PIR) 
distribution, and economic uses of plants, or to present some bio- 
logical principle such as evolution. By proper labeling and the 
service of instructors to explain special groups of plants, funda- 
mental concepts of biology rather than the mere observation or 
perception of individual plants would be grasped by visitors. 
Flower Days were initiated at the Garden in 1927. These have 
heen held when the floral display of a particular group was at its 
best. The Days have served to give the members of the Garden 
an opportunity to become better acquainted with the plantings. 
Special Days have been held for the daffodils, Japanese Garden, 
cherry blossoms, lilacs, iris, waterlilies, and for other displays. 
Rose Garden Day and Chrysanthemum Day have become fixed 
features for June and November. A short talk is usually made by 
a member of the staff, or someone especially invited for the oc- 
casion, and this is followed by a tour of inspection of the flowers 
on the grounds. Flower Days, as far as we know, are or- 
iginal with the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. 
A Prospectus of courses offered at the Botanic Garden is pub- 
lished each year. A great variety of topics is included; there are 
courses for the garden members and the general public. During 
the last few years these have been largely concerned with victory 
garden topics. Among the regular courses for members and the 
general public are those dealing with trees, shrubs, wild flowers, 
and ferns. Another group of courses is primarily intended for 
teachers, in which the elements of horticulture and gardening, 
greenhouse work, and plant culture, are taken up. Other courses 
are designed especially for the children and for special groups. 
There is an agreement between New York University and the 
Brooklyn Botanic Garden which enables properly qualified grad- 
uate students to carry on independent investigations in botany at 
the Garden under the direction of members of the Garden staff. 
Opportunities for research are available in mycology, plant path- 
ology, systematic botany, and morphology of the flowering plants. 
A special course in medicinal plants for nurses, inaugurated 
in 1927, is unique. Two courses have been given by special re- 
quest to employees of the Park Department. Following the war 
of 1917-1918, special training was given to soldiers in order to 
fit them for the particular vocation of gardening. The Garden is 
