A BIOLOGICAL FARM. 2(9 



most interesting problem in heredity only waits for the right ma- 

 terial with precisely defined origin, and for this the laboratory 

 could look to the farm. But the farm would do more than sup- 

 ply the needed material ; its records and experiments would sug- 

 gest the theory and give the physiological test, while the labora- 

 tory work would find the morphological test. The cooperation 

 between laboratory and farm would thus be intimate and of ines- 

 timable value in a multitude of ways. 



It must be remembered, moreover, that Wood's Roll has great 

 natural advantages as a location for the farm. Ever since Baird's 

 time it has been generally known that this is the best place on 

 the Atlantic coast for the study of marine biology. Indeed, 

 Wood's Holl has become a strong biological center by virtue of 

 the exceptional opportunities for work here offered in a varied 

 and extensive shore fauna and flora, in numerous accessible 

 islands rich in forms of peculiar interest, and in many perfectly 

 isolated fresh-water ponds, brackish ponds, and salt-water ponds 

 of easy control. These attractive features, together with a cli- 

 mate suited to both winter and summer work, certainly comprise 

 the essentials of a good location. 



A further consideration in favor of this location is the fact that 

 here for the first time in this country the farm project was defi- 

 nitely formulated ; and, what is more to the point, it is here that 

 the first step in the development of a farm has been taken, and 

 the work carried forward for some six years by individual en- 

 deavor. The birthplace of an enterprise is not likely to be a 

 pure accident. In the present case it was certainly determined 

 by the various causes which have conspired to make Wood's 

 Holl a biological center. This center has at least fifteen years 

 of growth, and every year makes it stronger and increases its 

 importance as a location for the headquarters of a biological farm. 



The argument for location has already suggested that the 

 farm is not necessarily limited to a single tract of land. It is de- 

 signed to supplement, and cooperate with, a laboratory, and hence 

 must have its headquarters conveniently near. There is no reason, 

 however, for limiting its territory to the ground selected for this 

 purpose. If, to take a familiar example, a study of the terns 

 were to be undertaken, we should undoubtedly resort to Peni- 



