A BOTANICAL EXPEDITION TO NICARAGUA. 



Bv B. SHIAIEK. 



This expedition was sent out by the State University of 

 Iowa under the auspices of the Nicaragua Canal Construction 

 Company. That it was possible to send out such an expedi- 

 tion, and that it was successful, is due in a large measure to 

 Hon. Warner Miller, of New York, President of the Nicara- 

 gua Canal Construction Company, who extended every aid 

 possible by placing the resources of the Company in Nicara- 

 gua at the disposal of the expedition. Letters from President 

 Miller secured transportation from place to place in Nicara- 

 gua, and quarters and other valuable aid in Greytown and 

 Castillo. 



The officers of the Company in Greytown, Castillo and 

 elsewhere treated the members of the party with uniform 

 kindness and courtesy, and furthered the objects of !he expe- 

 dition in every possible manner. 



Thanks are also due to Hon John F. Duncombe, of Ft. 

 Dodge, Iowa, and Assistant President John Dunn, of the Illi- 

 nois Central Railroad, who kindly assisted the party in the 

 matter of transportation. 



The writer, accompanied by Mr. C. L. Smith, left Iowa 

 City for New Orleans, December i6th, 1892, going thence by 

 steamer to Gre}i:own, Nicaragua, by way of Bluelields. 



After a most delightful journey which brought about a 

 gradual change from the snows of Iowa to the summer sun of 

 the tropics, the party landed at Greytown on the 29th day of 

 December. Inasmuch as the dry season begins earlier in the 



