(415 ) 
of cactuses, and this collection has been materially in- 
creased, being now the richest in species of any hitherto 
formed. 
20. Natural Features 
The natural woodlands have been patrolled against fire 
and vandalism and have suffered no deterioration. Wind 
storms uprooted some trees and all but a very few dead 
trees have been removed, this forestry work being in prog- 
ress at the present time. ‘The wood from fallen and dead 
trees has all been utilized for fuel in furnaces at the propa- 
gating houses and at the mansion. 
It is still desirable to extend the low railings along the 
trails in the hemlock grove in order to further restrict 
traveling; wherever these rails have been placed, the forest 
undergrowth has recovered practically all the beauty and 
interest which were partially lost some years ago by indis- 
criminate trampling. It has not been possible to extend 
the system of railings during the past year. 
The income of the Caroline and Olivia E. Phelps-Stokes 
Fund, specified for the preservation of native plants, was 
used during 1917 for increasing the collection of lantern 
slides desirable for lectures upon this subject. 
21. Border Screens 
Tree screens planted along parts of the borders prior to 
1900 have been pruned and somewhat thinned. The 
screen established along the northeastern boundary, now 
the junction with the Bronx River Parkway Reservation, 
has become unnecessary and undesirable, as better land- 
scape effects can be had by its partial elimination, and it is 
proposed to cut out many of the trees, leaving only some 
good specimen plants. 
Museums 
The collections in the public museums have been con- 
served and somewhat increased, and modified by sub- 
stitution of specimens. Additional labeling has been 
accomplished. Some specimens held in storage have been 
