THE PIvANT WORIvD 37 



The natives distinguish several kinds and select certain ones for con- 

 struction. In many of them are large black termites' nests. Not only- 

 does the termite infest the island, but ordinary ants are present in large 

 numbers and build large mounds in the savannahs and pine lands. 

 They are a serious obstacle to agricultural pursuits and have been be- 

 yond doubt an important factor in determining the character of the 

 native vegetation. 



Finally, along the streams the vegetation shows the least zerophytic 

 tendency, and closely approaches the conditions found in humid tropical 

 regions. Several plants of the Banana family occur here, also many ferns 

 and orchids. The trees are mostly broad-leaved and large. Palms abound, 

 also shrubs of many kinds. The soil is rich and very porous. If it were 

 not for the overflow in the rainy season, its agricultural value would be 

 very great. 



In conclusion, it may be said that the island presents the greatest 

 diversity of conditions. The agriculture of the island although in a 

 primitive condition shows this. Tomatoes, potatoes and other crops 

 grown in the north grow well and at the same time oranges, mamey, 

 guava and all sorts of tropical fruits flourish. It may be truly said that 

 here the vegetation of the temperate and tropical zones meet. 



The timber consumption for railway ties and telegraph poles equals 

 the timber crop for 1,000 acres of virgin forest. 



The navel orange has been known in this country for some thirty- 

 odd years and is often spoken of as a recent production. As a matter of 

 fact it has been known for considerably over two hundred years, the first 

 reference to it, so far as known, being in the large ten-volume work on 

 trees and fruits published by John Johnson in 1662. The Bahia navel 

 orange is still cultivated in Bahia, "where it is regarded as superior to 

 other varieties cultivated in the province." 



The list of ofiicers for the Gray Memorial Botanical Chapter of the 

 Agassiz Association for the year 1903 is as follows: President, Mr. Chas. 

 C. Plitt, Baltimore, Md. ; General Secretary, Mr. George P. Ells, Nor- 

 walk, Conn. ; Treasurer, Mr. Roscoe J. Weble, Garrettsville, Ohio. The 

 Executive Council consist of the above and Mr. J. Ford Sempers, Aiken, 

 Md. ; Mr. J. C. Buchheister, Grifiins Corners, N. Y. We are asked to 

 state that any earnest student of botany is eligible to membership in the 

 Chapter. The work is conducted by correspondence, and those interested 

 may obtain full information by addressing either of the officers. 



