aggregated the widespread interest. It would redound to 

 the benefit of the New York Botanical Garden if it should 

 recognize this wide national movement and should en- 

 deavor to aid it. This could be done by the installation 

 of formal gardens and special garden features, by frequent 

 and changing exhibits adapted to interest garden lovers, 

 and by the giving of information and advice in solving 

 garden problems. In this direction we have made a 

 promising beginning in our rose garden, and the success 

 of our several exhibitions of tulips, gladioli, irises and 

 dahlias is gratifying and prophetic. But our efforts should 

 be more comprehensive than these. 



For example, there is more or less open space to the 

 south and east of the Lorillard Mansion, which affords 

 an excellent opportunity for the 

 installation of a formal garden, S^J^stte 



considerable in extent and with 



varied garden effects, without serious interference with 

 the natural features of the plot. This might require the 

 removal of the unsightly stables of the Park Department. 

 The Lorillard Mansion itself, a building of little historical 

 value, erected during one of the most inartistic periods 

 in the development of American architecture, was par- 

 tially burned on March 26. It is now roofless, its upper 

 stories are gutted, and it must be restored by arrangement 

 with the City. It could be made a valuable aid in foster- 

 ing the garden spirit by altering its architecture without 

 and within, installing in its rooms tasteful furnishings, 

 offering adequate facilities for the entertainment of 

 members and other visitors, exhibiting pictures and plans 

 of public and private gardens, and inducing local garden 

 clubs to hold occasional meetings there. In such ways 

 there might be established an esthetic and social center 

 for bringing to the Garden those who are best fitted to 

 appreciate and help it. 



