62 
afforded evidence disproving the widespread myth of the germina- 
tion of “mummy wheat,” claimed to be several thousand years 
Lamarck’s Evening-primrose and 
jor 
old. Herbarium specimens of 
other species of the genus Oenothera became of the highest in- 
terest and importance in connection with testing the hypothesis 
of evolution by ‘“ mutation,” as elaborated by DeVries about 25 
years ago, and still being investigated. These last two points are 
interesting illustrations of the fact that work in “ pure’ science, 
the collection of specimens and data, is often found to have a 
value wholly unanticipated when the work was done. 
And finally (for this is not intended to be an exhaustive treat- 
ment of the subject) herbaria are indispensable in connection with 
studies in preparation for journeys of botanical exploration for 
extending our knowledge of plants, giving the botanical explorer, 
in advance, a first hand acquaintance with what is already known 
a preparation which no amount of reading 
of the relevant flora 
printed descriptions could give. 
I*rom this statement the need of curatorial oversight and ade- 
quate assistance should be clear. The mounting of new specimens 
and assorting them into the collection, keeping the specimens free 
from insect pests, serving those who are studing the collection, 
these and other 
preparing duplicate specimens for exchange 
curatorial details demand constant and trained oversight and 
attention, 
Just as ina museum the library and the study collections are 
most useful to the educated while the public exhibits are useful 
to the educated and uneducated alike, and are a mental stimulus to 
both classes, so ina botanic garden the public exhibits appeal to the 
masses (botanists, horticulturists, and laymen), but the herbarium 
(as well as the library) serves chiefly the needs of the amateur 
plant-lover and the professional botanist. 
Plantations and Grounds 
Outdoor gardening work was resumed on March 17 with a 
force of ten gardeners, two of whom are required for the Con- 
servatories, leaving only eight to care for approximately 30 acres 
of plantations, including such highly specialized areas as the Rose 
Garden, Rock Garden, and Japanese Garden. The Native Wild 
