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 ON THE ESTABLISHMENT 
 
 OF A 
 
 BOTANIC GARDEN 
 
 AND 
 
 ARBORETUM 
 
 i 
 
 IN MONTREAL, 
 
 Under the Auspices of the Montreal Horticultural Society and Fruit 
 Growers' Association of the Province of Quebec. 
 
 ~^ 
 
 <z, ^ 
 
 V a.\ \ o '-^ 
 
 I 
 
 REPRINT FROM lOth ANNUAL REPORT. 
 
 J 
 
 OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY 
 For 1S88. 
 
 Dr. T. STERRY HUNT, President, D. P. PENHALLOW, B. Sc, Vice-President. 
 
 H. S. EVANS, Secretary-Treasurer. 
 
^ 
 
 I «' 
 
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 V 
 
 ll 
 
f 
 
 BOTANIC GARDEISrS. 
 
 These articles wore contributed by Prof. Penhallow, of McGill University, as 
 editorials to the Bully Star, and appeared in that paper during the month of March, 
 1885, and will form part of the Annual Keport of the Montreal Horticultural Society! 
 
 Among those who are fortunate enough to know our fair city, either by personal 
 acquaintance or through indirect channels, Montreal enjoys a deservedly high repu- 
 tation for her many attractions, not the least of which is our unequalled Mount Royal 
 Park. It now appears that initiative steps have been taken in a movement which, 
 if successful, will augment these attractions in a most important manner by the 
 establishment of a botanic garden with suitable conservatories. The scheme is a 
 most comprehensive one, and is of such importance, not only to the city but to the 
 Dominion at large, that we feel it desirable to lay it before om- readei-s in all its 
 aspects. 
 
 It has long been felt by the Horticultural Society that Canada wag placed at a 
 great disadvantage among other nations, in not having a suitable garden where plants 
 could be tested in their climatic adaptations, and their economic value accurately 
 determined. This found expression in the annual report of the Secretary for 1880 • 
 and in his report for 1884, submitted at the annual meeting in December last, he 
 again called attention to the necessities of the case, and hoped that action might be 
 taken at some future date. At an early meeting of the directors, it was decided that 
 the question was one of such importance, and the necessities so obvious, that it was 
 deemed desirable to at once take decisive steps. A plan was therefore elaborated 
 for the establishment of a botanic garden and arboretum, which, while distinct as to 
 locality, should, in a measure, at least, be under the same general management. 
 Negotiations were at once opened with the proper authorities, looking to the estab^ 
 lishment of a garden for herbaceous plants, together with proper conservatories and 
 propagating houses, in a central location. These negotiations are now pending, and 
 the results will be announced in due season.* 
 
 "Within a few days the city authorities have been approached with reference to 
 establishing the arboretum on Mount Eoyal, as a feature of the Park, and it was then 
 learned that a garden was contemplated in the original park plan, but that its reali- 
 ization has been delayed for want of funds to meet the expense. The proposition of 
 the Society, however, met with such favor that a special committee from the Boaixl 
 
 •Since this WM written the plan has been somewhat modified, and the intention now is to combine both garden 
 and arboretum in one, within the limits of the Parle. K»raen 
 
of Directors was invited to meet the Park Committoo of the City Conncil on the 
 afternoon of February 12th. A general statement of the proposed phins was pre- 
 sented, and impoi-tant facts were cited to show the great value of such an institution 
 both to the city and the Dominion. The Society was represented by Dr. T. Stony 
 Hunt, President; Proi. Penhallow, \' ice-President, and David R. McCord, Esq. As 
 the meeting was a preliminary one, no definite results wore reached, but the inter- 
 change of views led to the subject being refen-ed for more careful consideration at 
 an early date, when it is to be hoped decided measures may be adopted for the proper 
 execution of this most desirable scheme. The general features of the plan for the 
 establishment of an arboretum ai-e as follows : — 
 
 As the name indicates, it is designed to utilize a certain ti-act of land — we will 
 say ten acres or more as necessity may requii-e- -for the growth of trees and shrubs, 
 not only from all parts of the Dominion but from other parts of the world. The 
 arrangement of all the different species and varieties introduced, should be such as to 
 exhibit in the best manner, the nartural relationships, and if, in addition to this, each 
 tree and shrub has a suitable label, the whole garden will be a most valuable source 
 of instruction to a very large class of citizens who could obtain the information in no 
 other way. As a means of popular instruction, then, the arboretum would be invalu- 
 able, while it should also admit of very sube antial advantages being derived by the 
 various educational institutions of the city for the benefit of their students, since it 
 is designed that the grounds shall be free to the public, as are other parts of the 
 Park. 
 
 In its practical aspects, it is contemplated to make the arboretum a place where 
 the climatic adaptations ana economic values of plants may be accurately determ 
 ined, and this at once displays a very large field of usefulness in which the whole of 
 Canada has an interest, since by such means it will be possible to avail ourselves at 
 comparatively shoi t notice, and upon the basis of reliable and authoritative informa- 
 tion, of numbers of trees and shrubs from other parts of the world which may prove 
 of great value bore as elsewhere. 
 
 Other directions of usefulness suggest themselves, and if in the futm*e it should 
 be found desirable to extend the functions of the arboretum beyond those indicated, 
 it will be very easy to increase its usefulness by following somewhat in the same 
 lines pursued by older establishments of a similar kind, such as those found all over 
 Europe and in the Arnold Arboretum at Brookline, Mass. The distribution of seeds; 
 the distributio.^ of authoritative information as to the care of trees, the proper method 
 of pruning, transplanting, etc., etc. ; dissemination of information concerning 
 improved methods of arboriculture ; popular instruction it subjects relating to 
 general horticulture ; and as a repository of information for the benefit of garden- 
 ers, who could feel sui-e of gaining authoritative information on subjects connected 
 with their calling ; all these are directions in which an enlarged and legitimate, as 
 well as very important field of usefulness may be found. 
 
 The history of similar institutions elsewhere, shows that their usefulness in all 
 these directions is meeting with greater recognition and appreciation every yeai-, 
 and their importance ae a means of popular instruction to a very largo class of 
 
t 
 
 people, who neither have the time nor money to spend in special education, is very 
 great, and, as in the case of the Kew Gai-dens, is gaining greater recognition from 
 this particular claHs. 
 
 The gai-dens at Kew, England, are without doubt the largest and most fully 
 equipped in the world, and both in this and in the amount and character of the work 
 performed, may bo taken as the type which other gardens may well follow ; we shall, 
 therefore, in our endeavors to show good and substantial x-easons for the establish- 
 ment of a similar institution here, have frequent occasion to cite the results which 
 are now being obtained at Kew ; not, however, that we aspire to sui-passing or even 
 equalling them, but that so far as the special needs of this country and climate are 
 concerned, efforts should always be directed towards them as the standard which it 
 might be possible to realize. 
 
 The question of maintenance ia a very important one in this connection. An 
 establishment of this character requires to be independent, while at the same time 
 the interests of the public demand that the grounds should be open to all without 
 restriction, and that there should be no necessity for resorting to the sale of produce 
 for a revenue. It is very essential that there should be nothing of the nature of a 
 commercial enterprise, and whatever material is distributed to other gardens or to 
 the city, should be in the nature of exchanges, and this would bring ample compen- 
 sation in new material for planting. To secure this, it ia essential that a fund should 
 be provided, from which a reliable and adequate revenue could be drawn. 
 
 GARDENS OP THE WORLD. 
 
 The first question which naturally arises in dealing with a problem of this kind 
 is, is there a trustworthy precedent ? The answer is to be found in the example 
 which most of the civilized nations of the earth have already set us, and in which 
 ample justification will be found for all that is contemplated in the plan now propos- 
 ed for Canada. From the most trustworthy information at hand, the various countries 
 of the world have been classified according to the botanic gardens which they sup- 
 port, as follows : 
 
 1. Germany, 32 ; II. Italy, 24 ; III. Finance, 22 ; IV. Austria, British Islands 
 and immediate dependencies, Eassia, 12 each ; V. British India, 9 ; VI. Belgium, 6 ; 
 VII. Switzerland, 5 , VIII. Australia, Cape Colony and Natal, Holland, Scandinavia, 
 West Indies, 4 each ; IX. Portugal, United States, 3 each ; X. Algeria, French 
 Indies, Eoumania, Spain, 2 each ; XI. Brazil, British Guiana, Canary Islands, Chili, 
 Denmark, Dutch Indies, Egypt, Equador, Guatemala, Greece, Hong Kong, Japan, 
 Mauritius, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Servia, Siberia, Tasmania. 1 each ; XII. 
 Argentine Republic, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Turkey, Urugxiay, Vene- 
 zuela, none. 
 
 It is thus seen in the first place, that Canada is placed in a most unenviable 
 position as compared with the other progressive nations, since she is forced into the 
 list with those nations of least enterprise and in the lower scale of civilization. She 
 «ven stands lower than Japan. 
 
6 
 
 In the long liat of 'ardens — one hundred and eighty-seven in all — here given, 
 there is abundant eviden o that they must sei-ve a most useful pui-pose, and what 
 their value is, wo shall b( later on. But it is interesting to note that in Germany, 
 the country which leads tli world in science, there are not less than thirty-two gar- 
 dens, or n.l per cent, of tho whole number, and there must be veiy substantial rea- 
 sons indeed, reasons which are not based upon sentimental views, to load such an 
 eminently practical people to maintain so many similar establishments at a large 
 annual outlay. In Eui'ope, these gardens ai*e divided between educational institutions 
 — chiefly universities — and the State. In the former case thej are maintained 
 becanse of their value in technical education ; in the second case they are supported 
 to promote special industrial interests^ and in both cases they serve a most important 
 piu'pose as a means of popular education and as mere ornamental grounds. In the 
 United States, of the very meagre number of pfoperly established botanic gardens 
 there found, one is maintained at Washington by the Central Government, for experi- 
 mental and ornamental purposes, while the other two, the garden at Cambridge and 
 the arboretum at Brookline, belong to Harvard University ; and they serve a most im- 
 portant pui-pose, not only in technical education of a high order, but in the diffusion 
 of knowledge of the greatest practical value to the country at large. In other coun. 
 tries, as in the tropics, the gai*dens are not generally connected with educational in- 
 stitutions, and their functions are of a more practical nature, since they are designed 
 chiefly to test the economic values, and determine the .".haracteristics of the plants 
 growing in that region, thus permitting the acquisition of exact knowledge in much 
 shorter time and with greater reliability than would be possible otherwise. 
 
 As one of the largest of the British colonies, occupying a very important geo- 
 graphical position, and with most important and extensive resources which demand 
 an accurate knowledge of plants with reference to climatic adaptations and economic 
 value, Canada should at least be on a par with the other colonies, and should be able 
 to effect interchange of desirable vegetable growths with all other countries where 
 similar climatic conditions obtain, but as the case actually stands, she is to-day be- 
 hind even the most remote colony of Oceanica, and cannot claim equality with Japan, 
 a country which is generally considered to have been half civilized until within a 
 very few years, but which, notwithstanding, maintained a botanic garden for a num- 
 ber of years before the present European contact. It may be urged in this connec- 
 tion that no other colony has an equally severe climate, and this we ai-e disposed to 
 gi-ant, but as will appear later, this fact does not constitute an actual obstacle. To be 
 sui'e, we cannot adopt the same methods (ir reap the same advantages as in tropical 
 countries where vegetation is more spontaneous, nor can we expect so rich a collec- 
 tion as would bo posoible in England, but the character of the vegetation, as well as 
 its distribution in Canada, most conclusively show that a botanic garden would have 
 as legitimate purpose and definite value for the necessities of this country and climate, 
 as elsewhere. Indeed, it may with reason be urged that the necessity of a garden is 
 fully as great, if not greater, as we proceed farther north into those latitudes-, where 
 the range of desirable species is more limited, and in consequence of which it becomes 
 important to secure as many valuable exotics irom similar climates as possible. 
 
Another argument which mi^ht very properly bo brought forward in this con- 
 nection, is to be found in the rohitions between inHtitutions of tliis character and the 
 advancement of a people in culture and all the higher elements of an advanced civili- 
 zation. The influence which springs from the habitual contemplation of and reflec- 
 tion upon natural objects is well defined and is known to be a most important factor 
 in individual education ; and where beauty is one of the chief elements in the object, 
 the effect must be of a high order. Thus, through the individual, the national char- 
 acter is directly effected in a way and with a strength which legislation would be 
 powerless to accomplish, and if we push this argument to its logical conclusion, we 
 at once see that, other things being equal, the number of gai-dens am' similar institu- 
 tions supported by a people becomes a direct index of their degi ie of civilization. An 
 examination of the classification given miikes this obvious, as also does the history, 
 both ancient and modern, of those nations which have at various times led the world. 
 
 From the facts and statements here presented, therefore, it is obvious that in 
 justice to herself, Canada can hardly afford to do less than those nations over whom 
 she claims superiority, while her interests actually demand that she should be 
 among the foremost of nations in her maintenance of such gaixlens. 
 
 EDUCATIONAL VALUE. 
 
 Of the one hundred and eighty-seven gardens of the world, it appears that at 
 least fifty-eight, or 31 per cent, of the whole number, are directly connected with and 
 maintained by educational institutions, most of which rank as Universities. This 
 maybe taken, therefore, as a direct measure of their value and importance in higher 
 education. Of the remaining sixty-nine per cent., however, wo must bear in mind 
 that, while maintained chiefly for practical results, many of them undoubtedly afford 
 valuable means of instruction to students of those colleges and SL-aller institutions, 
 which could not maintain gardens for themselves, so that we may reasonpbly consider 
 their value in this direction more properly represented by a much higher percentage. 
 
 The requirements of the present day necessitate a broad and liberal foundation 
 in education, no matter in what particular direction a man's tastes or circumstances 
 may afterwards lead him in the choice of a profession, and now that we are slowly 
 beginning to recognize the superior advantages of more practical methods in educa- 
 tion, and of that system which, through its practical methods, will best fit r, man to 
 cope with the general problems of life, we have to admit the natural sciences us most 
 important features of our system. For the general student, no less than the future 
 specialist, a botanic garden thus becomes a most important clement in liberal culture. 
 By its collections from vai'ious parts of the world, it gives the student a new insight 
 into nature and tends to most healthy mental expansion. To the intending specialist, 
 it is the source of material which could be obtained elsewhere only with gi-eat 
 difficulty, if at all. 
 
 Aside from their more special value for the education of students, they are indirectly 
 of great service to the public at large, through the opportunities which they afford for 
 gardeners of all kinds to gain fresh and valuable information concerning their occu- 
 
8 
 
 pation. They are ropositorios of roliablo information and advanced methods, and an 
 intelligent gardener is sure to derive groat benefit from thoin, not only from olwerva- 
 tion of the plants grown and their particular arrangements, but he is able to secure at ■ 
 first hand, definite and roliablo knowledge with reference to the proper treatment of 
 traes and ^)lantH in all rospocts, and for a country with largo forestry interests to caro 
 for, this is a most important considert'tion. In vai-ious parts of Europe, where the 
 care of forests is conducted upon scientific principles, and placed in the harjds of a 
 su'^ably educated person, all such details as pruning, transplanting and the treatment 
 of disease are rogai-dcd as matters of greet impoiiance, which must be carofully looked 
 after. And thus, while it may not bo a necessary function of a garden or arboretum 
 to give special instruction in such matters, yet it can exert a most potent influence in 
 this direction, in a quiet way and without special ett'ort. 
 
 Kew, however, afi^/i-ds a most valuable example of what such a gai-den may do in 
 educating gardenei*s to a better understanding of their calling, while the results of 
 their worlc also demonstrate, not only the need for consideration of the necessities of 
 this class, but the appreciation with which it is received at their hands, aa well. For 
 some years it has been the custom there, to hold classes two v^onings iu the week 
 during nine months of the year, for instruction in elementary cnemistry, physics and 
 meteorology. The attendance has been good from the first, but accoi-ding to the official 
 report, it would appear that in 1880, those lectures had bocomeso popular in meeting 
 an actual want, that the accommodations were insufficient to meet the demand. 
 
 A third aspect of the educational value of such institutions in any community, is 
 to be found in their influence upon the public at large ; and this comes not only 
 througi. i ndering scientific work and names popular, but through a constant moral ■ 
 and socii 1 elevation. The habit of reflection, which unconsciously springs from the 
 frequont contemplation of natural objects, particularly when the prevailing laws are 
 well defined, engenders higher ideals, a clearer moral perception and a less morbid 
 disposition, and there is thus a cons'ant tendency to turn men from the commission 
 of deeds which are a disgrace to humanity, to the performance of that which is worthy 
 of a noble manhood. It is unquestionably true that, in communities having frequent 
 access to such institutions, there is the greatest intelligence and I'ofinement, and we 
 doubt not that, no moi'e certain moans of reducing the long list of crimes now annually 
 recorded, could be adopted, than by gradual education of the lower classes through 
 popular channels of this kind. If we examine the i-ecord oi' annual visitation at Kew, 
 we will doubtless se.i this more clearly. Taking four years at random, we find in 
 1879 a total visitation of 569,134, whiu'.i, from unusual causes, represented a decrease 
 over the previous year, of 156,288. In 1880, there was 723,681, or an increase of 
 154,541 over 1879. In 1881, there was an increase of 112,995 giving u total of 836,- 
 676 ; while in 1882, there vma an increase of 407,490, giving the surprising total of 
 1,244,166 visitors for the year. Furthermore, the maximum visitation for any one 
 day in the four years, was 95,300 ; the average daily visitation for the whole period 
 was 2,310, and for the year 1882, it was -^,409. 
 
 "We next turn to the special bank holidays of which there are four mentioned in 
 the official report, in order to determine what particular class is affected and to what 
 
 '^N. 
 
9 
 
 extent. It is Hafo to say that upon such Hijecial days of ft-oodom, any particular 
 increase in number of visitors, \.'»nld rcprcfent directly the very class it is most 
 doHirablo to roach, viz., the clorku, artizans, etc., etc. And wo may, thoreforo, take 
 tho "isitation at such times aa practically an index of the degree to which this class 
 is attected. For each of tho four bank holidays, tnoroforo, the visitation in 1860 
 ranged from 864 to 61,831 ; in 1881 from 1,131 to 60,688, and in 1882 ft-om 1,460 to 
 1)5,300 in a single day. If wo then examine the relation which this visitation on 
 special days boars to that for tho name year, we get the following values ; for 1880 it 
 was 16.2 por cent. ; 1881, 17 per cent., and for 1882 it was 18.4 ; and theso figures are 
 tho more impressive, since wo find with increasing visitation each year, the visitora 
 from the working class not only held their ftill percentage proportion, but actually 
 increased from year to year at the rate of about one por cent. If we now bear in mind 
 that those gardens uro but one-twelfth of all similar institutions in Great F 'tain, we 
 will realize that they appeal to avory largo constituency, of which a very considerable 
 percentage represents the class which it is most desirable to reach. Also, the annu"' 
 increase in number of visitors is a most convincing' proof, not only that the work oi 
 these gardens is meotiug with increased upprociation, ')ut that their oft'orts are directed 
 in a way which appeals to and moots the popular wai ts. 
 
 SCIENTIFIC VALUE. 
 
 Aside from their specific value in promoting the diifusion of scientific knowledge 
 
 tnrough the education of students, botanic gardens may very properly be regarded 
 
 ^^ as capable of oxorting an important influence upon tho advancement of pure science, 
 
 by tho encouragement to original research which they offer, particularly in those 
 
 whifh aro liberally endowed, and thus able to embrace a wide field of usefulness. 
 
 One of the first and most obvious directions in which their efforts may thus be 
 turned, is to bo found in the exact determination and classification of plants from all 
 parts of tho world. It thus becomes one of the most imperative duties of a garden 
 of high order, to give authoritative information concerning, not alone plants which 
 aro now to science, but those which aro new to the particular region in which the 
 gaiucn is situated, as well, since such classification is a most necessary preliminary 
 to, it is in fact a basis of, other knowledge of a more practical character. The plants 
 of a region once accurately described ; their peculiar habits if growth, geographical 
 distribution and particular associations carefully determined, all other facts concei-ning 
 them will follow in natural order and have far more significance. As a necessary 
 outcome of such studios, large herbaria gradually accumulate and ultimately come to 
 serve as most important means of reference, when questions arise with reference to 
 the flora of a given region, whether from a purely scientific or practical point of view. 
 
 As the direct outcome of concentrated advantages thus placed at tho dispcaal of 
 the competent student, we may cite such important works as Bentley & Trimen's 
 Medicinal Plants ; Watson's voluminous Flora of California ; the various works on 
 botany by Dr. Gray ; the invaluable Tenth Census Eoport by Prof. Sargent, on the 
 Forestry of North America, and the indispensable Genera Plantarum of Bentham 
 
10 
 
 and Hooker ; and while we unhesitatingly admit the great value of such works, we 
 cannot but feel that their realization would be very difficult, were it not for the 
 special facilities for such work afforded by the gardens at Cambridge, U.S., and 
 Kew, England, from which they have emanated. 
 
 A second direction of scientific utility, is readily found in promoting study and 
 research in tliose fields where the results obtained ultimately come to have ad^xinite 
 practical value in their application to the solution of questions bearing upon important 
 industries ; and this is chiefly to be found in the encouragement to, and opportunities 
 for researches in vegetable physiology. It is not essential or desirable that a botanic 
 garden should assume the functions of an experiment station proper — although in 
 one sense it is such— but in questions of a purely botanical nature, it offers a stimulus 
 to the prosecution of such researches, which might not be found elsewhere. It is, 
 first of all, desirable to keep in mind that all botanical questions, however practical 
 it is desirable their ultimate laarings may become, must first of all be approached 
 in their scientific aspects. When these are clearly understood, the application of 
 the principles thus made clear, follows naturally and with comparatively little 
 difficulty. Thus studies relating to the po'^ato disease, diseases of fruits, grape 
 mildew, the cottee disease, and many others of a similar nature, may be cited as 
 conspicuous examples. All of those, however, first require to be dealt with from a 
 purely scientific point of view, as the exact knowledge thus obtained affords the only 
 certain basis for further operations to combat and overcome. But we are well aware 
 that the ultimate bearing of such studies must have a most important industrial 
 aspect; as is readily seen in the case of the cottoe disease, where a large and most 
 important industry is threatened with destruction. 
 
 The rapid denudation of vast areas, through consumption of the timber which 
 once covered them, is already leading to many interesting and difficult problems for 
 solution. As a means of checking the disastrous results which may well 1 o 
 anticipated from this cause, attention is being directed to the special planting and 
 cra-e of trees, and to the better care of those yet undisturbed. The natural outcome 
 of this has been a careful and scientific study of trees, with reference to the best 
 methods of repairing injury and treating the diseases to which they are subject. 
 Germany has already made great progress in this direction, and we may reasonably 
 expect other countries to follow at no distant day. Here again, we have the purely 
 scientific and the practical meeting on common grounds. Important practical 
 results ai'o achieved, and large industries are directly effected through the application 
 of principles derived from scientific methods in the consideration of each par<^icular 
 case, and all these must be regarded as springing primarily from the stimulus and 
 opportunities afforded by gardens and similar institutions. 
 
 These facts then, may be taken as indicating the direction in which such institu- 
 tions may be of great scientific value, pai-t'cularly where there is a practical applica- 
 tion in the end. It would hardly be wise to expect one garden to actually undertake 
 all the work here indicated, and, indeed, it is apparent that to do so would require an 
 extensive plant. Each garden should actually undertake only such parts of this 
 work as is justified by the requirements of its location and the strength of its 
 
 ih' 
 
/f 
 
 11 
 
 resources. The facts brought forward, however, render it fairly clear that, howevei- 
 much the functions may be limited to one or more of these lines of usefulness the 
 garden must exorcise a very sensibjo and important, though silent influence, in every 
 direction. . > ^'j 
 
 PRACTICAL VALUE. 
 
 The value of a botanic garden, so far as practical results are concerned, may be 
 considered from several standpoints. Perhaps the first and most obvious of these is 
 found in the distribution of seeds and plants. In this conr.oction, we may reasonably 
 suppose this material to be first of all distributed to various parts of the country in 
 which the garden is located, and for which it essentially becomes the testing ground 
 We thus may have valuable shade or timber trees quickly brought to the notice of a 
 very large constituency through channels which give the information thus conveyed 
 the full weight of authority. After these wants are supplied, the surplus material 
 will readily hnd ample outlet in distribution to more remote countries, where it will 
 be hkely to have specific value. We may also assume with reason, that this distri- 
 bution does not alone concern those plants which have been introduced and found to 
 be adapted to the climate and popular needs, but that it involves indigenous species 
 through the wide dissemination of which, by such means, the native flora becomes 
 more generally and favorably known. Usually such distribution takes the form of 
 exchange, by which means the least burden of expense is imposed upon all concerned 
 while It also secures reciprocal advantages. Examples of this are to be found in all 
 the larger and older establishments of this kind, now found in various parts of the 
 world. 
 
 In certain cases, when the garden derives a measure of support or other substan- 
 tial advantages from the city or district in which it is located, it may off-er an equi- 
 valent by supplying such trees as may be required for street purposes, and bedding 
 material for public grounds, thu.- directly extending its value as an educator of the 
 public, in a way which will bring the most permanent good to the greatest number. 
 In these respects, as in so many others, the gardens at Kev/ have set an example 
 which may well be followed by all others. From the official reports, it would appear 
 that for the four years from 1879 to 1882 inclusive, there were distributed 8,703 pack- 
 ages of seeds ; 20,167 stove and greenhouse plants ; 4,817 herbaceous plants, and 12,- 
 458 trees and shrubs, to a total of 730 recipients. If wc bear in mind that the par- 
 ties receiving this material were in all parts of the world, wo will at once perceive 
 the far-reaching and great value of this work. Individuals frequently receive their 
 shai-e, but the larger portion constantly and primarily goes directly to other centres 
 for study, propagation, trial and redistribution. It appears, however, that during the 
 latter three years of this period, the London parks were directly benefitted by thi» 
 distribution, since 7,730 trees went to them alone. Cities, as a rule, are fivr too defi- 
 cient in shade trees for the public health and comfort, and in this one direction alone, 
 gardens may accomplish much good. 
 
 The special interchange of trees and plants, with a view to directly utilizing 
 whatever desiiable qualities they may possess, pre.eent.s .a sopor.d phaze of th« practi- 
 
12 
 
 cal value of such gardens. This we at once recognize if we call to mind the resour- 
 ces now placed at the disposal of the landscape gardener through the introduction of 
 valuable ornamental plants from abroad. What is true in this respect, is also equally- 
 true in the case of those plants which are the source of valuable timber ; which yield 
 valuable fruit ; which possess important medicinal properties, or which serve as the 
 source whence is obtained valuable textile, cordage or paper material. The results 
 of Mr. Gibb's efforts for the introduction of Eussian fruits into Canada, offer a very 
 strong argument in favor of our statement. In fact, such interchange at once opens 
 up a very wide and important field of usefulness. 
 
 Each year witnesses important additions to our economic plants, and doubtless 
 many still remain to be discovered to the general public. Such acquisitions, how- 
 ever, require to be carefully and systematically tested, not only in their climatic 
 adaptations, but in the direction of their special applications. Were it not for this, 
 the introduction of new plants might be left largely in the hands of the horticultur- 
 ists ; but men of this class, following such a business for a livelihood, have little time 
 or inclination, and far less preparation for the work required. They rather depend 
 upon seeking their knowledge of the plants they raise, from authoritative centres. 
 
 Yet another aspect of the question, is found in the possibility of distributing the 
 knowledge thus obtained, with all the weight which authority can give. The par- 
 ticular mode of distribution may be largely determined by circumstances. Special 
 publication should be issued, as is frequently the case ; or by consultation and obser- 
 vation on the part of those desiring special information, or by means of correspon- 
 dence. The best evidence to be adduced in support of these statements, is to be 
 found in the work actually performed in this direction. 
 
 During the four years from 1879 to 1882 inclusive, the gardens at Kew issued, 
 or were the direct means through which their preparation and publication were rea- 
 lized, no less than fifty-eight (58) separate works, some of them of a very volumin- 
 ous character, conveying the information there accumulated concerning a great 
 variety of subjects. At the same time, correspondence and special examinations, or 
 the results of continued observations upon trial plants, have been published from time 
 to time, and thus has been given a very wide distribution of information upon a great 
 variety of subjects and of the most valuable character. 
 
 An idea of this may be gained from the following summary for 3 years, in which 
 the figures indicate number of plants examined or number of reports made, or both 
 together. We thus have, woods and timber" 14 ; textiles, 7 ; paper materials, 20 : food 
 products, 34; perfumes and oils, 8; diseases, 7; fodder plants, 13; resin and wax, 5; India 
 rubber, 39 ; medicinal plants, 23 ; dyes, 1 ; poisonous plants, 1 ; sundries, 5. In con- 
 clusion, it is only necessary to direct attention to the very important bearing which 
 this information has upon large commercial enterprises, since it deals directly with 
 the distribution, adaptation and special value of plants and trees, which are the 
 source ol mahogany, india rubbers, gutta percha, chinchona alkaloids and their sub- 
 stitutes, indigo, textile and paper materials and important food products, no less 
 than with the diseases which often exert a most serious influence upon mary of these 
 industries. 
 
18 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 Any question which may have arisen with reference to our being too far north 
 for a garden to meet with success, has already been met in a general way in our pre- 
 vious considerations, and it only remains to point out that gardens are successfully 
 maintained in other parts of the world, where the climatic conditions are equally 
 severe. We find that there are gardens at Christiana, Stockholm, Upsala, St. Peters- 
 burgh, Kasan and Moscow, as well as at Helsingfors; let us, then, institute a com- 
 parison with these places. Montreal is situated in about 45°30' N. lat. ; while Chris- 
 tiana, Upsala, Helsingfors and St. Petersburgh lie close along the parallel of 60° N. 
 and Stockholm at about 59°20'. Latitude alone, however, does not afford a safe 
 means of comparison, as is well known, since other considerations have an important 
 modifying influence upon the climate of particular localities. The mean annual 
 isotherm of Montreal is 41° F,, and this is found to pass thro-^gh Christiana and 
 Stockholm, but considerably to the south of St. Petersburgh, Helsingfox-s and Kasan, 
 and somewhat to the south of Moscow. Quebec, in a latitude of about 46°49', and 
 thus more than a degree north of Montreal, lies in the mean isothermal line of 36° 
 F. This latter passes well to the north of Christiana and Stockholm, but passes 
 directly through St. Petersburgh. It then bends to the south and passes somewhat 
 to the north of Moscow, but well to the south of Kasan. From this it appears that 
 there are at least two gardens in climates as cold or coluer than Quebec, while there 
 are no less than six gardens successfully maintained in climates of equal or greater 
 severity than that of Montreal. 
 
 The growing season usually opens, in the vicinity of Montreal, the first week of 
 May, and it continues well into the autumn, thus giving five months duration to the 
 vegetative period. Within that time growth is rapid, and a varied flora is developed. 
 Moreover, it is a well known fact that, owing to the very considerable warmth of our 
 summers, it is quite possible to bring to maturity, Indian corn, peaches, grapes and 
 other fruits which it is not possible to ripen properly in any of the places here 
 compared, or even in England. It thus becomes reasonably clear that, no serious 
 difiiculty is to be met with here in climatic severity. 
 
 It is probably true that no other city of the Dominion can claim so many impor- 
 tant educational institutions, representing so wide a range of interests as Montreal ; 
 and thus, as the educational centre of the country, it becomes highly desirable, if not 
 a necessity, that a garden should be established here. More than that, also, its posi- 
 tion in many respects, makes Montreal a natural centre for all such purposes as the 
 acclimatization of plants. Trees and shrubs grown here will be able to meet the 
 slightly colder climate of all such more northern places, where they would be likely to 
 be grown, Avithout injury. Any location farther south and west, would be of much 
 less value, as the plants would then be adapted to warmer climatic conditions, and 
 would not bo adapted to the more northern localities for which t-ioy might be 
 needed. Plants grown in Montreal could be safely distributed throughout the 
 Dominion, 
 
/ 
 
 14 
 
 Wo may now briefly recapitulnto our main pointe, to show concisely ih what 
 particular direction good may be expected from such an institution :— 
 
 1. In its relations to the public at large, it will serve as a means of popularizing 
 botanical science, while at the same time it will afford a most invaluable means of 
 recreation and instruction to the laboring classes, and its final effect must bo a 
 gradual elevation of the public sentiment, 
 
 2. In its relation to special education, it will serve a most important purpose, 
 both m technical and general instruction. If the present plans are successfuli; 
 executed, the garden will be so located and so managed, that all tha educational 
 
 !'"i'oundr"' "'^^ "''''^ '^''"''^ '''' ^'^'"''^ "'^'''"'''^ ""^ ^''"^^^ "P'^'^ '°°^"^°" 
 
 3. In its relation to the city, there should be no difficulty, under proper arrange- 
 ments and in return for advantages such as land, etc., in the way of supplying the 
 city with such plants as are needed for bedding-out purposes, and such trees as are 
 required for the streets, which at present are altogether too destitute. 
 
 4 In its relation to the Dominion at large, the gai-den may directly become a 
 valuable centre of information, and. under proper conditions, even a centre of experi- 
 mentation. That It wi. exert a most important influence upon Dominion interests, 
 goes without the saying ; since such a garden, unless its efforts are confined to 
 exceedingly narrow limits, must, in the necessary fulfilment of its purpose, extend 
 Its influence even beyond the boundary line of tho country in which it is located 
 We may therefore expect forestry and its dependent industries, and whatever per- 
 tame to he cultivation and care of trees and plants, to receive important benefits 
 Beyond this, aa already shown, important industries must be largely influenced and 
 disTibute ^"^°^™^^^«" ^hich it is within the power of such an institution to 
 
 Finally, we may venture to suggest that such undertakings are not to be success- 
 fully prosecuted without the sinews of war, which, in this case, appear as dollars, and 
 It IS earnestly to be hoiked that the geno.. ' public will so far appreciate the ne;d of 
 such a garden here, that the efforts now being made, will meet with substantial finan- 
 cial encouragement from the city, the province, the Dominion, and even from private 
 
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