ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN. 71 



be most impressive and dignified. At the same time this land would 

 serve a very practical purpose. 



A report on the soils and some of the prominent features of the 

 vegetation and a map of the soil area are attached to this letter. 

 The soils of the area are very diverse. Over 30 different types are 

 represented on the accompanying map. These afford almost every 

 variation which can be secured in this section of the country. A 

 large portion of the soil consists of a sand} 7 loam with a light red- 

 dish-, sandy clay subsoil and represents good agricultural land. The 

 total area of poor soils is not so great as to hamper the development 

 of these areas with species of plants especially suited to them. The 

 colluvial type of soil, represented by only one small area on the 

 map, is much more extensive than shown, and occurs in small de- 

 posits along man} 7 of the stream beds. 



Xo better guide to the adaptabilit} 7 of the area for a botanic gar- 

 den can be found than the existing natural plant cover. About 150 

 acres of the tract is in timber, very little of it scrub pine, most of it 

 hardwood, especially oak, with a liberal sprinkling of hickory, 

 tulip poplar, sweet and black gum, and many other of our native 

 trees. Mount Hamilton, the most conspicuous topographic feature 

 of the tract, is covered by an almost pure growth of oak. In a long 

 strip of timber running down from the northeast foot of Mount 

 Hamilton the trees approach in dimensions those of a primeval 

 forest, and toward the south foot of Mount Hamilton, where the 

 trees are scattered in open groves with wide and low branches, 

 some of the individual oaks, with trunks 4 feet or more in diameter, 

 are beautiful and impressive examples of pasture trees. Laurel, 

 blueberry, and other acid-soil plants also occur. On the low col- 

 luvial soils such trees as pawpaw represent a bottom-land flora. 



It is obvious, therefore, that practically any plants which can 

 thrive in this climate can be grown in this area. The absence of 

 rock masses is to be regretted, but such masses can be produced ar- 

 tificially if they are deemed essential at some later period. 



The natural vegetation of this tract as it stands will furnish a 

 good basis from which to develop a botanical garden, since most 

 of the native plants of this section are growing in the area. Judg- 

 ing from the natural plant cover, it will be possible to grow plants 

 of even the most exacting soil requirements. The acid-soil plants, 

 such as laurel, are here well represented. The marsh lands along 

 the river afford opportunity for the development of water and 

 swamp gardens, which would be unusual and at the same time a 

 most desirable feature. Here can be grown, not only many of the 

 most beautiful lilies, but many important agricultural plants seldom 

 seen in botanical gardens. 



In case the present tract can be secured it would seem that it could 

 be so developed as to form a part of the great park system, and at 

 the same time to make a valuable institution in the development of 

 science in the National Capital. 



The site which you propose is admirable in location, topography, 

 present plant cover, and in capabilities of future development. It 

 is doubtful if any tract in the District can be secured which is as 

 suitable for this purpose. 

 Respectfully, 



David Houston, Secretary. 



