36 
Recommendation.—The suggestion in the report of the curator 
of plants, of the desirability of building up our general systematic 
collection with American plants is worthy of emphasis. As there 
stated, practically all systematic collections in America, as well 
as in European botanic gardens, are composed, almost wholly, of 
plants of the flora of Europe. Many of our native plants are 
equally beautiful, and interesting, and would serve the purpose 
as well as those of a foreign flora. If this idea can be followed 
out and gradually realized, we shall have a unique and unusually 
interesting collection. The result can be accomplished only by 
having special collections made for the Garden in the field 
Conservatories 
Inadequate Space-——The great congestion in our plant houses 
as previoustly mentioned, has very seriously hindered the growth 
of our tender and tropical collections; nevertheless, as much 
progress has been made as could well be expected under the 
circumstances. 
Snow Guards—In order to obviate the danger of breakage 
from snow sliding from the roof of the lantern of the economic 
house, snow guards of wire mesh were placed on the lower roof, 
near the base of the lantern in December. 
Collection of Boston Fern Varieties —By cooperative arrange- 
ment with Dr. Ralph Curtis Benedict, of Brooklyn, editor of the 
American Fern Journal, the Garden was able to place on exhibi- 
tion, during October, one of the most extensive collections of the 
varieties of the Boston fern (Nephrolepis), ever assembled in 
Greater New York. There were nearly seventy named varieties, 
and invitations were sent, among others, to all the florists of 
Brooklyn, for a preliminary view from October 8-10. A special 
Leaflet was issued, descriptive of the exhibit. 
Popularity of Economic House —The experience of the wast 
year has emphasized in a striking manner the wisdom of develop- 
ing the larger of our plant houses as an economic house, for the 
exhibition of tender and tropical plants having a commercial or 
economic value. These plants are not only attractive and in- 
teresting, but the educational value of such an exhibit is very 
