Fig. 52 D. D. Withers of Mt. Solon, Virginia, left, receives congratulations from Dr. Irving Roberts, President of the Middle Atlantic Chapter, after being awarded the Bronze Medal.

At the May meeting of the Middle Atlantic Chapter, held in Richmond, Va., Douglas Dell Withers was awarded the Bronze Medal. He has devoted the best part of a long and interesting lifetime to the study, preservation, propagation and cultivation of fine plants, both native and exotic, and done so with an enthusiasm which has inspired many others with an interest in superior plants. Long before ecology became a state and national concern, Mr. Withers was preaching conservation and habitat preservation for the total range of native flora, fauna, and birdlife of the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains. Through his work at Beltsville, his garden at Mt. Solon and his support of many chapter activities, he has given inspiration and encouragement to many.