The grounds of the Garden comprise all that portion 

 of Bronx Park which lies to the north of Pelham Park- 

 way, about 400 acres. Topo- 

 Grounds " , • ,, i , , • , 



graphically, the land is charm- 

 ingly diversified — gentle hills alternating with narrow 

 winding valleys, rocks outcropping as solid ledges with 

 occasional low cliffs or as glacial boulders, and here and 

 there level reaches. Nearly one half of the region is 

 covered by trees, and of these a considerable proportion 

 consists of native forest growth, especially notable in 

 which has survived a native hemlock grove, the southern- 

 most to be found near the sea-coast. Through the Gar- 

 den, from end to end, runs the Bronx River in a succes- 

 sion of straight level stretches bordered by meadows, 

 tortuous curves from which quiet coves of still water 

 lead off, and rapids confined between the steep wooded 

 banks of a picturesque gorge. Automobile roads and 

 foot paths make all parts of the Garden readily accessible 

 to visitors, to whom the grounds are open at all hours. 



The varied topography of the Garden offers exceptional 

 opportunities for varied plant life. In this respect the 



T . . „, institution is unequalled by any 



Living Plants • , , r 1 



01 the botanical gardens 01 the 



old world. Besides the native species, thousands of trees, 

 shrubs and flowering plants have been introduced. 

 Maples, oaks, elms, beeches, birches, poplars, nut trees, 

 Japanese cherries, magnolias, plane trees, thorns, dog- 

 woods, willows, pines, spruces, firs and a host of less 

 common types, provide an arboretum almost unrivalled. 

 The collection of shrubs is almost equally varied. Nu- 

 merous hardy vines are present. Wild flowers are abun- 

 dant and carefully preserved. There are herbaceous 

 gardens, flower gardens, a rose garden and a rock garden. 

 Throughout the spring, summer and autumn months, 

 there are exhibits of tulips, daffodils, narcissi, peonies, 



[3] 



