Evening star., 1921-10-08

Continued from t1fSt RAGE
befitting the resources of the nation
and comparing favorably with the great
plant gardens of the world.
In his statement to President Bradley,
Judge Bundy says that the testimony
before the joint congressional commit
tee established conslusively that the
economical value of botanical garden
as a contributor to national resources
can be made inestimable. To obtain
the best results it was shown at the
hearing that the location must be es-
tablished by variety of soils. exposure,
moisture and freedom from deleterious
surroundings. In these respects the
Mount Hamilton site is declared to offer
unusual advantages.
Judge Bundy discusses the economical
value of botanical gardens. referring to
Great Britain's achievements IN tne
propagation and distribution to her
colonies of quinine from Peru. rubber
from Brazil, cocoa from South America
and tea plants from China and Japan.
Industries From MALL BeEinntnE.
He calls attention to the fact that in
America enornous agricultural indus
tries have grown out OF small begin
nings, mentioning particularly the I'M
portation from Brazil. in 1871. by an
ture, Of the famous Bahia navel orange.
The Bahia orange is now the product
Of an American industry in which
about $500, 900, 900 is invested.
Testimony given before the commit
tee by DIR. Frederick v. Coville. botan-
list Of the Department of Agriculture,
is quoted in Judge Bundy's statement.
The federal official expressed the view
that in the next fifty years more
progress will be made, through expert
ments In botanical gardens. in develop
ing plants OF use to man than has
| In, u
civilization.
Proposes Model for World.
DR.. n. L. Britten, director OF the
committee a botanical garden should
be established in the District of Co
lumbia which would be model for
the world. He advised starting the
project at once and developing it over
q series Of years. A great deal of
botanical garden work in bringing
over vegetable foods from other coun-
tries. the witness said.
Dr.. David Fairchud OF the Depart
ment Of Agriculture urged the estab-
lishment Of a botanical garden Of at
least 400 acres. Il EAx- pointed n1t
by Chairman Moore of the Commission
of Fine Arts. that 400 acres were avail
able at Mount Hamilton and that an
other 400 acres could be acquired in
the upper portion OF Anacostia Park.
so that at least 500 acres could be
comprised in the proposed new garden.
Could he Extended.
Gen. Harts. formerly officer in
charge of public buildings and
grounds. discussed the Mount Hamil-
ton project from the standpoint of
roadway approaches. He said it was
reasonable to expect that Maryland
avenue could be extended to connect
with avenues in the proposed gar
dens at Mount Hamilton and with
the reform school property.
In concluding the resume of the
testimony Judge Bundy states: 1T is
believed with the aid Of a botanical
garden and arboretum. such as is con-
tsmplated, American scientists would
soon demonstrate to tie satisfaction
of all doubters that the wonders of
plant culture. related by the witnesses
at the hearing In May last. are fair
examples of the immense stores of
hidden wealth abounding in plant
life. only awaiting discovery and de-
velopment."