" The old Arboretum in part still exists near the main 

 gate on Kew Green. Many trees have perished and have 

 been removed from age ; but those that remain include 

 some of the finest specimens of rare trees in the Gardens." 

 (Some further particulars are given in the Kew Bulletin 

 for 1891, page 316.) 



The Botanical Garden, which was opened to the 

 public in 1841, with Sir William Hooker as Director, 

 comprised only about 11 acres ; it included, however, 

 the old Arboretum. In 1844, by permission of the 

 Queen, about 47 acres, including the ornamental piece of 

 water in front of the Palm House, was added for the 

 formation of a Pinetum. This was too near the smoke of 

 suburban London, and it has lost its distinctive character. 

 But many of the trees planted at this time are now of 

 considerable magnitude. 



The u Pleasure Grounds and Gardens at Kew ". were 

 in the occupation of the King of Hanover for sporting 

 purposes at the time the Botanic Garden was given to 

 the nation. The woods were filled with rough scrub 

 for cover. In 1845 they were placed in the charge of 

 Sir W. Hooker, with the " intention that they should be 

 formed into a national arboretum." A plan for the 

 purpose was prepared in 1846 by W. A. Nesfield. The 

 main features were carried out at the time, and the 

 general principle has been worked upon ever since. In 

 1850 the Nursery was formed. In 1870 the new Pinetum 

 was commenced. 



The late Director, Sir Joseph Hooker (1865-1885), 

 spared no pains to amass the most complete collection 

 which could be formed of hardy woody plants. These 



