184 
the vegetation of northern South America; these collections 
already contain specimens derived from various sources in the 
st, representing a considerable proportion of nts in- 
habi he region, an their products, but much of this 
ically. Old World museums and herbaria contain a more com- 
plete and better studied ee than American institu- 
tions possess. Th f the subject is, however, 
measurably complete in our libraries, but scattered under many 
hundre ae mostly by European authors 
he investigation is primarily planned: along the following 
lines: 
1. The study, naming and — of specimens already 
in the three institutions. This work will incidentally much in- 
crease the reference strength ae our herbaria and museums. 
2. The increase of the three collections by specimens obtained 
through field expeditions sent to parts of the area as yet little 
a 
aid . sending funds to any of them for the expenses of field 
expeditions 
The publication of advanced papers from time to time, 
dealing with portions of the investigation on which results have 
been reached, without awaiting the completion of the annotated 
catalogue. 
The cooperative effort includes the following methods: 
1. The subdivision of the work among staff members of the 
three Eee and among specialists of other institutions. 
2. The loan of specimens from the collections of the three 
institutions to each other. 
. Visits of staff members of the three institutions to each 
Senet pus ane study of collections and i consulta tio 
4- any of to be nee with 
the other 
5. Joint support of some of the field expeditions and division 
of the ee made. 
