3l 
The relation between an educational institution and its com- 
munity 1s a reciprocal one. The institution should render a defi- 
nite service to the community; in return it 1s justified in looking 
to the community for adequate support. The generosity and 
spontaneity of public support is a true measure of the extent to 
which the community appreciates the importance of institutions 
established to promote knowledge and education and culture. 
In the period of the founding of Rome, war was the chief 
concern of the community and of every man in it. Of course 
this was war with neighboring cities. Cities do not fight each 
other any more, but war has continued to be the chief concern 
of every city and town, and doubtless always will be—war against 
famine, disease, crime, political corruption, ignorance. These are 
not only the traditional but the ever present, ever aggressive ene- 
mies of our cities. The surest way to conquer them all is to con- 
quer the last. It is the aim of modern museums and botanic gar- 
dens, as well as of the schools, to contribute their mite toward this 
end. The response of the public during 1932 to the educational 
program offered by the Garden is evidence that progress is being 
made in this direction. 
Attendance.—Reference was made above to the fact that during 
this period of financial reverses attendance at botanic gardens and 
museums has increased. “‘ Of course,” one may say, “ people 
have more leisure.” But it is significant that they use their leisure 
in that way. Perhaps, if they normally had more leisure, they 
would regularly make larger use of these instruments of adult 
education. 
The total attendance during 1932 was 1,307,904, an increase 
of 200,925 over the preceding year. Attendance data may be 
found in the accompanying report of the curator of public in- 
struction (page 67). 
The attendance during January and February surpassed all pre- 
vious records for those two months. The figure for January was 
50,832, as against 48,600 for January, 1930, the latter being the 
highest recorded for this month previous to 1931. Ifor February 
far above the highest previous figure 
the attendance was 71,339 
for this month, namely, 61,419 in 1929. 
More than one quarter of a million visitors (232,737) were 
