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cence that they were ever ready to sustain this most noble enter- 
prise, and as long as they live, our motto will be ‘nil desperandum, 
Vacillating influences, more deadly than the assassin’s dagger, 
_ have not reached the heart of this enterprise, it has only rent its 
mantle. Its great source is far beyond man’s vengeance, or human 
weakness and folly. The seed is sown, and years may pass away 
before we see it accomplished in all its beauty, but it will reach its 
end and high destiny, like the proud oak that rises above the storm 
to battle with the clouds.” 
Over half a century elapsed before the rent garment was made 
whole again—before a movement for a botanic garden in Brooklyn 
met with success in the establishment, in 1910, of the present 
Brooklyn Botanic Garden. 
C. STUART GAGER 
DISPLAY OF PERENNIAL ASTERS 
The collection of perennial asters secured in England last year 
by Mr. Free, Horticulturist of the Botanic Garden, made a beauti- 
ful and popular effect while in bloom during late August and 
September. There are about 75 varieties represented, ranging in 
color from purple and blue to pink and white. The plants were 
secured from Aldenham House Gardens, near London, the coun- 
try estate of the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, son of the late Lord Alden- 
ham. They were set out last fall in a specially prepared bed bor- 
dering the east side of the walk along the border of the experi- 
mental garden. The forms include varieties of Aster novae- 
angliae (New England aster), A. novi-belgii (New York aster), 
and A. Ameilus. 
It is interesting to note that English horticulturists have paid 
particular attention to the cultivation and hybridization of our 
native asters. The collection at the Brooklyn Garden is a good 
illustration of what has been done in England along this line. 
Most of the varieties were derived originally from American 
stock; a few, however, come from the European and Asiatic 
species, Aster Amellus,  . 
One of the plants, near the north end of the row, deserves special 
mention because it may eventually prove to be the progenitor of 
