IOWA ACADEMY OF SCIP:NCES. II3 



standpoint, hy the Blue Mountain range, which formed a dark gray back- 

 ground to the east and north, leaving the boundless sea to meet the horizon 

 in the southeast. 



The building which we termed our Marine Lab. was a large one-story 

 stone structure known as the " Sister -Houses." It was light, airy and com- 

 fortable, affoi-ding ample room for our party of seven. Each member of the 

 company occupied a sepai-ate table and upon this his microscope was placed, 

 together v\ ith a varied collection of specimens, preserving fluids, dishes, aqua- 

 ria, scalpels, needles, pipettes, etc.. the whole forming a veritable biologist's 

 corner. It was through the kindness of Dr. Brooks that we secured a temporary 

 loan from the Johns Hopkins Biological Dept., of all the necessary chemical 

 reagents, general apparatus, many valuable books of reference, etc., to equip 

 our seaside laboratory very fully and satisfactorily. We had a sloop and 

 light I'ow boat at our command, also the services of a native boatman. 

 While we were supplied with more than that needed for our immediate wants, 

 yet a steam launch and apparatus for deep sea dredging by steam power, 

 would have been very acceptable. It is hoped that these additions will be 

 made during next season. 



The location at Port Henderson offei's many facilities for biological 

 research. Numerous small coral islands, so called Cays, from two to ten 

 miles out at sea, are rich in Crustaceans, Anemonae, Ophlurans, Astrophy- 

 tons, Serpula. Terebrella and numerous species of Alcyonaria, Astraea and 

 Madrepora. Near Port Royal were numerous mangrove ponds— where the 

 bushes hang extended into the shoal water so as to form ponds and channels 

 of quiet sea water— we found life very abundant there. Clusters of Clavelina, 

 Simple Ascidians and colonies of hydroids grew upon the mangrove roots in 

 endless px-ofusion, while star fishes, sea urchins and Holothuriaus were 

 abundant. 



A large salt water lagoon two miles south of our laboratory and along 

 the coast was inhabitated by numerous crocodiles and turtles. There we also 

 found a large jelly fish- cassiopoea in abundance; also gasteropods and crust- 

 aceans. The surface collections in the bay afford aa endless variety of forms 

 for study. Good opportunity for work is also found on land. The hill in 

 the rear and the broad valley ot the Rio Cobra river not far away are stocked 

 with laud crabs, lizards, termites, scorpions, etc. Bird life is not so abund- 

 ant as we had anticipated, and the herpetologist will find no snakes, but 

 only the mongoose in their places. The flora of Jamaica is rich and varied; 

 ferns, palms, crotons and cacti predominating. 



By those best acquainted with the coast of Jamaica, the site of Port Hen- 

 derson is considered to be the most suitable location on the island for a per- 

 manent marine laboi'atory As indicated above, it offers superior advan- 

 tages for study of animal forms in the tropical waters. Situated in the imme- 

 diate vicinity of Kingston all the temporary needs of the school may be 

 readily supplied. It is also in direct communication by steamer and cable 

 with New York and Liverpool. The location affords such general satisfac- 

 tion that prominent biologists at home and abroad have considered plans for 

 establishing a permanent international marine biological station at that 

 place. It is sincerely desired that all preliminary steps taken in this direc- 

 tion may lead ultimately tojthe establishment of the much needed institution 

 on American shores. 



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