OPEN LETTERS. 
A MEXICAN TROPICAL BOTANIC STATION. 
THE BoTANICAL GAZETTE during the past three years has agitated in its 
editorial columns and by the publication of open letters the establishment of 
a tropical botanical laboratory. The consensus of opinion seems to be that 
such a laboratory should be situated in Jamaica, which would be easily acces- 
sible both to English and American botanists. Jamaica has, without a doubt, 
many advantages over other localities in the western tropics. The late Pro- 
fessor J. E. Humphrey in a letter to the GAZETTE refers to the peculiar con- 
ditions which make Jamaica a suitable place for such a laboratory : 
s compared with many other parts of the tropics, the climate ot Jamaica is 
exceptionally healthful, and it is remarkably free from poisonous animals. Its conti- 
nental character makes possible a rich and varied flora, and within a few miles one 
may pass from the sea level to the summit of the Blue mountains, 7360 feet high. The 
island is a British colony, which means that life and property are secure, the roads 
fine, the language English. It is accessible by steamer at least once a week from 
either Boston, New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore, and the principal points are 
ic gardens 
at Castleton and Gordon Town under the direction of Mr. Wm. Fawcett, © : 
. Public Gardens and Plantations, who would doubtless give such an enterprise every 
encouragement and much valuable aid. 
: i lace 
All these advantages seem to point to Jamaica as the most suitable p 
e much nee 
for the establishment of such a tropical laboratory, wher gee 
botanical research can be prosecuted. Professor Goebel is quote ° 
GAZETTE" as saying : 
d near 
It appears to me particularly desirable that the laboratory should be place 
a besides 
a botanical garden, because of the greater number of plant forms ae ee 
ik : : ities for experimen 
€ herbarium and library, as well as the opportunities for nae of the lab- 
afforded. Furthermore, another important condition would be the 
oratory as near as possible to the primitive forest. ; 
; y of trop: 
However great the advantages of Jamaica may be for the study 
. Pe 2 . e westem 
ical vegetation, it is advisable not to overlook other regions of eae? ch 
hemisphere which are especially suitable for the botanical investiga axe ape 
alone can be carried on ina tropical country. The writer wishes : ae sk 
for Mexico, not because he does not recognize the suitability 0 J 
*23:208. 1897. : [MAY 
362 
