Aq 
contributions are annually solicited. The labeling of these ex- 
hibits has also progressed during the year, under the immediate 
supervision of Dr. Gundersen, and this it is that gives the exhibits 
of living plants their educational value. One may almost daily 
see visitors copying these labels, and the gardeners are constantly 
receiving inquiries about them and the plants. 
A beginning was made, during the year, of installing large 
“blanket labels,” at the entrances to the various plant Orders, 
giving a list of the Families in the Order, and other information 
as to geographic range, etc. 
Our plantations have now reached a stage of development 
where they are proving a rich source of suggestion to persons who 
have small gardens and larger private places. As one of numerous 
instances of this, inquiries have been received from several states 
and from one foreign country concerning seeds and cultural re- 
quirements of our collection of hardy asters. 
Undeveloped Area 
The development of the grounds has proceeded slowly on ac- 
count of the shortage of labor. The area of about three acres 
between the Brooklyn Museum and Mt. Prospect Reservoir is 
still largely undeveloped. This area has a frontage on Eastern 
Parkway, and the entrance gate there, near the I. R. T. subway 
exits, is one of our most used entrances. 
Conservatories 
The conservatories have been maintained in a good state of 
upkeep, and numerous new species have been added. The installa- 
tion of blanket labels has begun during the year, each label giving 
information (in addition to name and range) concerning plants 
of popular or economic interest, such as tea, chocolate tree (Theo- 
broma cacao), Pepper (Piper nigrum), cocoanut, banana, vanilla, 
Orchid Family, Begonia Family, and others. These labels, pre- 
pared by Dr. Gundersen, have, like the blanket labels on the 
grounds, also prepared by him, added greatly to the educational 
value of the exhibits, especially for school classes in botany and 
geography. 
