183 
obtained in the past ever been brought together into correlated 
or accessible form, being at present scattered in fragmentary 
the es hoa information even in see to many plants of 
vely difficult to assemble 
and sae seeaey when obtained. 
In this rich and varied flora of northern South America is sure 
to be found a wealth of plants capable of yielding commercial 
mbers, drugs, vegetable oils, tannin, gums, waxes and essences 
a technical value, dye-stuffs, food-materials, fibers, and count- 
1 Ae: = DY h Ly 
Many of these products are Teaching our markets in mixed | or 
plants from which they should be obtained. In other instances, 
although the species may be known, the rang e and oe is 
Recent events have sh oa unexpetel 
America may be cut off from many an sources 0: u- 
facture and information. It is increasingly evident that a the 
erican countries should the nufacturing and com- 
mercial independence which may be derived from a thorough 
scientific investigation of their natural resources. Among these 
the tropical American vegetation is one of the most significant 
and merits much more earnest investigation than it has thus far 
received. 
It is confidently believed that the proposed studies will do 
much to extend the knowledge of South American products, and 
thus to increase trade and conduce to friendly relations with the 
countries concerned. 
In the realm of pure science the results obtained will also have 
very important bearings on the studies of central American 
Meee: already prosecuted by the National Museum and by 
th y Herbarium, and on those of the West Indian flora con- 
fund i the New York Botanical Garden 
Py scientists in charge of eee botanical collections of the 
er botanists and economists 
have jong iaown the need for ere information relative to 
