ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR. 13 
total number of species and varieties in cultivation now 
being 9,127, of which 5,875 are annuals or hardy per- 
ennials, and 3,252 receive the protection of plant houses 
during the winter. This shows a net gain of 1,118 as 
contrasted with the end of 1898.* The plants added 
during the past year represent 227 entries, of which 
45, including 2,793 plants or packets of seeds, were bought, 
41, including 17,532 plants or packets of seeds, and valued 
at $1,101.78 were collected or propagated by employees of 
the establishment, and 141, comprising 5,049 plants or 
packets of seeds and valued at $635.95, were presented, 
largely in exchange for similar material or for the publica- 
tions of the Garden. The expenditure for plants and seeds, 
as shown by the Secretary’s statement, amounts to $816.37. 
By way of exchange, 195 packets of seeds and 350 plants, 
appraised at $77.65, were sent out; and 1,840 plants were 
presented to schools and charities in continuation of the 
policy for some years past.f 
The decree of the Circuit Court, City of St. Louis, 
rendered in 1896 and authorizing the sale of certain 
unimproved real estate held by the Board as a part of the 
endowment of the institution, from which an appeal was 
taken by the Attorney General to the Supreme Court of 
the State,{ has been affirmed, as to its essentials, by that 
Court, in a decree handed down on the thirtieth of June, 
1899, so that the Trustees of the Garden are able to look 
forward to the gradual conversion of a large amount of 
unproductive, heavily-taxed property, into an income- 
producing form, while relieved from the past need of with- 
holding from the current revenue a large sum annually, for 
the protection of this property whenever the improve- 
ment of the streets through it should be ordered by the 
City. 
* Report. 10:15. In 1899, 258 species or varieties were lost, and 1,376 
added. 
+ Report. 10315. t Report. 8335. 
