83 
flower about the same time out-doors, that time does not always 
suffice for their determination. Winter, with herbarium speci- 
mens all “in flower,” with library facilities and ample time, is 
more suitable for study 
In this connection a number of keys have been prepared for 
the larger genera. These include not just what we now have, 
but also what we would like to have. Gradually as we get the 
new plants, through the Seed Exchange or otherwise, we discard 
the less desirable species. 
In several botanic gardens attempts have been made to keep card 
catalogs of cultivated plants. We tried it here, initially. As 
years pass a constantly increasing proportion of a cards refer 
to dead plants, and the cards become cumbersome for information 
about the living plants. [*or many years instead of cards we have 
used plant lists and maps of the various areas, which make effec- 
tive plant records. ‘Together with the annotated specimens, they 
enable us quickly to replace either labels or plants which may be 
lost. Whether the plant represented by the specimen is still living 
is not important, so long as we have a good herbarium of verified 
specimens. 
LILaAcs 
During lilac flowering-time, about two weeks in May, nearly all 
my time was given to study of the varieties in our collection, with 
the assistance of Mr. Emil Barens. 
GRASS PLANTATION 
The grass collection in the Garden was completely overhauled, 
under the supervision of Dr. George M. Reed. During the past 
few years a great many species had disappeared. Changes were 
made in the arrangement of the planting, and many new species 
were added to the collection. In most cases, only one species of 
a genus was planted; thus, there are almost as many genera repre- 
sented as there are species. At the present time the collection in- 
cludes approximately 35 perennial grasses. Some of these flower 
in June and early July; most of them, however, are late summer 
and fall blooming types. In addition, there are about 10 annuals, 
including plants of economic importance, such as wheat, oats, rye, 
barley, corn, and sorghum. 
