(54) 



collections in the conservatories, these representing many- 

 families, species and varieties, natives of many and distant 

 lands, a large percentage of them new to our collections. 



The label used here, and which has been very successful 

 thus far, is made of sheet zinc and painted gray. A lip is 

 provided on the upper surface and this is bent back and in- 

 serted in the pot or tub, bringing the top of the label flush 

 with the rim of the pot, so that no part of the plant is ob- 

 scured, an important advantage in the labeling of specimens. 

 As in the other plantations, the label is designed to give the 

 common and botanical names of each plant and its native 

 country, but here, in addition to these, is given the name of 

 the family to which the plant belongs, and also, if it has been 

 a gift, the name of the donor. These labels are of two sizes, 

 the larger one for tubs and large pots ; of the larger size 

 92, and of the smaller 872, have been placed in position, 

 making a total of 964. 



The collections have been in great part grouped according to 

 families, making their comparative study much easier, and ren- 

 dering them much more available for purposes of instruction. 



Herbaceous Grounds. 



Much has also been accomplished in this plantation. Sev- 

 eral new beds have been added, made necessary by the 

 growth and needs of plants already installed and by the ad- 

 dition of new ones. The collections arranged here must 

 from the nature of things be changeable, their complexion 

 varying from year to year. Many plants are unable to stand 

 our climate but for a year or two and then die out, while 

 others show the utmost vigor, evidencing wonderful adapta- 

 bility for decorative planting. About 1,000 specimens have 

 been added during the year, and of these many are new to the 

 collections or have replaced those which have succumbed to 

 our climate or other adverse conditions. Of the wooden show 

 label used in this tract 817 were made and installed for the 

 individual plants, and 19 family signs were also placed in 

 position. This beautiful area is attracting added attention 



