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, 

 1954. 



About mid-August 1953 the resident manager became critically ill 

 and was obliged to be absent from the island until the middle of 

 March 1954. It was most fortunate that he was able to secure the 

 aid of his former associate, Mrs. Adela Gomez, who was well in- 

 formed regarding the island set-up and routine, scientists, and visi- 

 tors. Mrs. Gomez took over, despite demanding home and family 

 duties, and through her ability and thorough understanding of the 

 work, she did a heroic job. 



It was also most fortunate for all concerned to have the assistance 

 of Cleveland C. Soper, in charge of Eastman Kodak Company's 

 Tropical Research Laboratory. Not only was he most generous with 

 his time, but his advice was invaluable. Had it not been for his 

 technical knowledge, the island would have been blacked out and 

 there would have been no refrigeration for lack of current when the 

 two diesel units were overhauled. In recognition of his invaluable 

 help, the Smithsonian Institution tendered him an appointment as 

 research associate. 



BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT 



The two 15-kv. diesel generators received, in addition to routine 

 maintenance inspections and adjustments, an annual overhaul. 



Posts for the overhead electric-current distribution line were in- 

 stalled. Two wires strung to these furnish 110 volts, 60 cycles. A 

 third wire will provide 220 volts 24 hours daily. All posts with 

 feeders for the various buildings have fuse boxes installed. 



The new large concrete water tank west of the new laboratory 

 building, which receives water from the roof of this building, has 

 been finished and is in use. Water is pumped from it into the large 

 tank on Snyder-Molino from which there is a good gravity flow. A 

 new 2-hp. motor was purchased for the old water pump, which is 

 still serviceable. 



Each year the island dock has had to be extended because of in- 

 creased silting. Plans have been made and preliminary work started 

 to remedy this situation by making a trail along the south shore of 

 the cove to deep water. 



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