Tropical Fern House (No. 2).—

The repairing and repainting of this important and popular house has again been postponed, and it is now fast passing into a condition which can only be described as ruinous. The rafters are extensively decayed, and in many places affected with dry rot. It is a matter well worthy of consideration whether some hard wood, such as teak or blue gum, could not be used in place of pine for the woodwork, which would be more durable under the moist conditions necessary for the cultivation of Ferns.