( 462 ) 
Dr. Pennell remains in Colombia for the purpose of con- 
tinuing these collections. 
In submitting this report, I desire to add that so large 
an economic collection as we now possess, and one that 
represents so much labor and expense, should be made 
more serviceable thanit is at present. Under the stimulus 
of present economic conditions, there is an unprecedented 
demand for information concerning useful plant products, 
and we are in continuous receipt of inquiries, both verbal 
and written, for suchinformation. Our economic museum, 
plantations, and conservatories are capable of meeting a 
large portion of these demands, were their exhibits properly 
made known. This result, I believe, could be largely se- 
cured by the publication as a part of our Bulletin, and re- 
printed for special distribution, of a detailed catalogue and 
guide to these collections. Such a guide should explain 
our method of classification and indicate the location of 
the articles and the method of finding them. It should 
then enumerate them, indicating as to each its identity, 
nature and source, botanical and geographical, and its 
useful properties and economic relations. All this could 
be done briefly, yet would be productive of very valuable 
results, and could point the way to securing fuller infor- 
mation when desired. In addition to these benefits to the 
public, the Garden would be certain to profit largely through 
the direction of the attention of those having material to 
contribute to the absence of such articles from the cata- 
logue. Respectfully submitted, 
. Russy, 
Honorary Curator of ee Cie 
