New-York tribune., 1901-06-02
NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS

He must be at this season of the year n lonely
exception TO the rule who feels no interest In
trees and plants and flowers. In city parks and
country fields there is a wealth of beauty and
Of fragrance which should appeal 10 all. Even
in the most crowded tenement there is a gera-
mum abloom in pot or can, in its humble way
telling of the Slories which elsewhere ravlsh the
senses. The great masses of foliage and bloom
in Central and Prospect parks are the delight Of
thousands and are among the glores of the city.
In the Botanical Gardens, in Bronx Park this
city has perhaps its crowning possession of such
kind and 1t is one worthy Of n great metropolis
But above and beyond all these there should be
borne in mind the great institution which may
well be regarded as our national botanical gar
dens, and which easily vies with the most impor-
tant Of such institutions in any other country In
the world
We refer TO the Arnold Arboretum in the
suburbs Of the city of Boston. 1t is a depart
ment of Harvard University, founded by the
muniicent endowment OF James Arnold. Under
a thousand year lease the city Of Boston main
tains its roads and supplies il with police
vice. 1t covers two hundred and twenty acres,
being thus one Of the largest botanical gardens
in the world. II contains every known tree and
shrub able to live in that climate. And it is
scientifically conducted by Professor c. s. Sar-
gent, whose name is everywhere known as that
Of one OF the foremost living authorities In
botanical science, that it constantly adds to
our practical and useful knowledge of trees
and shrubs. 1t is this latter fact which makes
strongest appeal for recognition OF the Arnold
Arboretum as something more than Harvard
or a Boston or a Massachusetts institution.
The investigation Of the United States forestry
resources for the Tenth Census, which laid the
foundation for the intensely practical science
and profitable industry of forestry in this
country was conducted there. and it was
because Of its results that the government was
moved TO take the wise step Of establishing
national forest reserve of forty-fve million
acres. Through the arboretum many valuable
species of foreign trees and shrubs have been
introduced into this country, and to-day there
Is scarcely another botanical garden or park or
private pleasure ground in the whole land which
does not feel the benefcent influence of the
arboretum.
The arboretum is well founded its property
how being worth fully S3OO0OOO and, as
already stated, it is cared for in certain respects
by the city OF Boston. a municipality long hon
orably distinguished by its liberality in all such
public enterprises. Its endowment for scientific
work is, however. far too small. At present
the income from ii is only some $1,000 year,
and this is decreasing through the decrease or
interest rates on investments. There is thus
danger that the scientific work of the arbore-
tum and its practical value to the country viii
materially suffer unless additional endowment
can be secured. At least 100000 more is posi-
lively needed 10 maintain the arboretum In full
usefulness on the most economical basis.
handsome beginning of such a fund has been
made chiefly by citizens of Boston, the sub
scriptions already amounting TO more than
100000. But this is a cause which should
appeal TO the people OF the whole country, and