ree) 
Systematic Section 
The main part of the outdoor plantations is devoted to the Syste- 
matic Section, which extends from north to south through the 
central part of the Garden. Here the plants are grouped according 
to their botanical relationships, in orders, families, and genera, fol- 
lowing approximately the Engler system of plant classification. 
From the simpler and more primitive types of plants at the north 
end, to the more highly developed groups at the south, the Syste- 
matic Section comprises representative members of the families of 
plants which are hardy or semi-hardy in this climate. In accord- 
ance with this arrangement, the ferns and the conifers and other 
gymnosperms are at the northern end. Then follow the trees, 
shrubs, and herbaceous plants of the various families of dicotyle- 
dons. Along the east side of the Brook are the polypetalae. 
Along the west side of the Brook are the monocotyledons, and the 
sympetalae. The catkin-bearing trees and shrubs follow the line 
of the Brook. Wherever possible, the plants chosen to represent 
their groups are those which are of interest from both botanical 
and horticultural points of view. 
Local Flora Section 
This is an area of about two acres devoted to plants native within 
approximately 100 miles of Brooklyn (the Torrey Botanical Club 
range). The following ecological units are represented: bog, sand 
barren, pond, meadow, and woodland. Nearly all the native plants 
of general interest are well established here, with the exception of 
the limestone (calciphile) ferns, for which there is as yet no suit- 
able place. Although the section is not yet open to the general 
public, arrangements may be made with the Curator of Public 
Instruction for its inspection by botany classes, to whose needs this 
area 1s especially adapted. 
Japanese Garden 
The Japanese Garden, first opened to the public in 1915, was a 
gift to the Botanic Garden from Mr. Alfred T. White, “the father 
of the Botanic Garden.” The design, by the Japanese landscape 
architect, Mr. Takeo Shiota, carries out faithfully the Japanese 
