274 DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS. 



ou the Arlington Experimental Farm, and was engaged upon this 

 ■work at the time of his death. 



THE LATE MR. WILLIAM SAUNDERS. 



During Mr. Saunders' long and useful life he made a lasting impres- 

 sion on American horticulture. His influence was always exerted in 

 a quiet way, and much of his Avork, therefore, is not recorded in print. 

 The following action Avas taken by his colleagues in the Department 

 in recognition of his services: 



In the death of Mr. William Saunders the Department of Agriculture has lost a 

 faithful and efficient officer and American agriculture and horticulture a true and 

 trusted friend. As Superintendent of the Gardens and Grounds of this Department 

 for more than thirty-five years and as a promoter of many important agricultural 

 and horticultural lines of work, Mr. Saunders" name has become famous through- 

 out the land. His ability as a landscape gardener was universally recognized, and 

 his knowledge of plants was of a most thorough kind. The beautiful departmental 

 gi'ounds are a monument to his skill, and some of the best fruits in the country are 

 the result of his keen insight into horticultural work. Mr. Saunders was a man 

 of sterling honesty, and manifested a strong interest in the progress of our country, 

 especially of the man at the plow. In his desire to benelit the farmer he was 

 largely instrumental in the organization of the National Grange and a number of 

 other associations which have had a marked intlueace on the country's welfare. 

 Mr. Saunders was noted for his strong convictions as to what was right. A good 

 father, an estimable citizen, his loss will be felt by all who knew him. Therefore, 



Resolved, That the sympathies of the officers of the Department of Agriculture 

 and other associates of Mr. Saunders be extended to the widow and family of the 

 deceased, and that a copy of this minute and resolution be transmitted to them. 



PLANS FOR FUTURE WORK. 

 THE GROUNDS OF THE DEPARTMENT. 



The grounds connected with the Department proper comprise about 

 33 acres, of which 9 acres are occupied for the most part by buildings, 

 the remainder being devoted to ornamental and other plants. There 

 are on the grounds about 250 species and varieties of trees, shrubs, 

 and vines, which were i^lanted about twenty-five years ago, and con- 

 stitute probably one of the finest collections of the kind in the coun- 

 try. There are nine plant houses, the largest of which is 30 by 320 

 feet, and is devoted to a collection of economic plants, mostly tropical 

 and subtropical. In addition to the large house, there is a grapery 26 

 hy 136 feec, containing some of the more choice varieties of Vinifera 

 grapes; an orange house 24 b}^ 101 feet; a propagating house 20 by 81 

 feet; and five houses devoted to miscellaneous crops, including pine- 

 apples, roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, etc., and ranging in width 

 from 20 to 24 feet and in length from 100 to 148 feet. Besides these 

 houses, there are five heated frames, each 7 feet wide, aggregating 570 

 feet in length. 



It is ijlanned to utilize the grounds and greenhouses, as far as pos- 

 sible, in the collection of new and rare plants which are being intro- 

 duced from time to time. These plants will be grown in order to secure 

 information as to their value, and, furthermore, to serve as object les- 

 sons to those who may visit the Department with a view of obtaining 

 facts bearing on such lines of work. 



In order tliat the work on the grounds may be made as valuable as 

 possible, all trees, shrubs, and other plants out of doors and under 

 glass will be labeled. This will add greatly to the value of the col- 

 lections and enable visiting horticulturists and others to obtain facts 

 of value in connection with their work. 



