80 



fact the endowment fund has increased l>v modest increments 

 almost every year since the Garden was established in 1910, but 

 the need for private funds is much greater than the present income, 

 especially the need to place certain activities on a permanent finan- 

 cial basis instead of having to depend on uncertain annual con- 

 tributions which have steadily diminished since the depression 

 began, and which are not likely to improve in the lace ol rising 

 income taxes and the financial and international uncertainties which 

 now obtain throughout the world. 



To use a simile of the director of the National Botanic Gardens 

 of South Africa, in his Annual Report for 1937, we may say that 

 the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has made noteworthy vegetative 

 growth during the past 30 years, and has become well established. 

 But it is now time for the Garden to produce, in fuller measure, 

 what may be compared to the flowers, fruits, and seeds ot the 

 tree, namely a larger output ot scientific work. 



Retiring allowances are now almost universal in scientific and 

 educational institutions. As long ago as 1927 a plan was worked 

 out by the director of the ( iarden with one of the large foundations 

 for a contributory pension plan, and the (Iarden had funds suf- 

 ficient for meeting its share of the annual payments required. 

 This plan, however, was not approved, to the great disappointment 

 and discouragement of our personnel. This is one ot our most 

 urgent needs; until it is met the (iarden will be at a disadvantage 

 whenever it becomes necessary to Idl any important position. 



( )n the basis of a carefully prepared itemized statement which 

 the director will be glad to show to anyone interested, there is a 

 present urgent need of an additional annual income ot not less than 

 $35,000. This is only $1,000 more than the decrease in the private' 

 funds budget since 1030 (as shown on page z.^). It is equal to 

 the income at ,^.5 per cent, on $1,000,000. It does not provide 

 for any expansion of our work over the condition ten years ago. 



As noted in our animal report for 1929, additional endowment 

 is needed tor two broad purposes: 



1. To beautify the (/rounds, to improve anil expand the horticul- 

 tural exhibits, and to provide belter maintenance. 

 1. To enrich and extend our educational and scientific activities. 



