(53) 



composition of our collections. It has been thought best, 

 therefore, to defer the making of such lists, if they are desir- 

 able, until such time as this important matter of determina- 

 tion of the plants can be given due consideration. I would 

 state, however, that every available moment is beino- o-iven 



to to 



to the stud}- of the collections and their proper naming. If, 

 however, it is desired that such lists be prepared now, such 

 data as are at hand may be tabulated. 



In treating the collections more in detail, those which 

 claim our attention first on account of their remarkable 

 growth are those installed in the 



Conservatories. 



This range of houses went into operation in June, and the 

 task of securing plants to fill them at once commanded our 

 attention. The collections which had been accumulating in 



to 



the green houses at Columbia University for the past few 

 years were transferred under my direction to their new home 

 toward the latter part of June. While these were of consid- 

 erable size and filled their old quarters, in the new houses 

 there was ample room for growth after their installation. It 

 seemed a formidable task to secure plants to fill this large area, 

 but much to our gratification a large part of this task was soon 

 accomplished. This happy result was brought about largely 

 by the kindness and generosity of our members, and of other 

 friends, who presented us with many plants and in some 

 cases large collections, thus greatly lightening the work. 

 Exchanges with other institutions have been arranged and 

 consummated by which many other desirable plants have 

 been secured. Most of the larger gifts of plants and those 

 secured by exchange were packed, shipped and installed 

 under my . personal supervision, and it affords me great 

 pleasure to state that but a small percentage were damaged 

 in transit, although some of them were moved several hun- 

 dred miles, and the last accession as late as December, when 

 the danger from cold was an additional menace. 



During the past year 3,659 plants have been added to the 



