304
The sale of plants was instituted in 1884 to supply the public with rare and newly introduced plants, (C.S.O. 1), but very few of the plants sold now, come under this category.
185
The introduction, propagation, and growing of plants for distribution for economic purposes is undoubtedly one of the first duties of a Botanical Department, but the cultivation and sale of plants for decorative purposes should be undertaken by private individuals.
The revenue from plant sales was $761.80, an increase of $135.20 over that for 1899.
LOAN OF PLANTS.
The number of plants on loan for decorative purposes was 3,651, being 584 less than in 1899. The revenue obtained from this source was $168.32, being $55.39 less than in the previous year. I should state that the Government does not make any profit out of the sale of plants and plant loans, the public getting them at a price which only covers the actual cost of production.
It would be a good thing if some enterprising Chinaman would take up both the sale and loan of plants, as no doubt he would be able to make a very satisfactory living out of the business.
PLANT HOUSES.
The new plant house, No. 1, mentioned in last year's report, was completed during the year, and the Ferns from No. 3 transferred to it. It has proved an admirable structure as the Ferns have done exceedingly well in it. The Orchids have now been placed in No. 3. The centre house, No. 2, next requires to be taken in hand and reconstructed, and this will be done as soon as time and funds per-
WALKS.
mit.
The re-surfacing of walks with disintegrated granite and cement was continued so far as funds would allow, but much still requires to be done.
TYPHOON.
On the 9th and 10th of November, a severe typhoon passed over the Colony, doing much damage to vegetation generally. A special report on the damage done in the Gardens, as well as in the Plan- tations, was forwarded in Botanical and Afforestation Department Letter No. 35. Large trees in the Gardens suffered less than was to be expected, but shrubs and annuals came off badly.
The frequency of these storms (there was one in 1894 and another in 1896) retards the work of the Department considerably, as a fresh start has to be made in many directions after every severe
blow.
The chief donors were:
INTERCHANGE OF PLANTS AND SEEDS.
Acclimatizing Association, South California.
Acclimatization Society, Queensland.
Belilios, c.M.G., Hon. E. R.
Blake, G.C.M.G., H.E. Sir Henry.
H.E. Lady.
Botanic Gardens, Aburi, Gold Coast.
**
Government, Ootacumund.
British Guiana.
Durban.
Jamaica.
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Nagpur.
59
Penang.
Royal, Calcutta.
Saharanpur.
Sydney.
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The following were the principal recipients :-
Acclimatizing Association, South California.
Acclimatization Society, Queensland.
Agricultural Department, Saigon.
Botanic Gardens, Aburi.
British Guiana.
*
11
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Ceylon.
Durban.
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Jamaica.
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31
21
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$1
37
Penang. Royal, Kew. Sydney. Trinidad: Tokyo.
Brown, Edmund A., Province Wellesley. Conservator of Forests, Bengal,
Cooke, Mrs. R.
Draper, W., Egypt.
Edwards, C. C., Amoy.
Hahn, A.
Hodgins, Captain A, E.
Jardine, Matheson & Co., Messrs. Logan, J. C.
Public Museum, Milwaukee, U.S.A. Roebelin, C.
Ricketts, C. B., Foochow.
State Gardens, Baroda.
Veitch, Messrs. J. & Sons.
Cooke, Mrs. R.
Cundall, C. H.
French Convent.
Gascoigne, C.M.G., H.E. Major General.
Keswick, Hon. J. J.
Koebele, A., Honolulu.
May, C.M.G., Hon. F. H.
Mount Gough Police Station.
Public Museum, Milwaukee.
Roebelin. C.
The Magistracy,
Veitch, Messrs. J. & Sons, Chelsea. Victoria Gaol.
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