34 
Conservatories 
Continued Congestion—The new wings of the conservatories 
afforded no relief to our congestion until late October, when 
houses 6 and 7, comprising the southwest wing, became available. 
Popularity of the Economic House—The collection of tropical 
and subtropical economic plants in the economic house becomes 
more popular each year, especially with classes accompanied by 
their teachers from public and private schools. Already one be- 
gins to look forward to the time, not far distant it is hoped, when 
this collection may be installed in quarters at least twice as com- 
modious, 
Maintenance and Administration —During the fall, snow guards 
were placed on the main roof at the ends and along the south 
edge of the lantern, as a protection against snow and ice that fall 
at times from the roof of the lantern. The labeling of the con- 
servatory plants has been begun, but we shall start the new year 
with several hundred unlabeled plants. The total attendance at 
the conservatories for the year has been over 18,000, a marked 
increase over 1915. This figure is really very significant and 
equally encouraging when one recalls the small size of our col- 
lection, its congested and partially unlabeled condition, the fact 
that it has been accessible only through what was originally in- 
tended for a service entrance, and the further fact that during at 
least three warm months of summer the interior of glass houses 
offers slight attraction to visitors. 
Library 
Growth.—The librarian’s annual report shows a total of T1,193 
books and pamphlets, as against 9,689 at the close of LOLS; 40 
growth of 1,504. This was a smaller growth than during the 
preceding year, but the shelf room of the temporary quarters is 
already full to capacity. Out of a total accession of 567 volumes 
for the year, 228 were received by gift and exchange, and out of 
937 pamphlets, 848 by gift and exchange. Of 258 current period- 
icals received, 194 were in exchange with our own publications. 
A list of the current periodicals on file, as of August, 1916, was 
published in the Recorp for October, together with indications as 
to other libraries of greater New York where they may be found. 
