334 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The sources whence seeds are received from time to time are 

 recorded in a set of books kept for this purpose. They are 

 numbered in regular order, and by a systematic arrangement notes 

 are made as to their hardiness, adaptability, usefulness, etc., 

 which in future will be of great benefit in determining the history 

 of these plants, and will form likewise a history of the Arboretum. 



The records kept at the Arboretum show that several thousand 

 plants are annually exchanged with individuals, botanic gardens, 

 agricultural colleges, and other institutions, not only in this 

 country but in Eiu'ope, Asia, North Africa, St. Helena, Japan, 

 the Sandwich Islands, and elsewhere. So wide a dissemination 

 of plants must be productive of good results. 



The past season a Shrub Garden has been made comprising 

 about two and one-eighth acres, laid out in beds ten feet wide, 

 by two hundred and seventj'-five feet long, sufficient in extent for 

 1,157 species and 357 varieties. The shrubs are systematically 

 arranged, beginning with the order Ranunculaceae, and ending 

 with Smilaceffi ; and not only botanically, but, as far as possible, 

 geographically, American plants coming first. Here any one with 

 even a limited knowledge of plants can take notes of these grow- 

 ing specimens, which will enable him to gain more knowledge than 

 months or even years of study from books or catalogues could 

 give, and will help him to make such selections as he would like to 

 plant. All this is done at the expense of the Arboretum, thus 

 giving all who wish to avail themselves of its privileges and 

 advantages a real school of instruction free of aU cost ; and this 

 will go on from generation to generation. No other such place is 

 known where such valuable information can be similarly obtained ; 

 while Mr. Dawson, the skilful gardener, is always ready to 

 impart any knowledge in his possession. 



There are spaces left open for undetermined varieties, but the 

 garden now contains 690 species and 250 varieties, with the possi- 

 bility that from fom* to six hundi'ed new species or varieties will 

 be added the coming year. This location was mowing land, and 

 was broken up only a year ago, and it is really astonishing to note 

 what has been accomplished in so short a time ; we can look upon 

 this branch of the Arboretum work as one of the noblest educa- 

 tional agencies existing in any country. 



