facilitated, and much time is saved.
51. In consequence of the absence of the Superintendent for half the year correspondence, especially foreign, has not been so great. The average number of letters despatched from the office for the year was about 1,500, of which one-third was foreign correspondence.
52. In addition to the general Administration of the Department the Superintendent either writes or drafts all of the Correspondence, directs and supervises the Forest work, and attends to the keeping and progress of the Herbarium with the aid of native assistance only. In both office and herbarium there is room and necessity for more skilful assistance than that which is available, as it is impossible to entirely keep up with the increasing demands of important subjects which are continually pressing for attention.
53. The time of the Head Gardener is entirely taken up with the management of the native staff within the Botanic and Government House Gardens and the execution of the manifold operations therein, and with the sale of plants.
54. HERBARIUM. More and more interest is being directed to the Botany of China, and it is a pity that this institution which in many respects is so conveniently situated for research in important and interesting subjects has not the means for extending and more completely fulfilling the work which still remains to be done in bringing to light the botanical treasures of the Chinese Empire. However, I acknowledge with pleasure the aid which the Government has so generously placed at my disposal so far for botanical research. Valuable results have been obtained for some years past, results which have met with the hearty acknowledgment of eminent scientific men in England, and the last year has, although there was so little time for scientific work, had a large share of good results.
55. In this work I have to thank the Rev. B. C. HENRY, of Canton, for a large package of plants which he collected and dried during a journey across the island of Hainan. I named such plants of the collection as were known to me, and submitted the remainder, to Kew Gardens. The result of the investigation there proved the collection to be of unusual interest, and of richness in new species.
Careful and intelligent travellers like Mr. HENRY are able to render great and valuable services to botany while on journeys undertaken for other purposes. I should always be glad to receive collections from travellers and also to give such advice and assistance as might be needed in indicating the best methods of collecting and preserving the specimens.
56. To the Rev. E. FABER I am also indebted for a fine collection made in the neighbourhood of Ningpo and Shanghai. These plants are of much interest, but they have not, for want of time, been yet fully examined.
57. Mr. WM. M. COOPER, Her Majesty's Consul at Ningpo, is also entitled to best acknowledgments for botanical specimens and information of much interest which has been communicated from time to time, as well as for consignments of seeds of useful plants.
58. Mr. WESTLAND has been successful in the discovery and collection of several new plants on the mainland and islands close to Hongkong, on a few occasions when he was able to get away from his duties in the Gardens.
59. The year has seen the commencement of the publication by the Linnean Society of the "Index Flora Sinensis" or an Enumeration of all the known Plants of China. This establishment has been of much service in contributing to Kew Gardens material and information for use in the production of this very important work.
60. By the death at Amoy in June, of the late lamented Dr. HENRY FLETCHER HANCE, China lost not only its most learned and courteous botanist, but also the rich collection of dried plants, and an extensive botanical library. I at one time hoped that part of the herbarium might have been secured for Hongkong, but instead of this being so, the whole Herbarium has been purchased by the Trustees of the British Museum.
61. There is immense work to be yet done in China, not only in the discovery of a vast number of plants which it is certain are yet unknown to science, but also in the introduction and collection of information on plants used in medicine and domestic economy. In the advancement of such work, this Department, with increased facilities, could render still more important services.
62. LIBRARY.-My visit to England afforded a good opportunity to procure a number of books which were required to augment the library of the Department. With the aid which the Government was good enough to place at my disposal this opportunity was not lost.
63. Following is a list of the titles of works, including the periodicals which are taken, that were added during the year :--
A new Species of Cycas, Dyer.
Balanophoreæ, Griffith.
Botanical Magazine for 1885.
Botany of the Voyage of the Herald, Seemann.
Commelynace et Cyrtandraceæ, C. B. Clarke.
Cryptogamic Plants, Berkeley.
Descriptive and Analytical Botany, Lo Maout and Decaisne.
Dr. Cantor's Plants, Griffith.
Early European Researches into the Flora of China, Bretschneider.
Enumeratio Plantarum Chinæ; Bunge.
Ferns of British India, Beddome.
Flora Adenensis, Anderson.
Flora of British India, Parts XII. and XIII.
Flora Capensis, Harvey and Sonder.
Flora Cochinchinensis, Loureiro.
Flora Japonica, Siebold.
Flora Japonica, Thunberg.
Flora Javica, Blume.
Flora of India, Roxburgh.
Flora of New Zealand, Hooker.
Flora Vitiensis, Seemann.
Flowers, Fruits and Leaves, Lubbock.
Forest Flora of British Burma, Kurz.
Forests and Moisture, Brown.
Gardeners' Chronicle for 1886.
Gardens of the Sun, Burbidge.
Geographical Distribution of Ferns, Baker.
Geography of Plants, Daubeney.
Hydrology of South Africa, Brown.
Icones Plantarum Sponte Chinæ.
Icones Selectæ Plantarum, Japan; Kaempfer.
Illustrations of Natural Orders of Plants, Oliver.
Journal of Botany, Vols. IX and XXIII.
Latin Dictionary, Smith.
Ling Nam, Henry.
Les Palmiers, de Kerchove.
Manual of Botany, Balfour.
Manual of Timber Trees, Gamble.
Memoire sur la Famille Melastomacées.
Modern Forest Economy, Brown.
Nomenclature of Japanese Plants, Matsumura.
On Nepenthes, Hooker.
On the Movements of Climbing Plants, Darwin.
Pen Ts'ao Kang Mu.
Peruvian Bark, Markham.
Plantæ Davidianæ, Franchet.
Preparation and Use of Rheea Fibre, J. Forbes Watson.
Reboisement in France, Brown.
Remarks on Guettarda, Griffith.
Reports on Insects Injurious to Plants, Whitehead.
Residence Among Chinese, Fortune.
Sea Weeds, Greville.
Select Extra-Tropical Plants, Mueller.
Social Life of Chinese, Doolittle.
Tea Districts of China, Fortune.
Ternstroemiaceous Plants, Champion.
Text Book of Botany, Sachs.
Wanderings in China, Fortune.
64. The parts which have been published during the year of the "Flora of British India," the "Index Flora Sinensis" (several copies), and some parts of "Icones Plantarum" have been generously presented by Mr. DYER, of Kew Gardens, for which donations I have to sincerely thank him.
65. I have also to acknowledge with thanks, the various Reports of the Indian Forest Department, which have been generously contributed as they were published.
66. In addition to these I am also indebted for various Annual Reports and Papers of the numerous Indian and Colonial Botanic Gardens with which we are in correspondence.
Page 354
on which to hang the lanterns, and which, in consequence of Sunday being a dies nou remained until Monday. These fixtures were thus unsightly for the whole of one day and parts of two others. The lanterns also necessitated the attendance of a number of men. To dispense with the unsightliness of the lantern fixings, the attendance of men on Sundays, the expense of the lantern illuminations. and the circumstance of the lanterns being subject to extinction of their lights by a sudden shower I had the honour to propose the introduction of gas for the purpose of illuminating the two terraces and entrances. The proposition was approved and the necessary vote for carrying out the work was placed" at my disposal, when gas was at once laid on aud the requisite fixings were made.
45. At the request of the Colonel of the Regiment a Wooden Platform two feet high and 28 feet in diameter was constructed for the use of the Band when it performs in the Gardens.
At present there is only one situation where this platform can be placed. It has to be carried and put in position on Saturday, where it remains until Monday. When it is not in use the appearance of the platform It would be desirable to find another place To say the least, does not add to the beauty of the terrace. for it, if this can be done without interfering seriously with the effect of the music, where the platform might be planted off from view.
46. AL FRESCO FETE.-lu November a large Fête in aid of the Alice Memorial Hospital was held in the Gardens ou two nights. Very extensive preparations in the way of mat structures for theatre, fancy work stalls, refreshments, bar, and other things had to be made. I believe there were about 6,000 people admitted to the Gardens on each night. Considerable damage was done to the grass turf, and most of the flower beds which had just been filled for the winter season were so much trampled on that they had to be replanted after the fete was over, some shrubs and plants in pots were also destroyed. The staff for some time after the fête had to be withdrawn from their usual occupations in order to get the Gardens into respectable order again.
47. HORTICULTURAL SHOW.-The Annual (15th) Flower Show was again held in the Gardens. The space required for the exhibits was greater than it previously had been. These shows have been productive of the greatest good in the cultivation of vegetables, in which, as is most desirable, the Chinese take more and more interest, which is a proof that to them the industry is a paying one.
48. It would greatly enhance the value and interest of the shows if exhibitors would have each plant carefully and conspicuously named.
49. A new interest was attached to the exhibition last year by the award of Silver and Bronze medals-called Belilios Medals-and Money Prizes provided for by a handsome Endowment Fund which was generously placed at the disposal of the Committee by Mr. E. R. BELILIOS.
It is hoped and expected that these prizes, which will be offered every year, will still further stimulate borticultural enterprize in the Colony.
50. OFFICE. Since my return from leave I have devoted much time to the institution of an improved system of office work and arrangements, which were urgently needed, and of the working up of arrears in both ordinary routine, and correspondence. Improved furniture and conveniences were pressingly necessary, and they have been obtained. By these improvements work is greatly facilitated, and much time is saved.
51. In consequence of the absence of the Superintendent for half the year correspondence, espe cially foreign, has not been so great. The average number of letters despatched from the office for the year was about 1,500, of which one-third was foreign correspondence.
52. In addition to the general Administration of the Department the Superintendent either writes or drafts all of the Correspondence, directs and supervises the Forest work, and attends to the keeping and progress of the Herbarium with the aid of native assistance only. In both office and herbarium there is room and necessity for more skilful assistance than that which is available, as it is impossible to entirely keep up with the increasing demands of important subjects which are continually pressing for attention.
53. The time of the Head Gardener is entirely taken up with the management of the native staff within the Botanic and Government House Gardens and the execution of the manifold operations therein, and with the sale of plants.
54. HERBARIUM. More and more interest is being directed to the Botany of China, and it is a pity that this institution which in many respects is so conveniently situated for research in important and interesting subjects has not the means for extending and more completely fulfilling the work which still remains to be done in bringing to light the botanical treasures of the Chinese Empire. However, I acknowledge with pleasure the aid which the Government has so generously placed at my disposal so far for botanical research. Valuable results have been obtained for some years past, results which have met with the hearty acknowledgment of eminent scientific men in England, and the last year has, although there was so little time for scientific work, had a large share of good results.
35. In this work I have to thank the Rev. B. C. HENRY, of Canton, for a large package of plants which he collected and dried during a journey across the island of Hainan. I named such plants of the collection as were known to me, and submitted the remainder, to Kew Gardens. The result of the investigation there proved the collection to be of unusual interest, and of richness in new species.
Careful and intelligent travellers like Mr. HENRY are able to render great and valuable services to botany while on journeys undertaken for other purposes. tions from travellers and also to give such advice and assistance as might be needed in indicating the I should always be glad to receive collec- best methods of collecting and preserving the specimens.
56. To the Rev. E. FABER I am also indebted for a fine collection made in the neighbourhood of ingpo and Shanghai. These plants are of much interest, but they have not, for want of time, been yet fully examined.
57. Mr. WM. M. COOPER, Her Majesty's Consul at Ningpo, is also entitled to best acknowledg ments for botanical specimens and information of much interest which has been communicated from time to time, as well as for consignments of seeds of useful plants.
58. Mr. WESTLAND has been successful in the discovery and collection of several new plants on the mainland and islands close to Hongkong, on a few occasions when he was able to get away from his duties in the Gardens.
59. The year has seen the commencement of the publication by the Linnean Society of the Index Flore Sinensis" or an Ennumeration of all the known Plants of China. This establishment has been of much service in contributing to Kew Gardens material and information for use in the duction of this very important work.
pro- 60. By the death at Amoy in June, of the late lamented Dr. HENRY FLETCHER HANCE, China lost not only its most learned and courteous botanist, but also the rich collection of dried plants, and an extensive botanical library. I at one time hoped that part of the herbarium might have been secured for Hongkong, but instead of this being so, the whole Herbarium has been purchased by the Trustees of the British Museum.
61. There is immense work to be yet done in China, not only in the discovery of a vast number of plants which it is certain are yet unknown to science, but also in the introduction and collection of information on plants used in medicine and domestic economy. In the advancement of such work, this Department, with increased facilities, could render still more important services.
62. LIBRARY.-My visit to England afforded a good opportunity to procure a number of books which were required to augment the library of the Department. With the aid which the Government was good enough to place at my disposal this opportunity was not lost.
63. Following is a list of the titles of works, including the periodicals which are taken, that were added during the year :--
A new Species of Cycas, Dyer.
Balanophoreæ, Griffith.
Botanical Magazine for 1885.
Botany of the Voyage of the Herald, Seemann. Commelyuuce et Cyrtandrace, C. B. Clarke. Cryptogamic Plants, Berkeley.
Descriptive and Analytical Botany, Lo Maout and Decaisue.
Dr. Cantors' Plants, Griffith.
Early European Researches into the Flora of Chinu, [Bretschneider.
Enumeratio Plantarai, China; Bunge. Feras of British India, Beddome. Florala Adenensis, Anderson.
Flora British India, Parts XII. and XII.
Capensis, Harvey and Sonder, Cochinchinensis, Loureiro,
*
}}
JI
Japonica, Siebold.
312
Thunberg,
"}
Javie Blume.
"
of India, Roxburgh.
>>
of New Zealand, Hooker.
Viticusis, Seemanu.
Flowers, Fruits and Leaves, Lubbock.
Forest Florn of British Burma, Kurz. Forests and Moisture, Brown.
Gardeners' Chronielo for 1886.
Gardens of the Sun, Burbidge.
Geographical Distribution of Feras, Baker. Geography of Plants, Daubeney.
Hydrology of South Africa, Brown.
Jeones Plantarion Sponte, China.
Icones Selectæ Plantarum, Japan; Kaempfer. Illustrations of Natural Orders of Plants, Oliver.
Journal of Botany, Vols. IX and XXIII.
Latin Dictionary, Sinith.
Ling Nam, Heury.
Les Palmiers, de Kerchove.
Manual of Botany, Balfour. Bentley.
1
of
of Timber Trees, Gamble. Memoire sur la Famile Melastomacées.
Modern Forest Economy, Brown.
Nomenclature of Japanese Plants, Matsumura.
On Nepenthes, Hooker.
On the Movements of Climbing Plants, Darwin,
Pen Ts'ao Kang Ma.
Peruvian Bark, Markham,
Plante Davidian, Franchet.
Preparation and Use of Rhesa Fibre, J. Forbes Waston.
Reboisement in France, Brown.
Remarks on Guetun, Griffith.
Reports on Insects Tojurious to Plants, Whitehead.
Residence Among Chinese, Fortune.
Sea Weeds, Grey,
Select Extra. Tropical Plants, Mueller. Social Life of Chinese, Doolittle.
Tea Districts of China, Fortune. Ternstroemiaceous Plants, Champion. Text Book of Botany, Sachs. Wanderings in Chira, Fortune.
64. The parts which have been published during the year of the "Flora of British India," the "Index Flora Sinensis" (several copies), and some parts of "Icones Plantarum" have been gener- ously presented by Mr. DYER, of Kew Gardens, for which donations I have to sincerely thank hin.
65. I have also to acknowledge with thanks, the various Reports of the Indian Forest Depart- ment, which have been generously contributed as they were published.
66. In addition to these I am also indebted for various Annual Reports and Papers of the numerous Indian and Colonial Botanic Gardens with which we are in correspondence.
354
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.