432 Kew Garden. 



" So far as the mere cultivation of this place is a subject of ob- 

 servation, it is due to those who have charge of it to say, that it does 

 them credit, considering the crowded state of the houses, and the 

 inadequate funds allowed for its support. 



" It is impossible to speak of the general management in similar 

 terms. It has always been maintained as the great Botanical Gar- 

 den of this country, and whether, as a private or as a public esta- 

 blishment, it was the duty of the officer entrusted with its adminis- 

 tration, to render it effective to the extent of his means as a Botanical 

 Garden, that is, as a garden of science and instruction ; yet no kind 

 of arrangement (one of the first features in a Botanical Garden) has 

 been observed ; no attempt has been made, till lately, to name the 

 multitudes of rare plants it comprehends, and thus to render it a 

 place of public utility ; no communication is maintained with the 

 colonies ; nor any other thing done, so far as can be discovered, to 

 fulfil the objects of its institution, except to raise the seeds which 

 government collectors and other persons have profusely contributed, 

 and then to take care of the plants. 



"It is admitted that there is no classification observed in the Garden. 



" What names are to be found in the Garden have been furnished 

 by Mr. Smith the foreman, and the Director does not hold himself 

 answerable for them. This was most particularly inquired into, and 

 most distinctly avowed; so that by far the most difficult part of the 

 duty of the principal officer ; a duty on the perfect execution of which 

 the credit and utility of the Garden essentially depends ; a duty 

 which can only be executed properly by a man of high scientific at- 

 tainments, aided by an extensive herbarium and considerable library. 

 This most important duty is thrust upon a foreman, paid small week- 

 ly wages for cultivating plants, who, whatever his zeal and assiduity 

 may be, (and in this case they have been such as to deserve the 

 greatest praise,) has no sufficient means of executing ' such an 

 office. * * ***** 



" Visitors are unreservedly admitted to the Garden daily, except 

 on Sundays, and Mr. Aiton deserves credit for having exercised his 

 power, as Director- General, in order to secure this privilege to the 

 public. It is, however, not easy to discover what advantage, except 

 that of a pleasant walk, has been derived from the privilege in the 

 past state of the Garden." * . * * * 



