H.—2l.

1880. NEW ZEALAND.

BOTANIC GARDEN BOARD, 1879-80 (ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE).

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Meetings of the Board were held during the past year on the following dates: 21st July, 19th November, 1879; and 17th February, sth April, and 20th April, 1880. Summary of work done : —* During the year the paths in the most frequented parts of the gardens have been thoroughly cleaned and repaired, and in some instances widened, several extensive slips having required a considerable expenditure for their removal. The shrubberies and borders have been cleaned, and several new plantations formed. A commencement has been made in planting-out indigenous plants with a view to the ultimate formation of a systematic collection for the use of botanical students; but the completion of this work will require larger funds than are at the disposal of the Board. About 200 trees and shrubs have been planted-out during the year. The nursery-grounds have received a good deal of attention, especially in the rearing and transplanting of young trees from seed; about 4,000 of these now remain on hand for distribution, 525 having been disposed of by sale, and 1,757 presented to various public reserves, on application to the Board. The plants in the batten-house, erected last year, have succeeded well, and show that it is an inexpensive and successful expedient for raising delicate plants in this climate, as they thrive even better than in a greenhouse, and are much less liable to attacks of insect and fungi blights. The old shade-house is at present occupied by an interesting collection of plants indigenous to the Auckland Islands, which were obtained by a recent visit of the " Stella" to that place. The grass was cut from the open parts of the domain, and gathered as hay, with a very little expenditure of extra labour, which has been more than covered by the sale of the crop. The bridges and buildings have all been painted with hematite paint, and the additions to the keeper's cottage are being proceeded with at a cost of about £20. The keeper having reported that he was unable to preserve order in the gardens, and that his duties as special constable greatly interfered with his ordinary work, application was made to Government for the services of a constable, which resulted in an arrangement, made with the Commissioner of Police, under which a constable resides constantly on the grounds, occupying the ranger's cottage. The result has been most beneficial, as no complaints have since been made of any irregularities in the conduct of visitors. The following is a classified statement showing the various sources of revenue, and the nature of the expenditure by the Board, since the establishment of the domain in 1869. The thanks of the Board are due to the Hon. Mr. Mantell, Mr. T. Mason, and Mr. Drake, for contributions of plants and seeds to the gardens. The attached statement of accounts for the year shows a credit balance of £231 3s. lid. James Hector, Approved by the Board. Director. ~W. B. D. Manteli*, Chairman. 21st July, 1880.