In the propagating houses, in frames and in beds blanketed with leaves and straw and coverleted with snow, all clustered in a comparatively unfrequented part of the grounds, C. H. Sierman, the head gardener and his staff of assistants, are quietly preparing the millions of trees, shrubs and flowering and foliage plants which are to be used in embellishing the Pan-American Exposition grounds next summer.

The time for transplanting the most of the plants is only 10 weeks distant, but so effective have been the preparations of this department of the landscape gardening of the Exposition that as soon as the weather permits the flowers that will cause the now dreary grounds to bloom like a flowery paradise will be all ready for their appointed place.

In two long greenhouses there are hundreds of palms which are relied upon to add the needed tropical setting to the Spanish renaissance style of the architecture prevalent in the buildings. Among the varieties seen are the Chamaerops Exelsa, Braliea Filimentosa, Phoenix Canariensis, Dracaena Indivisa, Dasiliryion Gracilis and Erythea Edulis. They were brought from California last fall and have survived the Northern winter thus far without injury.

Another greenhouse is set apart for orange trees. These were poorly packed for shipping hither and have suffered accordingly. Still there are enough of them saved by the most careful nursing to take their place amongst the ornamental trees on the ground next summer.

The 500 American cedars which were brought here from New Jersey are flourishing. Only two have died. As it was asserted that these trees would not bear transplanting, Mr. Sierman regards the results achieved as a personal triumph.