28 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY 



Associated with these distinctly tropical plants were a number of 

 more familiar aspect. The well-known red and yellow Asclepias curas- 

 savica was extremely common, and several species of Verbenacese and 

 Composite were quite like northern forms. 



Next to the palms, perhaps the most characteristic plants are the 

 Aracea?, which occur in great number and variety. Besides those 

 already referred to, perhaps the most noticeable were species of Calad- 

 ium, whose brightly colored leaves were a common feature of low 

 ground everywhere. 



Of the epiphytic plants, the Bromeliacese take first place. There 

 are also many species which grow upon the ground and closely resemble 

 pineapples in their general appearance. 



Surinam is not specially rich in orchids, and of these very few were 

 in flower when the writer visited the country. The most interesting 

 form encountered was a species of Catasetum (C. fuliginosum) , already 

 referred to. 



As might be expected, aquatic plants are very numerous. Owing to 

 an abnormally dry season prevailing during the early part of the year 

 which dried up many bodies of water, comparatively few of these were 

 in flower. Azolla was abundant in the ditches and canals, and also a 

 species of Salvinia. The leaves of water lilies were abundant, but no 

 flowers were seen. About the margins of ponds were sometimes seen 

 the big white flowers of Hymenocallis oMusata, looking like white lilies. 



Although Trinidad is reckoned with the West Indies, its flora is 

 very different from that of the Antilles, and is essentially South 

 American in type. Trinidad is separated from the mainland of 

 Venezuela by only a few miles and the plants are largely the same as 

 those in the adjoining regions of Venezuela and have much in common 

 with those of the Guianas. 



During a stay of two weeks the writer visited only the northern part 

 of the island. This is, however, the most interesting portion of Trini- 

 dad, as not only are the highest mountains here, but there is also a fine 

 development of lowland forest, and a savanna formation much like that 

 seen in Surinam. 



Port of Spain is perhaps the most attractive of the West Indian 

 towns, and offers much of interest to the botanist — both in the town 

 itself and in the environs. The botanical garden in Trinidad is the 

 best in the West Indies, and in addition to the many fine examples of 

 tropical plants cultivated in the garden there is adjoining it a consid- 

 erable tract of practically untouched jungle, which is easily accessible 

 and is full of interest to the visiting botanist. The garden is now 

 under the direction of Mr. W. Freeman, to whom the writer is under 

 obligations for much kind assistance during his stay in Trinidad. 



Close to the old botanical garden is the more recently laid out 



