It is rather hard to define a botanic garden, for these institutions in their long checquered history, have undergone several cycles of development and indeed they seem to be entering a new phase even at the present day. The most remarkable change en them however, appears to be that in modern times they have become institutions of great public utility. The Botanic Gardens, in general, are found to fall roughly into two categories . The term 'Botanic Garden' has been used for centuries and is in fact, still used to designate, a planted area of garden serving as an adjunct to the Botany Department of colleges or other institutions. Such gardens are very common and are inevitably found in almost every college of science, but the Botanic Gardens as conceived and understood popularly are separate and independent institutions by themselves which, however, may work in close co-operation with universities and colleges or any other institutions and these gardens are of great use to the public.

A Botany Garden may, therefore, be defined as an institutions meant primarily for advancement of botany and conservation and dissemination of knowledge of plants to the public and secondarily to serve the public in many other related ways. The grounds of a Botanic in many other related ways. The grounds of a Botanic Garden constitute a veritable museum of living collection of plants of different kinds, climates and countries planted on a Botanical basis and each of them properly labelled with information as to its name, nativity and the family to which it belongs, etc., and each plant is looked after with utmost care.

These plantations may contain, according to the type pf plants, separate sections or units as the 'Arboretum' containing woody trees , 'Economic garden' comprising trees of economic importance, 'Herb garden' consisting of medicinal plants, 'palmatum', 'Fruit gardens' and so on and a number of other sub-sections such as varietal collections of different flower, etc.

Many Botanic Gardens comprise at least three sections, namely the 'Arboretum' comprising only woody trees, 'Fuitecetum' comprising shrubs and vines and 'herbaveous gardens' comprising only herbaceous (non-woody) plants. This classification is based on the form and habit of growth of plants. Probably it is because of the recognization of these numerous planting units that make people to refer to 'Botanic Garden' as "Botanic" is synonymous. Botanic gardens are usually found to be embellished with such features as attractive flower beds, hedges, beautiful pergolas, well maintained lawns, delightful fountains and other garden is a common meeting ground of the correlative sciences of Botany and Horticulture.

The aim of any Botanic Garden worth the name is the conservation of knowledge and ideas relating to plant life which is made possible by library, herbarium, and field trails. Interpretation of knowledge and ideas, which is chiefly accomplished by organised labelled collection of living plants and in a wider way by issuing of technical and popular publication , in addition to the oral advice regarding culture of plants given by the staff whenever sought by the public. It is also the aim of a Botanic Garden to provide training to interested people in all the aspects of gardening, fruit and vegetable growing, etc.

The difference between the two is often not properly understood, perhaps every where, but more so in our country. No doubt some times it is rather difficult to distinguish them superficially, but the difference between the two will become abundantly clear if one just tried to observe them. The fundamental difference is that in a public park plants are arranged mainly for landscape effect with little or no regard to their Botanical considerations. While a Botanic Garden comprises extensive collection of plants of different climates and countries introduced and acclimatized and displayed. A park consists of a collection pf small number of familiar and commonly available species. Further, the plants in a Botanic Garden, just as the things in a museum, are labelled properly intending chiefly to serve the educational ends, for critical examination and study by the people. In a park, plants are not generally labelled, as may be seen in the Garden of Victoria Memorial Hall in Calcutta, no constant effort is made to keep them labelled always. Since a Botanic Garden is an institution for scientific investigations with regard to plants and for conservation and diffusion of knowledge, laboratory, library, herbarium, etc, form indispensable adjuncts of the garden; whereas, these are not found to be possessed by a park. Another distinction is that a park. is intended chiefly for recreation; whereas, Botanic Gardens are, though they may be large enough to have park features, are nevertheless chiefly intended for education and all regulations and restrictions governing their usr by the public are based on this fact. Doubtless, people may visit them for recreation to withdraw for a moment from noise and boredom of a city life and to derive pleasure only. "I am less enamoured of truth than beauty if i could spend the course of everlasting time in paradise of varied loveliness, i do not fancy my felicity would be greatly impaired if the last secrets of the universe were withheld from me "said W.Mac Neil Dixon. Therefore, while the aim of Botanic Garden is mainly scientific and predominantly instructive, it may also administer to those who come to seek only happiness admist beauty, as it is glad to serve the community in every way, provided it does not interfere with its primary functions. They can by all means be used for passive recreation, relaxation and contemplation. A botanic garden, however, is not a place for throughfare, picnics, radio concerts, games, sport and fun and frolic, which defeat the very purpose of Botanical Gardens.

The functions of a modern Botanic Garden are necessarily multifarious because its objectives are multifarious; but in all instances they may not be precisely the same as they are usually modified according to the local requirements, restrictions of area, climate, etc. It may often be found that for want of funds many gardens altogether omit some of the weighty and expensive objectives, yet in all cases their activities, are predominantly scientific and instructive as otherwise they cease to be real gardens of science. As an universal rule, it is the foremost function of a Botanic Garden to bring together within its available means the greatest possible number of select plants from different parts of the world and display them for public inspection and study. Introduction and acclimatization of superior and improved varieties of economic plants and popularisation of suitable ones on a commercial scale, which results in the economic betterment of the areas, is a function of special importance. It should also disseminate information regarding the culture of various plants, their pruning, fertilising, treatment to pests and disease, etc., by issuing periodicals and other publications, which naturally involve conducting of local trails. Botanical research has always been and should be a major activity of Botanic Gardens, which are independent institutions. The history of earliest gardens of Italy is almost extensively a history of investigations carried out for the purpose of extending knowledge of plant life. The garden should also be made a beautiful spot in order to inspire love for plants, to educate the community to higher Horticultural conceptions, by exemplifying, in its planting, the utilization for aesthetic effect, in planting of avenues, parks, homegrounds, etc.

A Botanic Garden, whether, small or big, if scientifically and wisely planned and carried out, can be of great value to the community. The uses of Botanic Gardens are varied and many, and they can be broadly dealt under three head: the scientific, education and social.

A Botanic Garden is of greatest value as it works for the progress of pure science as well as applied sciences of Agriculture, Horticulture, etc. which has a great bearing on the living standard and material well being of the people. The researches and investigations done by the staff may help and lead to scientific observations of the habits and life of plants on the part of the lovers of plant science may lead to highly valuable and a reaching results. For instance, Mendel, an Austrian monk working in a monastery garden many years ago, observed some interesting facts regarding flowers he was breeding. At that time neither he nor his observations and conclusions became the basis of the study of hereditary both in plants and animals. These observations of Medel have helped modern Agriculture and Horticulture to evolve disease resistant and improved varieties of various plant crops which are of great importance from the point of view of food production as a agency of increasing the plant wealth of the country by introduction and acclimatization of plants.

The second is educational value. It is generally said that knowledge could be acquired by reading books and that it is possible to read about plants and thus acquire knowledge of plants and their cultivation etc. such a notion is often deceptive. True knowledge comes from experience, but reading imparts information, which is only a second-hand sort of thing. The knowledge of scientific cultivation of plants, fertilizing pruning etc., and treatment of pests and diseases etc. which can be has from Botanic Garden freely, is of greatest importance, as it helps for the commercial importance of the area and therefore, in the betterment of the health and economic life of the community. A Botanic Garden, therefore, is not only an educational institution, but also a public benefactor. Botanic Garden is also of great use in schools and colleges for Botanical and Nature Study.

The third is the social contribution. It is realised that much prevailing restlessness, discontent and unhappiness among people are largely due to the widening drift between Man and nature. This detachment from nature makes man snobbish and narrow minded in his social life and also he becomes intimate and living with the plants man is apt to develop a sense of oneness that plants and animals are neither adversaries nor tools which are there just for his use, but are as much as part of nature as the human beings are. This realisation will teach him tolerance and love as also contentment and happiness and enables his thoughts and actions. Plant collections from different countries all the world over develop world contact and wider outmen who is often dwarfed and stunted by the ugly realities in life. It develops taste for having home gardens which have refreshing effect on the mental and moral sense away from the worries of the life in a busy city.

Therefore, Botanic Gardens should be deemed as necessary for prosperity and happiness of community and none should grudge the expense required to maintain them and on the other hand they are worthy of encouragement to learn that the Govt. of India, fully realising the value of such gardens, is contemplating to start and maintain Gardens in every state.

The Lalbagh has completed one hundred and thirtyfour years of its glorious existence. This garden has been the hub of Horticultural activities in the state ever since it became the State Botanical Garden in 1856. For the increase of the plant wealth of the state and development of Horticulture and well being of the people in general, it has made invaluable contributions. This historic garden by its unique achievements in many and varied fields has won a proud place among the gardens of the world and has come to be regarded as one of the best gardens in the East for its layout, maintenance, scientific interest and scenic beauty.

The total area of the garden at present is about 240 acres, and the land gradually slopes from east to west. There is an open rocky elevated portion in the east on which is situated the Kempegowda Tower, one lf the four towers constructed by celebrated Kempegowda. The rocky portion also extends a little to the south, forming quarries to east of the Lalbagh tank situated in the south of the Lalbagh area. The chief source of water for the garden is pumped to the reservoir on the rock, from where the water is supplied to most parts of the garden.

The aim of Lalbagh and the lines on which the chief works that have been accomplished and are being pursued may be broadly enunciated as follows:

1. To serve as a means of introducing new plants of Botanical, Economic and Horticulture interest and their acclimatizatio and propagation.
2. To aid the development of the Horticulture industry in the state.
3. To serve as an important centre of dissemination of plants and their culture, including the offer of regular course to those interested in Horiculture.
4. To serve as an inceasingly valuable adjunct or supplement to Nature study and Botanical work in local schools and colleges.
5. To become a centre of investination in pure and Applied Botany.
6. To establish as a place of beauty and to provide healthy recreation to the public, develop the aesthetic sense among the people, and give encouragement and assistance to home gardening.

In keeping with the objectives of a Botanical Garden, a great numbet of select plants from different parts of the world have been brought together and displayed in the garden. The Economic garde, the Fruit garden, the Arboretum, the Herb garden and various others, and minor sections like the Magnolia lawn, Hibiscus lawn, cupress lawn, Ficus lawn and many other sections that make up the garden, have a very rich collections of flora under cultuivation. Palms, conifers, giant bamboos, orchids, and thousands of other plants have made it a veritable treasure-horse of plants. Organised introduction of plants and exchange of plants with other institutions in India and abroad began as early as 1856. Much valuable work in this direction was done especially during the times of William New (1858-64), John Cameron (1874-1907), and during the time of G.H.Krumbeigel (1908-32), as a resault of which rhe garden now stocked with repesentative plantw of many parts of the world, both tropical and sub-tropical, so that the garden is a delight to both Botanists and Horticulturists. In 1918, the plants were labelled for the first time. Cameron also collected animals for the garden, and Lalbagh was a zoo as well for some years, but by 1933, all the animals were transferred to the Mysore Zoo.

Remarkable work has been done in the introduction of Horticultural and Economic plants yielding industrial products like fibres, resins, gums, dyes, tans, oils, scents, timber, rubber, foder. Suffice it to mention a few examples of fibre yielding plants like the American aloe, sisal hemp, Ramie, Manila hemp, kopak, oil-yielding plants like kachi grass, Lucerne, Cowpea, and a number of others. There are almost countless number of trees of economic importance.

In the case of fruits and vegetables, the garden has done pioneering work in the introduction, acclimatisation and propagation work in the introduction is for the development of the Horticulture industry can be gaugded from the fact that many of the Economic crops under cultivation are of foreign origin. The so-called English vegetables like cabbage, knol-khol, carrot, onion, potato, tomato, beans, peas, turnips,spanich, ets. are spread and become so popular that they have almost become indigenous. Hundreds of improved and superior varieties of these vegetables have been introduced from different countries from time to time for commercial cultivation, thus producing better and more nutritious food.

Lalbagh has ornamental garden plants, viz., creepers, shrubs, trees, aquatics, plams, aroids, ferns, cacti and succulents, etc. The garden possess a rare collection of Bougainvilleas, Crotons, Hibiscus, Cannas and others, in addition to rare and beautiful flowering trees such as Tabebuias, Brownias, saracas, etc. Mention may be made of the white Bougainvilles, introduced from Trinidad in 1952, and another variety called Mary Palmer which bears good-sized bracts of three gave spread to curiosity. Many showy folwering trees have spread to other governmeht and public parks and highways and the premises of schools, hospitals, travellers' bungalows and other government and public institutions.

Lalbagh has a very big nursery where nursery where lakhs of genuine fruit plants, economic and ornamental plants are propagated every year and are supplied to the public throughout the state and to various parts of India.

The garden is visted every year by hundreds of students belonging to local schools and colleges for Botanical study, materials for study is collected by them. Lalbagh is a "must" in the list of places to be visited during the study tours undertaken by Agricultural studenrts of various colleges all over India. In recent years, Lalbagh has given incentive to the state by providing plant material and all necessary technical assistance, such as laying out, planting, etc. To research scholars and to those who are engaged in other advanced studies in Botany and Horiculture film shows of high educative value arearranged frequently in the garden.

As a beauty spot, Lalbagh has only few rivals in India. Bountiful Nature has provided an excellent setting and ideal climate for making this garden the lovelist and best of its kind. The science and art of gardening is exquisitely brought out in nearly 240 acres of ground, with various garde features like extensive lawns, shrubberies, hedges, flower beds, plant houses, arches, trellies, etc., most attractively laid out, including topiary garden, hapanese garden, rock gardens, etc.

The aesthetic aspect of the garden received special attention during the time of G.H.Krumbeigal (1908-1932), who laid out many sections like the Statue garden and others. All the year round something of interest to garden lovers will be found in this Paradise. In summer, when the lawns are not so gay, the tropical summer flowering trees, shrubs and creepers lend great beauty and charm to the garden . The immense Glass House, which was built about 1890 on the model of the Crystal Palace of England, and whose roof consists of several hundred panes of glass, is a centre of attraction. During Horticultural shows, held in August and January every year, the garden becomes a paradise of beauty, a variegated floral pageant against a background of green lawns, attractive annual beds and sky-touching Cook pine. The delightful avenues, well laid out lawns and charming shrubberies of thes sylvan retreat gain the admiration of all. These Horticultural shows, held in Lalbagh for more than a hundred years are unique in India and have served to educate and inspire people to higher Horticultural conceptions.

The exhibits that enter the competitions reveal standard of pot culture rarely to be found elsewhere in India, which is the result of the stimulus that Lalbagh is providing. The abundance of scintillating home gardens for which Bangalore is so famous, owe not little to the Lalbagh.