EDITORIAL 



The following was submitted by Miss E. M. Kittredge for another 

 department of the Bulletin, but the idea covered is so important to 

 all lovers of Vermont's flora, and so timely, that we have appropriated 

 it for this column: 



The Need of a Botanical Garden in Vermont 



Some of the rarest of our plants are occasionally found growing in 

 places soon to be invaded by woodsmen, or roadmakers, or along road- 

 sides which must be cut, or in fields which are to be cultivated. 

 Herbarium specimens, of course, are taken, but the real lover of plants 

 regrets the loss of the growing plant. If possessed of a garden of his 

 own, or having access to the gardens of friends, the plant is removed 

 from its jeopardized home and given a home where it is guarded, and 

 its grace and beauty enjoyed. But those of us who are not fortunate 

 in the matter of gardens of our own or our friends, must leave the 

 lovely, or odd, things we find to be destroyed by "the march of prog- 

 ress." Therefore arises the need of a reservation in the Experiment 

 Station, or some other advantageous place, where such plants can find 

 sanctuary, and not only afford opportunities for study to the serious 

 botanist, but delight the eyes, and awaken the interest of the casual 

 observer. 



The writer firmly believes in leaving most plants where Nature 

 has placed them, but when it is evident that certain plants, interesting 

 for one reason or another, are doomed to destruction if left, then she 

 as firmly believes in removing them to some other situation, where 

 they will be able to grow — and perhaps multiply. During four years in 

 this State the writer has found many such plants which would soon 

 be destroyed, and which she would gladly have sent to the State 

 Botanical Garden, had there been one. Doubtless, other members of 

 this Club have had similar experiences. The Club has done much to 

 preserve a record of the State's flora in the Herbarium. Will it not 

 now provide, or urge the provision of, a home for living plants? 



The committee appointed at the last summer meeting of the Clubs 

 to draft a petition to the State Legislature, asking that a law be passed 

 to protect the wild flowers of Vermont, lost no time in getting to work. 



