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gardeners. In my report for 1916 I urged the necessity of at least 
two additional gardeners by 1918. They were appointed on the 
private funds pay-roll for 1917, and the Board of Estimate and 
Apportionment has approved our city budget request for these 
two positions for 1918. As soon as the war is over (at the latest) 
we should have the entire time of one gardener at each of the 
following seven centers and adjacent areas: Japanese garden, rock 
garden and ecological section, iris garden, native wild-flower 
garden, general systematic garden (upper section), general sys- 
tematic garden (lower section), children’s garden and vicinity 
of Malbone St. gate. A man is needed at each of these stations 
for the double purpose of gardening and guard duty. The in- 
stallation of additional collections will create other similar centers. 
White Buch Disease -—The most injurious plant disease in the 
brief history of the Garden first appeared in 1916 among the 
white birches. From the observations of the resident investi- 
gator, Dr. Reed, it would appear that the primary cause of the 
trouble is the bronze birch borer, followed by one or more para- 
sitic fungi. The satisfactory treatment and control of this in- 
fection is very baffling, and, so far, every infected tree has died, 
leaving many bare and unsightly spots, especially near the 
Japanese garden, and elsewhere around the lake. A full account 
is included in Dr. Reed’s report. 
Statistics —A total of 651 living plates were added to the col- 
lections, and 422 were distributed by exchange. Seed packets 
received by gift and exchange 401; distributed by exchange 470. 
Iris Garden—The margin of the brook, on either side, has 
afforded a suitable location for the iris collection. About 15 
species and go horticultural varieties of Japanese, Spanish, Ger- 
man and other groups of iris were planted last fall, covering a 
stretch of about 300 linear feet along each side of the brook. The 
majority of the plants were donated by growers, and the collection 
should ultimately stimulate a wide public interest in this group. 
The individual gifts are acknowledged on page oo. The planting 
may ultimately be extended along the margin of the lake, and 
further gifts for this collection would be most welcome. 
Rock Garden—Some 200 or more species of saxitile plants 
