IV 



TROPICAL FLORAS 



71 



The Floras of Small Areas and their Teachings 



The conclusions already reached by the examination of 

 the chief floras of the world, whether in areas of continental 

 extent, or in those more approaching to the average of our 

 counties, that, other things being equal or approximately so, 

 the tropics are far more prolific in species, will receive further 

 confirmation, and I think demonstration, from data I have 

 collected as to the botanical richness of much smaller areas, 

 which having been more thoroughly explored afford more 

 reliable evidence. They also afford very suggestive facts as 

 to the best mode of future exploration which may enable us 

 to arrive at a fair approximation as to the total world-popu- 

 lation of flowering plants. 



For the convenience of readers I give here two tables 

 I have prepared of the floras of small areas in tropical and 

 temperate zones, each arranged in the order of their area in 

 square miles for reference and comparison. 



Tropical Floras — Small Areas 



