105 
but most of it is at present being neglected and is growing into 
brush and thickets. This part is also much drier and more 
rocky and is densely wooded with small trees, very similar to 
those of the Virgin Islands. A characteristic feature of these 
forests is the great d f a tall cactus, a species of Cephalo- 
cereus, which takes the form of a tree with a definite trunk up to 
ten inches in diameter, and eight to twelve feet high before 
branching. The entire tree often attains a height of thirtv feet 
and in this form it is seldom seen isolated, but occurs with the 
hardwood trees, forming about one fourth of the forest. A species 
of Agave was seen on one dry hillside only. On this end of the 
island the red-headed melon-cactus was profusedly abundant 
on coastal cliffs of the southern shor 
Throughout the island there is little growth underneath the 
trees in the rocky forests, the most abundant herb being a 
leaved creeper, a species of Pilea. An orchid, pane an oe 
are, is very abundant from the tops of the highest hills down to 
the sea cliffs, where it grows within a few feet of the salt water, 
the large clumps sometimes forming a striking feature. This 
orchid seems to be entirely absent, however, on the eastern 
portion of the island, where it is replaced by another member o 
the genus, with flower-stalks four to six feet long, supporting 
a few beautiful light-purple flowers; the same species occurs on 
the drier parts of the Virgin Islands. Only twelve species of 
ferns were observed 
I remained here until March 2, visiting all parts of the island 
and examining probably every kind of plant environment. 
very fair representation of its flora was secured comprising over 
seven hundred field numbers and probably more than six hundred 
and fifty species. No doubt an examination of the same region 
at a different season of the year vee dehy other plants. 
Owing to the failure of the S.S ’ to sail as scheduled, 
I was obliged to return to San ee i a more tedious route, 
taking a small boat to Fajardo, and proceeding overland to 
San Juan, where I joined your party on March 5, and had the 
satisfaction of ascending Monte El Duque, perhaps the highest 
point on Porto Rico. Respectfully submitted, 
J. \FER. 
