100 



Briefly, the Galapagos Islands are one of the focal points in discus- 

 sions of the yet unsolved problem of the origin of specie's. Vol- 

 umes have been written on the variation ot birds, tortoises, lizards, 

 and even plants within this strange group ol lava-strewn islands 

 which, from the time of Darwin, have been compared to the world 

 in its beginning. Outside of the polar regions, these islands are 

 probably the largest group without an aboriginal human popula- 

 tion. This fact undoubtedly accounts for the thousands of giant 

 tortoises — almost exterminated recently by man — and the remark- 

 able tameness ol the birds. Since the prevailing wind and ocean 

 currents move from the k.cuadorcan coast in the direction of the 

 Galapagos Islands, it is assumed that the lowland flora ol the Gala- 

 pagos Islands has, in general, been derived from (he South Ameri- 

 can continent. Because of this relationship it is of great impor- 

 tance to find out whether the species-variations in plants of the 

 mainland are similar to those of the islands. Toward the solution 

 of this difficult problem my forthcoming investigation along the 

 coast and in the low mountain ranges of Kcuador and northern 

 Peru should at least make a beginning. It is expected that sev- 

 eral thousand specimens will be collected tor stuck' at the Brook- 

 lyn Botanic Garden and for distribution to similar institutions.' 



Genetics 



Experimental variations in Ncphrolcpis 



By Ralph C. Benedict 



During 1 ( H0, studies have been continued on variation in the 

 Fern-genus Xcphrolcpis, as well as upon other genera in which 

 variation and speciation problems are of interest. Maintenance of 

 the collections, both in the greenhouse and in lath shelter, has been 

 the chief activity along this line during 1940. 



Economic Plants 



By Ralph 1 1. Cheney 



1. A study of the flavor qualities of the varieties of Mentha was 

 continued. 



1 Dr. Svenson sailed for Kcuador on January 31, 1941 on S. S. Santa 

 Elena, of the Grace Line. (Editor) 



