39 
specimen Filmy Ferns from the collection of the late Mrs. Water- 
house, Halifax, and a set of Odontiodas from Messrs. Charles- 
worth and Co., Hayward’s Heath. 
Surplus plants were distributed to various botanical gardens 
and public parks, and there was the usual distribution of seeds 
that had been saved during the year from the cultivated plants in 
the gardens. The total number of packages thus distributed was — 
2116 hardy herbaceous, and 1420 hardy trees and shrubs. 
The most important of the seeds specially distributed were those 
of Quebrahia Lorentzii from the Argentine, a arge forest tree, 
‘the wood of which is imported into this country and the United 
States for tanning purposes; Aesculus indica, the Indian horse 
chestnut; Acanthosicyos horrida, the African Narras; Y'elopea 
speciosissima, the Waratah; and Sophora Toromiro. 
Surplus trees and shrubs were sent to Kneller Hall and other 
military stations, as well as to various Red Cross hospitals; also 
such bedding and herbaceous plants as could be spared after the 
planting at Kew. 
Collections of plants were contributed from Kew to the Red 
Cross Sale held in the Horticultural Hall in June. 
Arboretum.—The reduction of the staff has made it impossible 
to attempt much more than keep the grounds in order during 
1916. At times even this proved more than could be done satis- 
factorily. The hay crop was unusually heavy, and this, combined 
with showery weather and inexperienced help, made its ingather- 
ing long and tedious. The consequence was that, by the time it 
was finished, weeds had got the upper hand, and the standard of 
cleanliness and order fell much below that of normal times. 
More ground in the area of the collection of Hricaceae has been 
taken to provide for new Chinese rhododendrons, of which so many 
have been introduced during the last fifteen years. For the 
purpose, a mound close to the Holly walk and the Arbutus col- 
lection (H 7 on Key Plan) was cleared of a miscellaneous assort- 
ment of shrubs. A large oval bed was made, separated from 
which by a grass path are two long borders at the sides. 
Sigal was very much decayed and the pera fall of large 
imbs made its removal necessary for safety. Its trunk measured 
3 . 
The Assistant Curator has visited and advised as to the treat- 
