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REPORT OF THE SCIENTIFIC DIRECTORS. 
(Submitted and accepted January 8, 1900.) 
To THE Boarp oF MANAGERS. 
Gentlemen: IT have the honor to submit herewith the report 
of the Board of Scientific Directors for the year now closing. 
The Scientific Directors have held four meetings. At the 
meeting of April 28, 1899, a very important step was taken in 
approving an outline of research courses to be offered by the 
officers of the New York Botanical Garden, and of Columbia 
University. This step established the educational work of 
the Garden upon a systematic basis and defined its standards. 
Advanced courses in almost all departments of Botany were 
authorized and their acceptability for advanced degrees in 
Columbia University was specifically stated. The fees for 
instruction were decided upon, and methods were approved 
whereby students unable to pay the fees might discharge their 
obligations in part by services rendered the Garden. The 
Scientific Directors also accepted an offer of twenty-five 
microscopes from Mr. William E. Dodge. The appointment 
of the Director-in-Chief, which had previously been for a 
term of three years, was made permanent. 
At the meeting of September 26th, a detailed report was 
submitted by the Director-in-Chief, setting forth the needs of 
the laboratories in the new Museum Building. The details of 
the estimates were carefully gone into by the Directors, and it 
was voted to recommend to the Board that $1,000 be appro- 
priated for this purpose. Most gratifying progress was also 
mentioned by the Director-in-Chief, in the installation of 
the Museum, labelling of outdoor collections, researches by 
members of the staff, and accessions of books and botanical 
material. The proposition to establish a monthly journal, 
under the auspices of the Garden was approved, and at the 
meeting of December 11th, was finally formulated for sub- 
mission to your Honorable Body. 
At the meeting of December 11th, certain changes in the 
staff of instructors necessitated by the illness of Dr. H. M 
