30 
tanic gardens as institutions that “ offer opportunities for a thor- 
ough investigation of many important long-time problems which 
are difficult, if not impossible, for any other institution to satis- 
factorily provide.” 
Non-technical reports of progress in research at the Garden 
are given on pages 52-60. 
Plantations and Grounds 
Gardening Operations 
Spring work on the grounds opened on April 2, and out of 
doors work continued until the very end of the year. In addition 
to routine maintenance of lawns and the cultivation of plants, 
the area devoted to the Pea Family has been replanted according 
to a new plan prepared at the director’s request, by the consulting 
landscape architect, Mr. Caparn. One object of the revised plan 
is to show, more effectively than hitherto, the use of plants of 
this group in herbaceous borders. Other changes are noted in the 
appended report of the horticulturist. 
New Boulder Bridge 
When the first paved walks were laid down in 1914, two tempo- 
rary wooden bridges were constructed across the brook. It was 
anticipated that these would be replaced in one or two years 
with suitable permanent structures. Funds have never been pro- 
vided for this, and the bridges became so weak that motor ve- 
hicles, crossing them in emergencies (automobiles are not, as a 
rule, admitted to the Garden), twice broke through. The bridges 
also reached a condition where further repair was almost out of 
the question, and where the need of new bridges was all too ev- 
ident. At our Spring Inspection last May Mrs. John Hills, a 
member of our Woman’s Auxiliary, recognized this need, and 
generously offered to provide the funds for one of the new 
bridges. This very timely gift not only met an urgent practical 
need, but has provided a structure which adds greatly to the ap- 
pearance of the Garden (Fig. 2). The new bridge was designed 
by the consulting landscape architect and constructed by the firm 
of John Thatcher & Son, the total cost being $1,441. 
