The Rambler.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 421, 6 March 1880, Page 6

The Rambler.

THE BOTANICAL GARDENS.

It is not so many years ago since any reference to the Wellingtou Botanic Gardens by that name, was calculated to provoke expressions of contempt, and instances are •within the recollection of many Wellington residents of strangers who wished to see these gardens, going all through them and then returning with the impression that they must have been misdirected. The original appearance of the reserve was certainly most uninviting, for if there was any part of the surrounding hills that looked rougher thad all the rest, that part was known as the Botanic Garden or Domain, even before a stick had been cut to give room for cultivation. A strong growth of manuka scrub covered all the slopes on which there was but little moisture, while those which were favored with an abundance of water supported a mass of trees, shrubs, and ferns, which it was almost impossible to penetrate. A fair sample of this still exists in the southwestern portion of the gardens, and we are glad to learn that it will be preserved, for nature has here supplied what no expenditure of labor or application of skill could produce. If it does not impress the visitor with a very correct idea of what the primeval forests of the colony are like, it at least shows their manner of growth, and the extraordinary inter-mixture of the various plants. To give an idea of the progress that has been made (and principally during the last five years), we may say that the domain contains about 100 acres, two-thirds of which has been planted with foreign trees, principally coniferce. A large proportion of this has also been cleared of all native growth and sown in English grasses, extra care having been bestowed upon many of

the knolls, from which a good view is obtainable. These are generally provided with seats. Convenient footpaths, about 6ft. in width, lead to every part of the domain that is worth visiting. Their aggregate length exceeds six miles. As the greater portion consist of side-cuttings it will be easily understood that this construction required the expenditure of a good deal of money. The domain may be divided into five sections, namely, the level piece of ground from the main enti'ance to the second bridge, the Sydney-street gully, the central or fern gully, leading from the cottage of the custodian in an easterly direction to the centre of the grounds, the top of the hills where part of the domain faces towards the city, and the south-western portion already alluded to. The first of these contains only a few acres, but having been the first to receive attention it presents a very forward appearance. A broad path leads in a straight line through its greatest length, another of less width fringing the foot of the hill side on the left. The ground between these has been formed into a neat little terrace, which is surrounded by a belt of trees and shrubs, in which the native and foreign elements have been most happily blended. Among the latter we notice a number of Norfolk Island pines, pinus insignis , II ellingtonia, gigantea and other coniferae being also fairly represented. Among the natives several species of pittosporum, olearia and panose are most prominent. The undergrowth is well made up with veronicas, of which New Zealand contains about forty varieties. Many of those planted here are hybrids, and are considered very valuable, the most noteworthy among these being the variety known as kermesina. The narrow strip of ground between the right hand side of the main path and the Tinakori stream is almost exclusively occupied by the rarer native plants, many of them being sub-alpine. These do not appear to thrive as they should, the absence of the mountain fogs exposing them too much to the rays of the sun. Some of the dwarfish varieties of veronica seem to do best, and their continual white or delicate pale blue bloom ensures them the notice of all visitors. About half a dozen species of olearia make some little show, but they lack the brightness which distinguishes them in the forest ranges. The banks of the stream are covered with willows and the ordinary kind of phormium. The ground here appears to be well adapted for the growth of such beautiful trees as Hoheriapopulneae, Sophora tetraptera, and species of similar habit, but they are all conspicuous by their absence. Time will, no doubt, mend. this. Turning up towards Fern Gully, the visitor comes first of all to the nurseries, and two buildings which have been specially constructed for the growth and preservation of orchids and other delicate plants requiring plenty of cool air, and but little sun. They are not open to the public, and need no further notice. In the outside shelter of these buildings grow one or two species of Senicio, their bright green and delicate leaves, nearly a foot in length, being bound to catch the eye. Before many years they will be considered indispensable in every shrubbery. A patch of ground, containing about half-a-square chain, has been thickly planted with camelias, which appear to thrive remarkably well. The remainder of the enclosure is laid out in seed beds, which furnish an ample stock for planting out. Following the path past a patch of phormium, the eye is arrested by a scrubby tree, about fourteen feet in height, with a dark green foliage, which is intermixed with what at first sight appears to be a flower of the most delicate pale green. They turn out to be seed vessels. The tree is a specimen of Dodonea, viscosa, one of the prettiest in the country. Within a few yards from it grows a small specimen of another noteworthy native plant—namely, Passijdora tetrandra, the only species of passion flower in New Zealand. Its dark, glossy, and corialeous leaves, and (in winter) bright red berries, rank it high in public favor, and its powers to festoon the loftiest forest trees as well as the smallest bush, place it side by side with Clematis indivisa, the white and abundantly produced spring flowers, of which are -well known. The upper portion of this gully fully deserves its name. It contains a great variety of ferns, from a dwarfish species of the native adiantum to the largest representations of the order in New Zealand, namely, Cyatheadeulbata and C. medullaris. A specimen of the former must be nearly forty feet high. Several strangers have also been planted here, and among them a specimen of the edible Marattia, brought from the north. We notice that the only representative of Dammara australis (kauri) grows at the head of this gully. It is easily recognised by its resemblance to a large leaved totara. An Australian relation grows most luxuriantly a little lower down, and strikes the eye on account of its unusually dark green foliage, and lanceolate and coriaceous leaves. Mr. Bramley and his men are at present occupied in removing a large portion of the undergrowth in this gully, so that the fern may be seen to greater advantage. The Sydney-street and top sections do not require much notice at present, as they have only lately been taken in hand. The former is now almost covered with young and choice trees, and will in a few years present a very pretty appearance. A portion of the latter has been enclosed, and also planted. Close alongside the paths in these parts another pretty plant, Metrosideros seaudens, may be seen in bloom, the bright scarlet bunches of myrtle flowers being very attractive. This species blooms at almost all times of the year, but principally in winter, when flowers are very rare. Going from the main entrance towards the southwestern section, the visitor should not miss taking a look at the waterlilies, whioh grow in a small pond at the foot of the hill on the left hand side. They have just com-

menced to bloom, and are exceedingly pretty. The hillside a little further on has been planted with a variety of shrubs and trees, one of the most sheltered slopes having been reserved for rhododendrons, which looked very bright and pretty during the early pai’t of spring. The upper division has the usual appearance of a native forest, great care having been taken to preserve its original features. It is the only part of the domain in which large specimens of podorarpsus and other timber trees are to be found. Even these bear unmistakeable signs of early decay. The undergrowth exceeds that of fern gully in abundance, though not in variety. Visitors to the domain would be enabled to profit largely in knowledge if the native and scientific names wei’e attached to the plants. Several hundred tin labels were at one time put up, but mischievous hands have either defaced or removed all of them. Once more referring to the progress which has marked the past five years, we think the public will admit that the trustees and the custodian, Mr. Bramley, have done all that could be expected, with the limited means that were placed at their disposal, to make the grounds attractive and instructive. The most cultivated parts are fast becoming a resort for pleasure seekers.