So far, the investigation all tends to confirm the impression of the 
Chairman of this Committee that at present the cultivation of medicinal 
plants can scarcely be successfully undertaken or greatly increased 
by the amateur gardener. This is a reflection, too, of the opinion on 
this subject which one sees editorially expressed in trade journals. 
We have also to contend with the fact of the cost and scarcity of 
labor. 
We will not here go into the many facts bearing on this — the 
changes which plants undergo under cultivation, the diseases which 
they acquire under these new and artificial conditions. There is a 
hopeful and gratifying status, however, to report — that the exigencies 
are well understood by those professionally and commercially interest- 
ed. The cultivation of medicinal plants is being taken up by labora- 
tories, particularly those situated in the country, and pharmaceutical 
colleges and institutions have already established experimental gar- 
dens, etc., and there are many interesting reports. The College of 
Pharmacy of Columbia University is proposing to found an experi- 
mental drug farm. 
It is well perhaps to mention some of the plants particularly 
well adapted for growing, such as digitalis, stramonium, rhubarb, 
ricinus, delphinium, capsicum, the herbs, such as thyme, lavender and 
the mints. Belladonna comes naturally to mind, but its cultivation 
is by no means simple. 
With even these weU known plants, there are many technical 
difficulties to be encountered, involving special knowledge as to the 
period of growth at which the plant gives its best yield, method of 
treatment, etc. 
The hydrastis canadensis (golden seal) and ginseng have been 
much exploited as promising commercial possibilities, but with these, 
in untrained hands, there is disappointment ; the preparation of the 
ground and the care involve considerable expense. 
In short, the Chairman believes that through professional and 
trade interest the situation is far from discouraging and in fact may 
ultimately prove a blessing in disguise — insuring an increasing indus- 
try and future for the purveying of medicinal plants in our own coun- 
try. Benjamin T. Fairchild. 
Wild Flower Protection 
Question 4 
The protection of native plants can be brought about in the follow- 
ing ways: 
