THE ARBORETUM 
i75 
was started at Kew in 1892, and some of the original labels are still 
as good as when they were first exposed. Of course, they require 
an occasional cleaning and repainting. 
It has already been pointed out in the historical part of this book 
that the extensive portion of Kew now known as the Arboretum 
was originally called the Pleasure Grounds. Up to 
1895 it was separated from the northern part, or 
p ' Botanic Garden, by an iron fence. Since then, no 
visible or actual boundary has existed between the two, and the 
term “ Arboretum ” is now taken to apply to that portion of the 
grounds given up mainly to the growth of trees and shrubs. 
The original Arboretum in the Botanic Garden of 1760 was 
situated near the Temple of the Sun, where a few old trees still sur- 
vive to mark the spot. It could only have covered three or four 
acres. In 1843, about forty-five acres were acquired from the (then) 
Pleasure Grounds for the purpose of forming an enlarged arboretum. 
The piece of ground includes the lawn on which the Seven Sister 
Elms stand. This scheme was, however, abandoned two years later, 
when the transference of the entire Pleasure Grounds of over 200 
acres to the charge of Sir William Hooker made possible the creation 
of an arboretum on a much grander scale. The formation of the 
Kew Arboretum, as we know it now, was commenced in 1848. Its 
improvement and extension have been ever since the particular 
care of each director. At the present time it contains about 4,500 
species and varieties of trees and shrubs, and is by far the most 
complete arboretum in existence. 
In order to give some idea of the richness of the tree and shrub 
collections in Kew, it will be best to make an imaginary tour of the 
Arboretum. This tour may be followed in reality 
by anyone desirous of studying thoroughly this 
fascinating branch of horticulture. The great work 
of Bentham and Hooker, the Genera Plantarum , constitutes the basis 
of the nomenclature of all the plants in Kew, and the sequence 
of natural orders, groups, and genera it adopts is followed as nearly 
as possible in all the purely botanical arrangements. The first natural 
order of this work, Ranunculaceae, will therefore make an appro- 
priate commencement of our tour. Afterwards the route most con- 
venient to the pedestrian will be taken. The plan printed on page 64 
should be consulted. 
A Tour of the 
Arboretum. 
