36 
was voiced by the director, and brief speeches of presentation 
were made by Miss Loines, Chairman of the Governing Commit- 
tee. The occasion was altogether a most enjoyable one, seventy- 
two persons being present. 
MEMBERSHIP 
The membership record during the past five years of universal 
economic depression is about as satisfactory as could well be 
expected. The figures reported for membership during the past 
five years are as follows: 
Number Change 
BOS Oe he atheue sete coe are nee 113 _ 
1S Ree SO ee ee 1125 +12 
VOB2 oi 2 gen een ers 1231 +106 
1933 sad ohare tiuacews 1099 —132 
TOG Aa tas a Shack nate denen aes 03 —67 
This encouraging record is due chiefly to the effective work of 
the Woman’s Auxiliary, with Mrs. Whitney Merrill as member- 
ship secretary. 
The needs created by a depression are physical and spiritual. 
Relief agencies are devoted to supplying the physical needs; they 
must be supported. Such institutions as botanic gardens minister 
to the spiritual needs; they should be supported by those able to 
do so. That the figures of general attendance equal almost half 
the population of Brooklyn, and that the figures were 36,560 in 
excess of 1933 leave no doubt of the fact that the public needs and 
wants the Botanic Garden. 
— 
Membership, therefore, may be con- 
sidered not only from the standpoint of personal benefit but also 
from that of civic opportunity. 
Plant Distribution to Members, which tends to become more 
popular each year, is reported by the Horticulturist (p. 101). 
Nine courses of instruction were offered free and one course at 
reduced rates. 
Flower Days, primarily for members and their friends, are 
reported in full by the curator of public instruction (p. 76). 
Their popularity is reflected by the reported average attendance 
for the six ‘‘Days”’ of slightly over 237, a total of 1425. 
