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increasing publicity and natural growth. And yet, in spite of 
this, I regret to say, the funds for some of our activities have 
actually decreased. I shall name three of these activities in the 
order of their importance from the standpoint of the Garden. 
f. Public Lectures —In 1924, nine free public lectures’ were 
given at the Garden, but in the 13 years that have followed there 
has been none. Their place has been taken by the lectures given 
at ‘Flower Days”’ (open only to members and their friends), 
and by occasional ‘‘benefit’”’ lectures sponsored by the Woman's 
Auxiliary. I believe that with the greatly increased interest not 
only in the Botanic Garden itself, but in gardening and plant life 
in general, a resumption of popular free lectures would meet with 
an enthusiastic public response. From this point of view it would 
seem an opportunity for public service that we should no longer 
neglect. I recommend, therefore, that a small sum be set aside 
annually for such free, public lectures, including motion picture 
demonstrations. 
2. Loan Lectures.—In 1924 we offered 5 loan lecture sets to 
the schools. This number was increased to 6 in 1930-31, as 
follows: 1. Plant Lite; 2. Spring Wild Flowers; 3. Common 
Trees; 4. Fall Wild Flowers; 5. Forestry; 6. Conservation of 
Native Plants. 
The collection of slides illustrating each subject is accompanied 
by a lecture text, and the series has been much used by school 
teachers. I feel, however, that the number of subjects could and 
should be greatly increased, in order to use to the fullest extent 
our opportunities for service. A small amount should be set 
aside each year for the preparation of additional loan sets, dealing 
with new subjects. 
Leaflets —During this last year the publication of the Brooklyn 
Botanic Garden Leaflets was temporarily discontinued. They 
had been issued for 24 consecutive years, beginning in 1913. 
That these Leaflets, dealing with popular information on plant 
life, filled a need, the hundreds of requests we received each year, 
not only from New York, but from the country at large, testify. 
We are still receiving these requests. In this case again, I feel 
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strongly that we are losing ground on our public service recorc 
by giving up this valuable educational asset. I recommend, 
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therefore, the appropriation of a sum for the resumption of the 
