1872.] REPORT OF SECRETARY AND LIBRARIAN. 53 



tious of our own and foreign countries. Thus persuaded, he has not 

 hesitated in affixing your subscription to the list of patrons of several of 

 the choicer English Magazines. Of these, " The GakdeiN," established 

 and edited by the accomplished author of the " Parks, Gardens and 

 Promenades of Paris," is especially noteworthy, whether from the excel- 

 lence of its letter-press or the charm of its illustrations. The " Yilla- 

 G-ARDEKER ; " the "Floral World;" and the "Gardeker" are 

 also recent and desirable acquisitions. But surpassing them all in intrin- 

 sic value ; and constituting perhaps, all things considered, the most 

 precious series in oiu- entire collection ; must be named the eighteen (18) 

 volumes of the " Flore des Seijres,'' alike the envy and despair of its 

 rivals. To aid you in its proper appreciation, listen to the words of our 

 learned associate, Thomas Meehan ; " M. Van Houtte's Flore des Serres 

 " is one of the most beautiful works on new flowers published in the 

 " world. Many wiio care nothing about cultivating flowers themselves, 

 " subscribe for the magazine for the mere beauty of the work as an orna- 

 " ment to their drawing-room tables." Such jjublications, once out of 

 print, are never re-issued. It should furnish cause for sincere congratu- 

 lation that we were able to procure the set, complete from its com- 

 mencement. Each successive volume will be obtained as soon as may be 

 after publication. 



The use of the Lil)rary, by circulation, throughout the past year, has 

 been somewhat less than usual. Bixt an explanation of this fact, other- 

 wise discouraging, is found in the opportunity of perusal and consultation 

 afforded by the more constant attendance of the Librarian throughout 

 the season. The interest that centred so strongly in the Weekly Exhibi- 

 tions was, however, the chief reason for this apparent diminution of 

 interest. Having before them the jierfected specimen of Flower or Fruit, 

 in its prime, there was less need for beginners to seek for the why or 

 wherefore of what was not plainly visible, in the printed page. When- 

 ever such authority was desired for consultation, it was easily accessible. 

 The customary Catalogue of Additions to the Library, during the Official 

 Year 1871-2, is herewith submitted, for your more precise information : 



Department of Agriculture, Eeport of, 1870, 1 vol. 8vo ; Hon. Geo. F. Hoai-. 



New England Farmer, 1870 ; Society. 



Alpine Plants, Loudon, 1 vol. 8vo ; Society. 



Every Woman Her Own Gardener, pamphlet, 1 vol. 4to ; Society. 



Eighth Annual Report, Board of State Charities, 1 vol. 8vo ; Hon. 

 Edward Earle. 



Fourteenth Annual Report, Commissioners of New York Central Park, 

 pamphlet ; Hon. A. H. Green. 



