18 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN. 
umnistakable signs of injury, and it was only by the con- 
stant use of water at night, during the heated spell, that 
the lawns and decorative beds could be kept in creditable 
condition; but it is a matter for congratulation that the im- 
mediate losses were comparatively small, considering the 
severity of the season. It should be added, however, that 
unless the precipitation of late winter and early spring far 
exceeds the average, —and as the drought still continues. 
there is little reason to hope for this, — the fall of the level 
of the so-called soil water is such, with reference to the depth 
of penetration of the roots into the soil, as to warrant grave 
doubts as to the fate of many of the older trees when their 
foliage is expanded in the spring, and particularly when 
transpiration is increased by the heat of summer. 
The variety of plants in cultivation continues to show a 
desirable increase. In 1900, 9,194 species or varieties 
were cultivated.* In 1901, 1,700 were added, and 927, 
mostly transient horticultural forms, dropped out of culti- 
vation, leaving a net gain for the year of 773, bringing the 
number of species and varieties now cultivated up to 
9,967. 
Surplus plants have been disposed of from time to time, 
largely by gift to hospitals and schools, 2,948 plants 
having been so distributed; and 388 plants, 606 cuttings, 
and 262 packets of seeds, collectively valued at $158.55, 
were distributed to correspondents. In exchange for this 
material or the publications of the Garden, or as gifts, 161 
consignments, comprising 4,978 plants or packets of 
seeds, and valued at $569.65, were received; 62 entries, 
including 5,467 numbers, valued at $389.60, were propa- 
gated or collected by employees, and 109 consignments, 
consisting of 14,777 plants or packets of seeds, were pur- 
chased, the expenditure for these, as shown by the Secre- 
tary’s books, amounting to $2,829.61. 
Some 20,000 more persons visited the Garden in 1901 
* Rept. Mo. Bot. Gard. 12313. 
