For some time building operations have been going on back of Sage College which doubtless have attracted far less attention than they would have received had they been carried on at a more prominent position upon the campus. The building is an addition to the rooms of the Botanical Department, together with a conservatory for plants and flowers.

The new botanical building, though now forming a part of the original structure, has two entrances, one leading into the special laboratory, and by spiral stairs to the room for general students above, and the other intended exclusively for ladies, and opening into a cloak room.

The first floor comprises a private office and the special laboratory previously alluded to. This room is connected with the old laboratory by a large arch, and possesses an abundance of north light, so necessary to microscopical work. The desks are fastened to the wall, thus avoiding all jar from movements over the floor.

Passing up stairs, we enter a large room handsomely finished in hard wood, and having from its peculiar ceiling the appearance of a dome. Numerous windows upon three sides render the light ample, even in the middle of the room.

Sufficient accommodations will be afforded for sixty students, and this apartment will be devoted to the general work which the lectures upon this subject requires. Through a wide archway communication is afforded with the Botanical Museum. The basement is to be neatly furnished and well lighted. Besides furnishing a storage place for coal, this part of the building will contain the boilers, by means of which the conservatory is to be heated, and will also be used for potting. Immediately adjoining these rooms will be the conservatory. This structure will contain five divisions or departments for different uses. Entering under a handsome porch, the visitor will find himself in a structure with a high roof. This apartment is to contain tall plants such as palms, and will be known as the "Conservatory." At the right, and connected with the former by large doors, is the "Greenhouse," or department intended for plants that require a low temperature. Opening on the left of the conservatory is the " Stove," not deriving its name, as one might imagine, from the method of heating, but from the high temperature to which the plants within it will be subjected.

Still further to the left will be two parallel houses for the growing of slips and cut flowers.

The heating of the entire building will be by hot water, the workmanship and materials will be of the best, and the latest scientific knowledge will be employed in its construction.

The estimated cost of the improvement is $15,000, which is paid by Hon. H. W. Sage. The additional space which these changes promise will render much more effective the work of the Botanical Department.