UPEN LETTERS. 
THE TROPICAL LABORATORY. 
To the Editors of the Botanical Gazette.—The desirability and great value 
of a permanent research laboratory in the American tropics must be evident 
to every student of plant or animal life. But it should be remembered that 
a large amount of work has already been done in looking over the ground, 
and very competent opinion on the subject is already available. Would it 
not be well to consider first the results already reached? It is well known 
that parties of zoologists from the Johns Hopkins University, under the lead 
of Professor W. K. Brooks, have several times visited different parts of the 
West Indies, including three trips to the island of Jamaica. Their experi- 
~ence has Ied to the choice of this island as best adapted for a permanent 
establishment or for periodic visits. A stay of two months in several parts of 
Jamaica has convinced me that it offers equal advantages for botanical study. 
It would be an unfortunate mistake to make such an establishment as is pro- 
posed exclusively botanical or zoological. Aside from the added strength 
which the cooperation of both biological groups would give it, the very great 
mutual advantage of the association must be self evident. 
As compared with many other parts of the tropics, the climate of Jamaica 
is exceptionally healthful, and it is remarkably free from poisonous animals. 
Its continental character makes possible a rich and varied flora, and within a 
few miles one may pass from the sea level to the summit of Blue Mountain 
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 acces- 
sible by steamer, at least once a week, from either Boston, New York, Phila- _ 
delphia, or Baltimore, and the principal points are now connected by rail- 
road. There are on the island two interesting botanic gardens, at Castleton 
and Gordon Town, under the direction of Mr. Wm. Fawcett, F.L.S., Director | 
of Public Gardens and Plantations, who would doubtless give such an enter- 
prise every encouragement and much valuable aid. Lady I Blake, the talented © 
wife of the governor of the colony, Sir Henry Blake, might be expected to — 
be interested in the movement, having several years ago proposed the estab : 
lishment of an international biological station in Jamaica. 
_ If I may be permitted a definite | t 
| es es t I should say that the north side is 
