THE ROLE OF THE BOTANIC GARDEN

Summary Many of the functions traditionally carried out by botanic gardens have now become the responsibility of other organisations. Nevertheless, relatively few changes have occurred in the structure and activities of most botanic gardens, and special consideration needs to be given to the particular part that they should play in botanical and horticultural developments. The functions of a botanic garden may be summarily described under the headings, investigation, conservation, education and demonstration, and these headings are used as starting points for a discussion on the role of botanic gardens in general, and the ways in which different gardens might co‐ordinate their activities with each other, and with other organisations with closely related interests.