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publications of others helpful? Then we should contribute to 

 current scientific literature. Are our grounds beautified by the 

 "creations," so-called, of the plant breeder? Then we should 

 endeavor to make some contribution to a knowledge of plant 

 breeding. Do we depend upon the most recent discoveries in 

 plant pathology to keep our collections healthy? Then we, too, 

 should contribute to the knowledge of plant diseases. Such is 

 the ideal and, in part, the scope of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden 

 — to increase and diffuse a knoivledge and love of plants. We can 

 hardly state it too often; we can hardly over-emphasize it — 

 scientific research and public education; this is the purpose and 

 program of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. 



What the Community Has Asked of Us 



In an editorial review of our preceding annual report the 

 writer, while commending the work, suggested that the com- 

 munity should ask itself whether it really wished such an insti- 

 tution. One never asks himself whether he wishes to cat when 

 he is hungry. Brooklyn, and also adjacent Boroughs, are now 

 too busy making use of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to raise 

 any question as to its need or usefulness. 



The attendance at our classes and lectures during the year has 

 been over 100,000 adults and children. 



Over 204,000 packets of seeds have been supplied to Brooklyn 

 children for planting in school and home gardens. 



Over 1,100 teachers have sought conferences with members of 

 staff concerning the teaching of botany and nature study. 



Over 8,500 living plants have been placed in the classrooms of 

 nearly every Brooklyn school. 90 per cent, of the Public 

 Schools have made use of the Garden in one way or another. 



Study material has been supplied to 10 out of 13 Idigh Schools 

 and to 12 out of 13 Junior High Schools. 



Over 438,000 persons have visited our grounds.. 



Eighty-three addresses and lectures have been delivered by 

 members of staff on invitation in Greater New ^'ork, outside of 

 the Botanic Garden. 



Almost daily requests by letter, telephone, and in person for 

 information on plant life have been received and answered. 



