THE /I/KIERICP BOTPIST. 
Vol. VIII. BINGHAMTON, N. Y., JANUARY, 1905. No. 1. 
THE FOREST OF ARDEN. 
BY WILLARD N. CLUTE. 
IT will doubtless be a surprise to many to learn that 
probably the largest botanical garden in North 
America is located in the Middle West near Joliet, Illinois, 
and bears the poetic title of The Forest of Arden. No- 
where else, so far as I am aware, is there eight hundred 
acres of woodland and meadow in one piece given over 
to the cultivation and display of our native trees, shrubs 
and herbs, nor one in which the purely natural features 
are given greater importance. The Forest boasts of 
neither conservatories nor museums and derives its value 
solely from the display of plants that will endure the 
climate. Thanks to the activity of those in charge, the 
number of such plants in the Forest is rapidly increasing 
and will in time include everything that can be made 
to grow there. 
Unlike other botanical gardens. The Forest of Arden 
is not a public institution though it is as freely open to 
the plant-loving public as if it were. It is part of the 
estate of Mr. H. N. Higginbotham, a Chicago millionaire, 
and its beginning is both curious and interesting. In 
Mr. Higginbotham 's youth long before the land came 
into his possession, he had fished in its waters, hunted in 
its woodlands and rambled over the surrounding country- 
side. It was but natural, therefore, when fortune smiled 
upon him that he should turn again to the pleasant 
scenes of his boyhood, and locate his country home 
amidst them. The house is called Harlowarden and the 
wood was named the Forest of Arden possibly in remem- 
