The Christchurch Domain , which is situated between the north and south divisions of Hagley Park, contains an area of between sixty and seventy acres. The northern portion of the park is about 200 acres in extent, and the southern portion 180 acres, and both are laid down in grass for pasturage. In addition to these there is a fine plantation of about thirty-five acres. The whole estate amounts to nearly 500 acres, and is one of the noblest legacies which the province's pioneers have left to present and future times. The idyilic scenes within the parka themselves and the views obtainable from them confer benefits which cannot be measured by the values of the markets, while, in regard to health, the whole estate is, so to speak, an inexhaustible fund and storehouse, always waiting to be drawn upon by the citizens, who would be ingrates not to hold in affectionate remembrance the wise and far-seeing men who made the reserves. “Blessings be with them, and eternal praise.” The domain— generally named the Public Gardens is skirted by the winding Avon, and is one of the most popular resorts of Christchurch. Portions of it are devoted to the cultivation of New Zealand indigenous flora, and a section of ground is applied to the propagation of old English herbiferous and medicinal plants. Another section is devoted chiefly to the growth of European shrubs and Japanese flowering plants, including types of the Yucca and other lily tribes. The river walk is bordered by garden plots, containing a large variety of flowering and other shrubs. In the nursery there are several glass-houses for propagating plants of all varieties. During the provincial days very large quantities were reared and distributed amongst schools in various parts of New Zealand. Facing Antigua, Street, and adjoining the museum, there is an extensive well-kept iawn, bordered with flower beds. The domain is well sheltered from prevailing winds, and forms one of the prettiest and most frequented pleasure resorts in the Colony. One of the latest attractions outside the gardens consists in an artificial sheet of water, named Victoria Lake, formed in the North Park in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of the late Queen Victoria. This lakelet is much frequented by the owners of model yachts.