137 



steadily grown in strength and influence, aiid is now one of our 

 most important botanical possessions. 



It has been seen that the work of the Club was at first narrow 

 as to the subjects involved, because the science itself was so, 

 especially in this country. It continued afterward to retain this 

 character, largely by force of habit. It is not true, however, as 

 has been generally accepted, in response to the criticisms of those 

 who did not know, that its work was confined to accumulating 

 and naming specimens, enumerating circumscribed floras and 

 studying individual structures. Its work was the study of living 

 manifestations of plants in the field, a study which has of late 

 been largely eliminated, to the very great misfortune of science, 

 as here pursued. There came a time when New York experi- 

 enced an invasion of botanists with concepts, knowledge, interests 

 and methods which were largely foreign to us. Their importa- 

 tions were of incalculable value to New York, and at the same 

 time most urgently needed, and resulted in giving to us a new, 

 modern and broad botany. The event was not, however, free 

 from unfortunate incidents. Laboratory v/ork was given undue 

 prominence. Ecological and other field work came to be largely 

 neglected, and what might not inappropriately be called the dis- 

 jointed period of the Club's history ensued. 



With a few closing remarks, the history of the Club must be 

 dismissed from further consideration. Its publication work has 

 steadily increased, until it now includes three periodicals, the 

 smallest much larger than was the Bulletin until many years after 

 its commencement. It has published catalogues of plants of local 

 and distant areas, monographs of important groups, and results of 

 important anatomical, physiological and economic researches. It 

 has collected lists of works and workers, and maintained indoor 

 scientific meetings, at first one, then two monthly, and delightful, 

 and on the whole, very profitable, field meetings, hereafter to be 

 conducted on a systematic basis not previously attempted. It 

 has conducted elementary courses of instruction, and given lecture 

 courses. Its work has included every pail of the vegetable king- 

 dom, and covered almost every part of the world. Its influence 

 in securing the establishment of our present botanical garden may 

 next be considered. 



