44 
were added to the rock garden during 1917, making the total 
number about 400. Many of the larger boulders have been split 
so as to permit planting in the crevices. For this work the 
Graden is indebted to Mr. John Thatcher, Brooklyn. Several 
flowering crab apple trees were planted in the fall at the north 
end of the garden, so as to shut it out from view as one approaches 
from that end. 
Lilac Collection—Most of the 130 varieties planted in 1916 
have become established, but the war put a stop to any consider- 
able additions, as many of the varieties we do not have can be 
obtained only from European nurserymen. 
Conservatories 
The completion of the present range of plant houses, as planned, 
afforded much relief to the badly congested sections first built. 
Gifts of plants are acknowledged in the appended report of the 
curator. 
Attendance —Although the conservatory collection has been 
only about one third installed, and no special effort made to 
attract the public, the number of visitors increased much more 
than 61 per cent. over 1916, reaching a total of 29,328. 

Herbarium 
Accessions.—A total of 4,119 herbarium specimens were acces- 
sioned, including 2,737 phanerogams and 1,382 cryptogams. A 
detailed statement occurs in the appended report of the curator of 
plants. 
Ames Bequest—The largest single accession during the year 
comprised about 517 specimens of fungi, mainly woody, be- 
queathed to the Garden by the will of the late Frank H. Ames, 
who was a frequent visitor to the herbarium and library. The 
gift also included 42 books and 18 pamphlets, chiefly on fungi, 
and interesting correspondence with American mycologists. A 
fuller statement will be found in the Garden Recorp for January. 
1918, to be issued before the publication of this report. 

