
THE BROOKLYN INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 
BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN 


THE CHILDREN’S WORK 
In harmony with the aim to make the Brooklyn-Botanic Garden 
of the utmost value and service to the general public, definite plans 
were early made to interest one body of citizens, the children. It 
appears, on the very face of it, plausible and practical that, if 
children are trained in the knowledge of a subject or an institu- 
tion, a foundation is laid for the future. But to take a highly 
specialized and scientific institution, like a botanic garden, and 
make it a place of real interest and pleasure to children, not only 
without interfering with its scientific work and standing, but 
thereby adding strength to the institution asa whole, required defi- 
nite, well considered plans. Whatever work was to be done, if it 
was to be of permanent value, could not be casual and haphazard. 
The first thing to consider was this: how to make the Botanic 
Garden a center of botanical interest, an interest which should 
lead to and not away from the Garden. Now the elements to 
link to the Garden are the home and the school. For through 
these two agencies are children reached. And to be of service to 
the children, the schools must understand all that the Botanic 
Garden had to offer, how it could help, where it might cooperate. 
Again, whatever interest was awakened must strike back home if 
the greatest service was rendered. 
Our initial work was small indeed, but based upon lines which 
will continue. Invitations were sent to four neighborhood public 
schools, stating that certain classes in plant culture were to be 
started in the greenhouse, beginning in December and January, 
Oo 
