29 
timately upon the bed rock of research in pure science, under- 
taken and carried on without thought of financial return. 
There is no longer any question but that business is going to 
support scientific research. The question for Brooklyn to decide, 
is whether it wishes to become a center for such work; to be spe- 
cific, whether it does not wish its Botanic Garden to be one of 
the outstanding institutions of its kind. 
What the Botanic Garden Needs 
The above heading has appeared in several preceding annual 
reports. When the Botanic Garden ceases to have needs it will 
have ceased to be a live institution. 
In the first place, a certain proportion of our work is now 
dependent for financial support upon uncertain and fluctuating 
contributions received in fulfillment of pledges renewed annually, 
or from equally varying income from membership dues and tui- 
tions. From year to year we are never quite certain whether 
work must be curtailed nor whether certain appointments can 
be continued. ‘This gives a feeling of insecurity and apprehension, 
a lack of assurance and of permanent foundation which is not 
conducive to the most substantial accomplishment nor to the build- 
ing up of an enduring organization. 
In the second place, much of our present work is underfinanced. 
Most salaries are below the prevailing rate in other institutions 
of similar grade and ideals. The Garden is at a disadvantage 
in filling vacancies and manning new positions. 
For lack of sufficient funds the development of our plantations 
is lagging; the plants and lawns, while reflecting credit on those 
responsible for their upkeep, still have insufficient care; the 
grounds are inadequately guarded; our scientific work (founda- 
tional to all of our other activities) cannot expand in a normal 
and healthy manner.; our school service is not adequate to ever 
increasing demands; the needs of our library and herbarium can 
be met only in part; the publication of guides to the plantations 
has been too long delayed; suitable entrances at all of our gates 
are still to be provided. 
If this statement, by chance, reminds the reader too strongly 
