30 
stated in the original Act of 1897, of the State Legislature: for 
“the advancement of botanical science and knowledge, the prosecu- 
tion of original researches there and in kindred subjects.” The 
— 
advancement of knowledge, like its dissemination, requires funds. 
The total results of botanical research—economically, socially, 
aesthetically, educationally—are large out of all proportion to the 
amounts that have been and are being expended for its promotion. 
During the twenty-nine years of the Garden's existence it has had 
one large gift ($50,000) exclusively for the purpose of research; 
t 
annual contributions for this work; but the total amount available 
— 
ree friends have for the past nineteen years made generous 
during these years has been meager in proportion to its require- 
ments and importance. The results have more than justified the 
modest sums that have been expended. 
An analysis of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden budget for 1927 
showed that approximately 24 per cent. of the total was for re- 
search. An analysis of the 1938 budget showed that only 9.15 per 
cent. was applied to research—a falling off of nearly 15 per cent. 
in eleven years. The figures for 1939 are substantially the same 
as for 1938. Endowment for research is one of our most urgent 
needs. 
THE LIBRARY 
Co, 
The library not only serves the needs of our own staff, but is 
open free daily (except Sundays and holidays) to the general 
public, and its use by the public tends to increase each year. The 
librarian (pp. 100-104) reports a total attendance of 5,627 (as 
against 4,595 in 1938), accessions of 244 books, 689 pamphlets, 
and 5,865 parts of publications; books 
— 
oaned to other institutions 
69, and books borrowed from other libraries 20. It may be noted 
again that publications are not loaned to individuals but only to 
other libraries. 
The Mrs. George White Field Memorial— Mrs. Field’s Lit- 
erary Club,” a woman’s club of Brooklyn, was organized in 1884 
by Mary Jones Field (Mrs. George White Field), whose death oc- 
curred in February 1934. At its meeting on April 20, 1939, the 
Club voted to contribute $500 to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for 
the purchase of rare and important books as a memorial to Mrs. 
