(84) 
liver a course of lectures in July, 1908, on wood-destroying 
fungi, at the Biltmore School of Forestry. 
In discussing the changes of personnel in the Garden, it 
becomes my sad duty to report one of the most severe losses 
that we could be called upon to suffer, in the death of Pro- 
fessor Underwood, for some years past the chairman of this 
board. This sad event occurred on November 16 at his home 
in Redding, Connecticut, Professor Underwood having con- 
tinued his valuable services to the Garden almost to the day 
of his death. Our Board, at its meeting of December 14, 
adopted a preamble and resolutions commemorative of Prof- 
essor Underwood’s services to the Garden and to botanical 
science. 
After very careful consideration, we decided at our October 
meeting to reéstablish the office of Assistant Director, and 
appointed Dr. Murrill to that position, in reporting which it is 
our pleasure to speak in the highest terms of the ability and 
efficiency which have characterized Dr. Murrill’s discharge 
of the duties of First Assistant, which position he has filled 
since December, 1905. 
At our April meeting, leave of absence without pay for the 
summer, was granted to our Librarian, Miss Vail, and arrange- 
ments were made to fill the position by the temporary appoint- 
ment of Professor F. S. Earle. At our October meeting, 
Miss Vail informed us that other duties would prevent her 
from continuing in the position of Librarian, and her resig~ 
nation was regretfully accepted. We were fortunately suc- 
cessful in securing the services of Dr. John Hendley Barnhart 
to succeed Miss Vail. 
It has been proposed by the trustees of Columbia University, 
that the relations between the Garden and the University, 
which have always been most helpful to us, be strengthened 
by the acceptance by our Director-in-chief, Dr. Britton, of 
the following appointment: 
