BOTANIC GARDEN
(4)
Continuation.
In the report of 1880, is a reference to the monkey house and aviary being dilapidated and requiring repairs. There was also a "Bear house" and in 1883, we read that "the old wooden monkey and bear house was built again of brickwork with a galvanized iron roof, and strong iron bars. In 1884 there was a "slight" increase in the number of birds and quadrupeds but some losses were suffered later through death.
The Siberian bear was giving trouble in 1888.
Gradually this zoo reduced its animal inhabitants, but to-day we still have the deer pen, in which a stag and a goat-antelope are living, great favourites with visitors for a good many years, and the aviary with various birds that never fail to attract.
*
The Gardens extensions are dated by means of the early reports. For instance, we learn the following:
The Old Gardens extended from the road above Government House to just below the "Albany" as to-day.
The New Gardens area was taken over in 1873, and work continued here for a year or two, a fernery being created near Glenealy in 1875. This fernery suffered, however, from depredations by visitors and passers-by, and was later moved to where it is now housed, near Garden Road.
An addition to the New Gardens was acquired in 1883 and laid out, just below Robinson Road, this being the upper portion where the Superintendent's house and offices are situated.
There have been no particular additions since: but it might be noted that in 1892, the site of former water tanks which were situated in Glenealy ravine, just above the Roman Catholic Cathedral, was turned into a rockery which up to the present time has given that area such a fine sub-tropical garden appearance.
The orchid house was one of the earliest erections in the Gardens, and there is a reference in 1881 to its being repaired.
A concluding article will trace the use of the Gardens for various functions and the work for the Department generally.
The earliest history of the local Botanic Gardens and the subsidiary attraction of a zoological collection have already been traced. In this final article, we might consider now the place has entered into social and other functions in the past.
6
BOTANIC GARDEN
(4)
Continuation.
In the report of 1880, is a reference to the monkey house and aviary being dilapidated and requiring repairs. There was also a " Bear house" and in 1883, we read that " the old wooden monkey and bear house was built again of brickwork with a galvanized iron roof, and strong iron bars. In 1884 there was a " slight " increase in the number of birds and quadrupeds but some lossess were suffered later through death.
The Siberian bear was giving trouble in 1888.
Gradually this
n 200 reduced its animal in- habitants, but to-dau we still have the deer pen, in which a stag and a goat-antelope are living, great fa- vourites with visitors for a good many years. and the aviary with various birds that never fail to attract.
*
The Gardens extensions are dated by means of the early reports. For instance we learn the following :
The Old Bardens extended from the road above Government House to just below the " Albany " as to-day.
The New Gardens area was taken over in 1873, and work continued here for a year or two a fernery being created near Glenealy in 1875. This fernery suffered, however from depredations by visitors and passers-by, and was later moved to where it is now housed, near Garden Road.
An addition to the New Gardens was acquired in 1883 and laid out, just below Robinson Road, this being the upper portion where the Superintendent's house and offices are situated.
There have been no particular additions since : but it might be noted that in 1892, the site of former water tanks which were situated in Glenealy ravine, just above the Roman Catholic Cathedral, was turned into a rockery which up to the present time has given that area such a fine sub-tropical garden appearance.
The orchid house was one of the earliest erec- 'tions in the Gardens, and there is a reference in 1881
and to its being repaired.
A concluding article will trace the use of the Gardens for various functions and the work for the Department generally.
The earliest history of the local Botanic Gardens and the subsidiary attraction of a zoological collection have already been traced. In this final article we might consider now the place has entered into social and other functions in the past.
6
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