Evening star., 1926-04-28
The National Arboretum.

A bill is now pending in Congress
for the establishment Of a national
arboretum in the District Of Columbia,
to be under the control Of the Depart
ment of Agriculture, for the culture
and study of the indigenous larger
plant life. A site has been found ex-
ceptionally suited to this purpose. the
tract known as Mount Hamilton. in
the northeastern sector Of the District.
the soil Of which is singularly suited
to the growth of practically every
form of tree and large shrub that
thrives in this country. 1t is at pres
ent fully available, owing to the lack
Of suburban development. but 1t is
certain that in a short time, as the
city's growth continues, it will fall
into the hands of builders, to whom
one acreage space is like another
space, regardless Of soil characteris-
tics. 1t cannot be Indefinitely held
from Improvement" and therefore
early action on the measure now pend
ing is imperative If this project. so
important to horticultural science, is
to be carried into effect.
This proposed national arboretum
is not to be considered in any sense a
reproduction or displacement Of the
Botanic Garden. Nor Is it to be re-
garded as an addition to the park sys-
TEN Of the Capital. 1t is proposed for
a specific purpose, the preservation,
culture and study Of the larger plant
life of this country, which can be
here concentrated for scientific re-
search of high practical value. There
are doubtless tracts Of land elsewhere
that would be as suitable in point of
soil quality as thfs. But it is urgently
important that the arboretum be es-
tablished near the Department of
Agriculture, Of which it will be an out
door laboratory. Were Mount Hamil-
ton located in Maryland or in Virginia,
and were it the nearest tract Of such
exceptional suitability. it would be the
most desirable site in America for
such a purpose.
At the national arboretum, when eS-
tablished, will be conducted expert
ments in planting, in forestation, in
tree preservation and culture. The
Arnold Arboretum at Boston has yield
ed valuable results in scientific knowl-
edge, but it is by no means so in
elusive of American plant life as would
be the proposed arboretum at Mount
Hamilton, owing to the more northerly
latitude. A tree and shrub collection
at Mount Hamilton, including the
growths already existent there, will
be almost completely inclusive of all
the larger flora of the United States.
Expedition is the essence Of this en-
terprise in behalf of the Government,
and through it the people of the coun-
try who are certain to profit from
the practical studies of the horticul-
turists Unless action is had shortly
this tract will be destroyed for any
scientific purpose. The trees will be
I6lleU, lHc SUI cut away, lIle Hal uTdi
slopes and wales smoothed and filled
and q rare and priceless opportunity
will have been lost. Nothing but the
early acquisition Of this tract for ar
boretum purposes can prevent such a
devastation in the name of develop
ment. The growth of the city is now
RI mid and is evident in the direction
of Mount Hamilton as in other quar-
ters. The owners Of this property
cannot be expected to hold it indefinite
ly for a patriotic purpose, especially If
Congress delays without assurance of
action. The bills now pending in Con-
gress have been approved by commit
tee and need but brief attention for
their passage. They should be made
into law providing for the definite
acquisition of this tract without fail
at this session.