57 
an institution as ours, is patent, for there are few gardens that 
make any special feature of this. Collections of living plants 
in this country are largely dominated by trade lists and by the 
seeds offered in exchange by European botanical gardens. If 
we could build up in the next few years a collection of repre- 
sentative American species it would not only prove instructive 
to the public, but prove a valuable exchange asset to the Garden. 
The building up of such a collection requires a great deal of ex- 
ploration work, and a number of interested correspondents in dif- 
ferent parts of the country. I would suggest that the Garden 
during the next few years inaugurate several such exploration 
trips. 
I have already received several invitations to go on such ex- 
peditions, where a competent botanist, familiar with Be local 
region, was willing to act as guide. 
Personal Activities 
In January my book on the Flora of the Vicinity of New York 
was published. I have continued the botanical exploration of 
Long Island, but there is still much to be done before a compre- 
hensive survey of the island is completed. The editing of Tor- 
reya, and the answering of many inquiries for the determination 
of specimens, running from one to several hundred in a single 
inquiry, have occupied considerable time. 
Other activities are the same as outlined in my last report, ex- 
cept that I no longer serve on the executive committee of the De- 
partment of Botany of the Institute. 
Respectfully submitted, 
NorMAN TAYLOR, 
Curator of Plants. 
REPORT OF THE CURATOR OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION 
R 1915 
Dr. C. Sruart Gacer, DrrEcTor. 
Sir: I have the honor to submit herewith my report as curator 
of public instruction for the year ending December 31, 1915. 
