APPENDIX 10 



Report on the Canal Zone Biological Area 



Sir: It gives me pleasure to present herewith the annual report 

 of the Canal Zone Biological Area for the fiscal year ended June 30, 

 1953. 



BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT 



The major accomplishment at Barro Colorado Island during the 

 year was the installation of two 15-KVA Diesel-driven generators. 

 This required the construction of a concrete foundation, to which the 

 generators had to be anchored, and a well-ventilated building to house 

 the units; the installation of large instrument panels and insulated 

 pipes for overhead distribution; and procurement of necessary acces- 

 sories for operation. Although the annual operating cost of the 

 generators amounts to about $1,650, the benefits to be derived from a 

 constant flow of current are inestimable; and being able to operate 

 the refrigerator, deep freeze, dry cabinets, and dehumidifiers 24 hours 

 a day, thereby eliminating spoilage, will result in considerable sav- 

 ings. Also, an adequate and uninterrupted supply of electricity 

 should attract many more investigators who need current at all hours. 



The pit for the rainwater reservoir, west of the new laboratory 

 building, was completed, and the reinforcing steel and form lumber 

 were cut to size. Because of deficient rainfall, there was not enough 

 water to mix the concrete, and so this project was not finished. 



Shelving was added to the large (original) laboratory building for 

 a collection of reptiles and amphibians, largely from the island, and 

 for the extensive collection of Central American fruits, mostly from 

 Panama, obtained by the resident manager during his years of study 

 of fruit flies of the genus Anastre'pha. Dr. and Mrs. E. R. Dunn, of 

 Haverford College, put most of the reptile and amphibian specimens 

 in new jars and relabeled them. 



An electrically heated plant drier was built and has already been 

 put to good use by scientists. 



It was necessary to build an extension to the dock at the island, and 

 also to the covered area for the launches. Both launches required 

 minor repairs to the hulls, and the engine of one needed replacement 

 of parts. A large, well-built cayuco was obtained, for use with an 

 outboard motor, in order to police the island more adequately. 



The trails are in good condition, but some of the markers need to 

 be replaced. 



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