22 
anny 
The interpretation of knowledge and ideas is accomplished pri- 
marily by the organized and labeled collections of living plants in 
plantations and conservatories; also by the botanical museum 
(where there is one), and in a wider way by the circulation of 
popular and technical publications. By means of the various col- 
lections visual instruction is afforded to the general public, and 
the more formal instruction of botanical students is facilitated. 
Herbarium and library also function here, as well as in the con- 
servation of knowledge. 
— 
The search for truth is carried on in laboratory, herbarium, plan- 
tation, and field, supplemented by the library, for all exploration 
proceeds to the unknown from the known, 
While the training of students is an integral function of the 
university, it may or may not be a function of a botanic garden 
or other research institution. It has always been a function of 
the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. 
These four lines of activity were very definite 
— 
y in mind when 
the organization of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden was conceived 
over twenty years ago, The extent to which they have been real- 
ized has been limited only by the funds available, and the inevitable 
restrictions of environment—area, climate, urban conditions, et 
Celera, 
— 
With these ideals in mind, the needs of the Garden as to equip- 
ment and personnel follow as a matter of course. That such an 
institution was needed, both in this city and in the botanical world 
at large, the history of the past twenty-two years bears ample 
witness. The extent to which accomplishment has fallen below 
the ideal is not wholly discouraging, since the right kind of ideals 
for an institution can never be completely realized. Those who 
have been the active participants in the work only hope that, to 
those who have watched and encouraged and promoted it, the 
results have not been disappointing. 
THe PLANTATIONS AND GROUNDS 
Aesthetics and Education 
3esides its scientific and educational activities, a botanic garden 
serves the public in two ways 
aesthetically and environmentally 
(by affording a locus or background for profitable leisure ) 
