WINTER MEETING. 277 



^re seldom troubled with mildew, but in such cases I dust sulphur 

 lightly over all diseased plants ; this is a sure remedy for mildew. The 

 ventilators of the house are left open night and day until the evenings 

 get chilly in September, after which I close th«> ventilators on the sides 

 and shut down the top, leaving a little opening until obliged by cold 

 weather to close tight. Night heat through the winter should range 

 from 50° to 55° ; day heat should be 60° in dull weather, allowing the 

 temperature to rise 15° or 20° more with sun heat. I syringe the roses 

 every bright day, heavily or lightly, as the occasion requires — From 

 ^' How to Grow Roses in Cities," in "American Gardening" for July. 



* 



In the year 1851, Henry Shaw, a prosperous merchant of St. Louis, 

 Missouri, spent some time visiting the World's Fair at London and 

 other points of interest in England. While walking through the famous 

 gardens of Chatsworth, where the chiefs of the great house of Dev- 

 onshire had for several hundred years lavished much wealth, Mr. 

 Shaw first planned to have in his own country a garden of somewhat 

 similar nature. It was here, according to his own statement, that he 

 said to himself: " Why may I not have a garden, too ? I have enough 

 land and money for something of the same sort, in a smaller way." Out 

 of these plans and questionings grew the famous Missouri Botanical 

 garden and Tower Grove park, which stand as a monument of what 

 Mr. Shaw has done for the cause of horticulture, for they were given 

 by him to the people. The bequest will increase in worth and useful- 

 ness as time goes on, for it has a broad business-like basis. * * * 



It was the aim of the liberal founder of these grounds to omit 

 nothing that Could make them the perfection of a pleasure-ground. 

 Throughout the large area of the garden there are abundant walks and 

 drives. There is a pool devoted to aquatics, a labyrinth, an observa- 

 tory, a summer-house and play-ground, and a music stand and con- 

 course, besides many other features designed to interest and amuse. 



In its educational aspect the Missouri Botanical Garden occupies 

 a unique place among institutions of its kind. Provision is made here 

 for giving (free) adequate theoretical and practical instruction to young 

 men desirous of becoming gardeners. The course of instruction in this 

 department does not duplicate that now offered by the numerous state 

 agricultural colleges of the country, but is quite distinct, and limited to 

 what is thought necessary training for practical gardeners. * # * 



The working year for the school of botany is divided into three 

 terms. Classes for the study of particular groups of plants, and special 

 work for advanced students, are planned as the demand for them ap- 

 pears. On the application of six persons, a class for day or night work, 



