of neo-classical statuary (the four seasons) -- a gift from Joseph Oppenheimer -- urns and various planting pots, several giant clam shells; all complemented by complex carpet bedding displays on and around a quatrefoil-shaped island within a lagoon with a bamboo grove backdrop. The dense, exuberant Victorian planting was massed in shrubberies and borders interspersed with winding paths creating a wild woodland cum exotic jungle ambience. In August 1872, an long black whale was found stranded on Woody Island in Hervey Bay. It was the largest whale ever seen in the area. Although the original plan was to tow the whale carcass to Maryborough to extract the whale oil, it was decided that extract the oil from the whale at Woody Island and the ship Effie set forth from Maryborough with men and barrels for the job. The boiling-down of the whale yielded of oil. The Queensland Government requested that the skeleton be preserved to be kept as a scientific specimen. Some of the whale bones were donated to the acclimatization society in January 1887. The jawbones were used to create a archway for the entrance to Bowen Park; it was high. The Queensland National Agricultural an Industrial Association was formed in 1875 and of the Queensland Acclimatisation Society's land was leased to the National Association as a venue for exhibitions. In 1876 this exhibition area was fenced off, the first exhibition building erected and the first Intercolonial Exhibition was staged. In 1881, were resumed from the Society's holding to construct the railway line from Brisbane to Sandgate. From 1879 of land from the QAS holding was leased to the National Association for fifty years for use as an exhibition ground. As the National Association continued with its annual exhibition (now known informally as the Ekka), the QAS diminished. The former continued to acquire land until the QAS held only . During its most vigorous period many prominent Queensland pastoralists, professional and business people were members of the QAS. As commercial plant nurseries grew and as a range of other public enterprises in horticulture and agriculture were established support for the QAS declined. The 1890s depression affected the maintenance of the QAS Gardens and many plants were sold or transferred to the BCBG. Relations between the National Association and the QAS were not harmonious and their dealings were hampered by distrust and jealousy. The National Association had become the more