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tematic Section comprises representative members of the families 
of plants which are hardy or semi-hardy in this climate. In ac- 
cordance 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 
— 
dicotyledons. Along the east side of the Brook are the polypetalae. 
Along the west side of the Brook are the monocotyledons (north 
of the Rock Garden), and the sympetalae (south of the Rock 
Garden). 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 ferns inhabiting limestone areas. There is as yet no suitable 
place for these. 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 
made possible by a gift to the Botanic Garden of $12,500 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 idea of a Niwa, or landscape 
garden. From the tea house (near the east entrance) one can see 
the machiai or “ rest house,” the island with the drum _ bridge, 
bronze storks, stone and wooden lanterns, the waterfalls, and the 
wooden Tori standing in the lake, recalling the one at Miyajima, 
Japan. Since January 1, 1919, this Garden has been in charge of 
Miss Mary Averill, honorary curator of Japanese gardening and 
