Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-05-08
BOTANIC GARDEN,
D. c. BEAUTY SPOT,
IS 1ODYEARS OLD
Institution Founded by U. S.
May 8, 1920, Scene Today
of Quiet Celebration.

The United States Botanic Garden
spot has been put in an attractive
condition by Director George w.
Hess. but no exercises are planned
in observance Of the centennial.
Members Of the joint congressional
committee on the library under whose
jurisdiction the gardens come directly
had expected to make tour Of In
spection of the gardens accompanied
by many members of Congress, but
the rain prevented.
Plans are now being considered by
the joint committee on the library for
affording larger space SO that the
Botanic Garden can be expanded TO
keep abreast of the times. When the
authorization has been given by Con-
gress Director Hess proposes to make
the gardens q helpful adjunct to the
public school system. His plans in
clude the preparation of exhibits OF
various kinds OF useful plants. me-
dicinal and drug plants. plants used
in industries. etc.
Scope Of Proposed Exhibits.
These exhibits would show the
growing plant and the various stages
uct. A master exhibit would be in
stalled 4n the National Botanic Car
den herd and travelling exhibits would
be shipped to schools and colleges
throughout the country, accompanied
by a lecture to be read to the
st udents
With the passing Of the centennial
it is believed the Botanic Garden will
enjoy a larger life in more extensive
surroundings.
In spite Of the rain today several
hundred school children from Tren-
M Nd
who are on a spring educational trip
to the National Capital, were shown
aboat the garden by members of Con-
grecs from their states and by d.
rector Hess.
when Garden Was AuthORixea.
It was on May 8, 1920. by act Of Con-
gress that the tlseof five acres Of land
was granted for botanical garden.
and four years later, on May rs. 1924,
the area of this grant was extended.
George Washington was one of the
first to take personal and active in
terest in the establishment of the
garden. and it has been visited fire.
quently by the occupants Of the White
House. Many Of the presidents have
planted trees, which now are among
the show spots Of the National Capt.
tai
throughout the years the Smith
interested in the upbui1ding of the
garden, and many fine specimens Of
plant life gathered in many climes
by intrepid explorers have found
home In the garden.
The first plants installed were gath
cred by the Wilkes exploring expedt-
ton to the southern hemisphere. Some
Of those plants are still living and
many of the plants in the present gar
den are descendants Of those brought
to the country by that party headed
by the late Rear Admiral Charles
Wilkes in 183842.
Spreading It's influence.
The Botanic Garden is spreading its
influence by cooperating with state
institutions, colleges and universities.
Through the members Of Congress
these gardens distribute various
plants into all communities through
out the country. as the founders OF
the garden proposed to 40. There mas
been assembled . very valuable mu-
scum Of plant life. including every
known plant that can be induced 10
thrive in this climate.
With the destruction OF some OF tho
best gardens and plant growing Sec
lions of the old world 1t Is planned
to make the national garden In
Washington take a larger part In the
preservation of the botany OF the
world Director Hess Is an omcer IN
all the horticultural and florists. and
gardeners and parks super1ntendents'
organizations throughout the coun-
try.