New-York tribune., 1906-06-18
WILD FLOWERS VANISH.
Places Near Ne1o York Where Thea
Hare Been RuthlessIy DESTROYED.

TT is melancholy faSt not realized by the ma
jority of people. that Americas wild flowers must
vanish unless the ruthless picking OF them ceases
said a flower lover earnestly 1T is pre-
dicted that the day is not far off when a barren
ness such exists in England will prevail
in America Outside of Kew or some restricted
park the choicest native English flowers are not
seen and people are unaware tnat these woodland
beauties ever boomed abundantly outside of
botanical garden.
1T is those with memories and a love for Wild
flowers who tell startling facts about the ones
which already have ceased to exist throughout GER
tain localities in America Once the trailing
butus or Maynower was plentiful in many places
close TO New York City. Spring after spring its
ptnk-faced blossoms were sought by boys tie in
bundles for sale later at quarter each on the
city streets. These boys however, and all who
have helped along its determination were not
ful pickers Instead OF taking from the plant only
the flower bearing stalk. they pulled its young
leaf shoots and long bits of running roots. The
arbutus grows slowly, spreading itself lightly under
the soil. Each year more of 1t gathered than
had been produced. To-day there remains but one
spot close to New York where IT still grows This
spot is kept a secret and is moreover. under the
Jurisdiction of park officials Here the flowers
unfold IN earliest spring they illustrate that for
merly in like soil and climate hundreds OF kindred
plants throve Justify.
The vigilance Of New England is at last aroused
in the interest of this flower, and 1t is hoped
that New Jersey, where 1t also grows, viii become
interested in its preservation.
still about New York suburbs there abounds
exquisite little flower known to every country
child. and called generally Dutchman's breeches.
II is picked in immense quantities. The flowers
are shaped curiously and it is necessary for them
sect, that seed may be produced On each plant.
therefore several flowers should be left among the
less they allowed to perform this mission in
'.Coiumbine is stiI another wild beauty which. in
order TO continue about Americas rocks and sunny
NPT
yearly its bloom is extensively picked, and often
TO fade. In various directions near TO the city its
growth this season was notlceably stunned and
than those OF three years ago.
IT. TO love wild flowers It is not necessary to go
are Infinitely more charming IN the hand vase
both shape and indviduaiity No child. moreover
would have the heart TO see how big a bunch he
The number of wild flowers that have been
picked this season by teachers for distribution as
specimens among the children OF New York schools
preservation. sometimes in excuse it is said that
the purpose Of wild ! flowers is to be picked; that
nevertheless that resents abuse. requiring recogni
Happily, it is not all of the wild flowers that
present themselves as vanishing. Vioets, except
abundantly picked and still show no dninution of
their numbers Indeed. the violets are wise in
while their seeds are sometimes formed by incon-
lilies. dandelons wild carrot. daisies and butter
cups, goldenrod, asters, thistles and wealth OF
other flowers, whose rich colorings form the glory
OF the American autumn, so able to take care
Of themselves and 50 prolific in the distribution
OF their seeds that there is small chance OF their
vanishing 1t is the rarer plants that cry for
mercy. Hepaticas wind flowers. blood roots. dogs
tooth vioets, the laurel. wild geranium. azaleas.
dogwood blossoms and in the autumn the beautiful
fringed gentian are all gravely in need OF protec
ton.
::"These even can st4 be picked with judgment
Always II Ia safe rule TO take flowers all
when they are scarce, and but few when they
plentiful.
There is now a society called the Wild Flower
Preservation Society Of America, which originally
into existence through endowment fund
given by the Misses Olivia and Caroline Phelps
Stokes. Realizing the danger which threatens
American wild flowers, these have thus
endeavored to help in spreading knowledge con-
cerntng the plants laws and necessities The
retary of the society from whom information
always be had, is Mrs. Nathaniel Lord Britton
New York Botanical Garden