185 
this recommendation was presented, and I was authorized to 
a 
of money or plants, in order that the permanent funds of the 
Garden should not be drawn upon for this purpose. 
A circular letter was sent to all members of the Garden which 
resulted in the subscription of $2,115.. A very great number of 
plants have also been contributed, both by members of the 
Pp 
cult to estimate the money value of this coneabunon of plants, 
+ 
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2.8 
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b ce it at a minimum of $10,000. 
The collection contains in a the specimens housed for 
several years at the old Green House of Columbia University, 
together with several thousand specimens secured by exchange, 
or raised from seed during the past six months. 
Less than $300 of the a Fund subscribed has 
been expended and almost all of this amount has gone to the 
payment of express and ae charges on a donated 
f 
x 
the actual purchase or specimens. There therefore remains, 
about $1,700 of the Fund for the expenses of an expedition to 
the West Indies for securing specimens and for the purchase or 
other methods of securing additional desirable specimens. 
Referring to my report on my European trip of this year, I 
ask that authority be given me to send Mr. Nash, Curator of the 
Plantations, to Kew next spring, and to pay his expenses from 
this fund. I propose to baa out the West Indian trip, above 
alluded to, at about the same time, either by going personally or 
by sending another ne of the Garden. 
Respectfully submitted, 
N. L. Britron, 
Director-in- Chief. 
