(215 ) 
No serious damage to the plantations has occurred during 
the year, except the destruction of a fine oak by lightning 
and the ravages of a fungus disease among the chestnut trees. 
A few birch trees have been cut, but the guilty party was 
discovered before any serious damage was done. Thirty-five 
arrests have been made for violations of Garden rules and 
only two of the parties arrested escaped a fine. Prompt 
action on the part of those in charge has undoubtedly pre- 
vented more grievous violations. 
Spraying against insect pests has been inaugurated on the 
grounds with good results. Extensive pruning of the chest- 
nut trees has been tried with the hope of saving some, but 
the indications are that most of them will have to be cut in 
the near future. 
The licensed hackmen stationed near the elevated railway 
approach have given both employees and visitors considerable 
annoyance and have repeatedly shown an utter disregard of 
the conditions laid down in their permits 
The increased development of the Garden in all its depart- 
ments demands increased protection. A new night patrol has. 
been appointed and a system arranged among the night watch- 
men by which better service is insured, but the force is still 
inadequate. 
Visitors to the Garden have received personal attention by 
the system of guides inaugurated the past year, which admits 
of a rather careful inspection of a selected portion of the 
exhibits and grounds each day, beginning at 3 P. M. 
Buildings 
MusEum 
A slight rearrangement of the equipment in the various 
laboratories has been necessary on account of setting aside 
one of the rooms on the west wing as an office for the First 
Assistant. This room, together with the rooms adjoining it 
on the top floor, have been painted with white lead and zinc. 
A mail cabinet containing a separate locker for each 
member of the Staff has been constructed and placed near 
