~ 31 
(by open market order against corporate stock), and the construc- 
tion and initial planting of the rock garden, referred to above. x 
more detailed account of these and other operations is contained 
in the appended report of the curator of plants. 
The season of outdoor work, covering 38 weeks, was the longest 
in the Garden’s history; this was made possible by a generous 
contribution of private funds for wages, combined with an un- 
usually late open season, continuing until December 16. During 
this period the laboring force varied from 7 to 34 men. The 
curator of plants has called attention to the fact that the large 
amount of constructive work was accomplished at the partial ex- 
pense of upkeep of grounds. It is anticipated, however, that by 
the end of next year the largest developmental operations now 
before us will have been accomplished. 
Annual Spring Inspection 
The second annual spring inspection was held on Tuesday, 
May 9. About 200 guests were present. Trees were planted by 
the president of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, 
Mr. A. Augustus Healy, and by the chairman of the governing 
committee of the Garden, Mr. Alfred T. White. The tree planted 
by Mr. White was a white oak (Quercus alba), that by Mr. 
Healy, a black oak (Q. velutina). Preceding the formal exer- 
cises of the afternoon trees were also planted by the Misses 
White—a swamp oak (Quercus palustris) by Miss Frances ine 
White, and a red oak (Q. coccinea) by Miss Harriet H. White. 
The inspection concluded at the Japanese garden, where tea was 
served in the tea house. 
Plantations 
Maintenance-—The steady increase of our labeled specimen 
plants, including both shrubs and herbs, has made it almost impos- 
sible to give these plants adequate care. The work requires experi- 
enced gardeners, and we have had only three during the year, 
supplemented by the assistance of one or two unskilled laborers. 
This force is not adequate to the needs of both the plantations 
and the conservatories, and by 1918, at the latest, two or more 
