Ferns of Jamaica 
ELLSWORTH P. KILLIP 
The island of Jamaica has long been one of the para- 
dises of the world for the fern collector. Here all the 
elements essential to a luxuriant fern growth seem to 
occur in just the right quantities. A constant supply 
of heat and moisture and an altitude ranging from sea- 
level to 7428 feet have resulted in the development of a 
large number of species. 
The island is approximately 150 miles from east to 
west and 50 miles from north to south. A ridge of 
mountains runs from east to west through the center — | 
of the island and it is among these mountains that the 
greatest number of ferns are found. In my brief visit 
to Jamaica in the winter of 1916, my fern collecting was 
chiefly confined to the mountainous regions of Cin- 
chona and Hollymount. 
Cinchona is the name given to a vast tract of land, 
ranging in altitude from 4500 feet to 6100 feet, embracing 
a portion of the Blue Mountain Range slightly to the 
northwest of Blue Mountain Peak. An unsuccessful 
attempt was made by the Jamaican government some 
years ago to introduce quinine (Cinchona) here. This 
was one of the tropical stations of the New York Botat — 
ical Gardens for some years. At the time of my visit 
it was unoccupied and the Director of the Public Gar 
dens very kindly placed the several well-built buildings, 
including a laboratory, at my disposal. 
Sir John’s Peak, situated in the reservation, is the : 
second highest mountain in the island. The trail lead- 
se from the buildings at 4900 feet altitude, to the sum 
mit, passes in part through dense, moist forests and 1? 
part skirts the sides of mountains through territory 
exposed to the sun’s rays. At times the trail runs alone 5 
windward slopes where conditions are particularly ; 
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