ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN. 145 



drains extending between 400 and 500 yards in length and in some places 3 

 feet deep ; the canal has been deepened, so that it now surrounds the island and 

 is between 3 aud 4 feet deep and about IS feet wide, with a good foot bridge 

 over it. Several new walks have been made and the whole well graveled. The 

 ground has been well ploughed and harrowed at least three times over. A tool 

 house has been erected. The border on Maryland Avenue and the island have 

 been properly prepared for the reception of seeds and plants. It is believed that 

 it would be most beneficial, at the same time least expensive, to cultivate this 

 border and the island and to sow the remainder of the ground in the center 

 with white clover in the spring. And to effect these objects a gardener can 

 be obtained for $60 per annum, who will not only preserve the garden, but will 

 plant any seeds or plants that may be received, besides supplying trees where 

 dead. 



In a letter dated August 6, 1830, written in protest of a proposed 

 leasing of the ground as a pleasure resort, in connection with which 

 the objects of the institute would continue to be carried out, William 

 Elliot spoke of the condition of the garden at that time as follows : 



It is urged that the garden remain uncultivated, and that we make no use 

 of it. But even in its present uncultivated state, it is a not unpleasant object 

 as seen from the Capitol ; and certainly much more worthy the Nation than a 

 pleasure garden,' with its usual scenes of debauchery. And why is the garden 

 not cultivated, and the other proper objects of the institute accomplished? 

 Because we have no funds. Let those gentlemen who complain first pay up their 

 annual and other dues and then see what can be done. No money has been 

 laid out (of any amount) on the Botanic Garden for about three years. How 

 then can we expect it to appear? However, with what has been laid out, the 

 ground has been well drained ; good gravel walks made ; and more than 1,000 

 shrubs and trees planted and in a thriving condition. No matter who has 

 cbarge of the garden, it will require time for the trees and shrubs to grow. 



S. L. Knapp (Ignatius Loyola Robertson), writing from Washing- 

 ton in 1830. had the following to say : 



Congress has granted to this institution the use of several acres of land for 

 a botanic garden and other purposes. By the liberality and exertions of some 

 of its members this garden has been well laid out, and many of the trees and 

 shrubs of other countries have been transplanted and nurtured there. This, 

 with a little of that liberality that Congress lias shown to other institutions or 

 other projects, would flourish ; for there are several literary and scientific men 

 who would spend many of their leisure hours in the botanic department of the 

 society if they could do it to advantage. 



From the brief summary of local events and conditions prepared 

 each year for the National Intellingencer by John Sessford, the fol- 

 lowing are of interest in this connection : 



1832. The Botanic Garden, on the west front (of the Capitol), from the 

 temporary manner of its in closure, is not kept in a good state — a continuance 

 of the iron railing from its east end around it would give confidence to those 

 who have embarked in the project by securing the safety of the plants and 

 shrubbery and adding beauty to the neighborhood. 



1834. In and around the Capitol some handsome improvements have been 

 made. The fountain is neat and ornamental, but too confined. The naval 

 monument loses its effect from being so near the Capitol. Were it removed to 

 the island in the Botanic Garden, properly elevated, with a sufficient sheet of 

 water around it, it would be seen to more advantage. The surplus water from 

 the fountain might also be taken there and jets formed. 



The immediate care of the garden, in default of the requisite 

 means, was subject to varied and never satisfactory arrangements. 

 Xo one person was paid regularly on wages for more than a short 

 period, and the wages ranged only from $5 to $21 a month. Tem- 

 porary labor was often relied on, and for specific jobs, and it would 

 appear from the records as though during a good part of the time no 

 one was employed about the grounds. Mr. John Fby, the gardener 



