126 ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL BOTANIC GAKDEN. 



tion, and a long lake picturesquely situated between rocky wooded 

 hills. There are 70 acres of natural deciduous forest occupying both 

 sides of the river ; a driveway system about 5 miles in length has been 

 constructed, and there are over 15 miles of broad paths and trails 

 already built. 



An agreement between the New York Botanical Garden and the 

 trustees of Columbia University provides for cooperative educational 

 facilities. 



Appropriations of money by the city aggregating over $1,250,000 

 have been expended in the construction of buildings, driveways, 

 paths, fences, and water supply, and in grading and drainage ; and 

 the cit}^ makes annual appropriations for the maintenance of grounds, 

 buildings, and collections. Living plants, books, and specimens in 

 value exceeding $500,000 have been brought together by the board of 

 managers, who have also expended large sums in development and 

 maintenance. Living plants of more than 14,000 kinds are now grow- 

 ing in the grounds and greenhouses. 



It is estimated that the value of the land is not less than $11,- 

 300,000, and the expenses incurred on buildings, driveways, etc., 

 $1,400,000. 



Appropriation of land for the planting, equipment, etc.. the value 

 of the plants, the collections, contents of the library, the public 

 museums, the herbarium, together with the $550,000 endowment fund, 

 represents property of a total value of about $14,000,000. 



The museum building will cost about $250,000 to complete ; comple- 

 tion of the hi ven houses, $150,000: and the development of grounds 

 and plantations. $100,000. 



The board estimates that $10,000 spent annually for several years 

 in developing the grounds would represent slow progress. They 

 estimate they need a gift of £500.000 to complete the grounds. 



This garden was established as a botanic garden, a museum, and 

 arboretum, with a collection of plants, shrubs, and trees, and for the 

 advancement of botanical science and knowledge, and the prosecu- 

 tion of original researches, and for affording instruction in the same, 

 for the prosecution and exhibition of ornamental and decorative hor- 

 ticulture and gardening, and for the entertainment, recreation, and 

 instruction of the people. 



The following features are of special interest : 



1. The largest conservatories in America. 



2. 'Idie largest botanical museum in the world. 



3. A collection of cone-bearing trees, mostly evergreens. 



4. The herbaceous garden. 



5. The collection of hardy shrubs. 



6. The deciduous arboretum. 



7. Extensive flower gardens at conservatory range 1. 



8. The old stone mansion, containing meeting rooms, laboratories, 

 office of the secretary, etc. 



'.». Special collection of hardy plants in various sections of the 

 grounds. 



li). The hemlock forest, covering about 40 acres. 



11. Gorge of the Bronx River. 

 _ The north meadows and river woods. 



L3. Deciduous woodlands on rocky ridges in southern and central 

 parts of the reservation. 



