179 
like a knife. The luxuriant growth of the ravine flora is well 
represented by three species of tree fern, Alsophila echinata, 
Hemitcha grandifolia and Cyathea arborca, the latter often reach- 
ing the height of thirty feet. Two species of Rexealmua, R. race- 
mosa and KR. exaltata, form dense growths along the mountain 
streams. In cultivated land on the edge of the forest several 
American weeds have found a foothold, Lepidiam Virginicum, 
Leptilon Canadense and Erechtites jueracifolius, all of which are 
spreading rapidly. Owing to a limited space of time, I was 
unable to carry on further investigations in the region beyond El 
Yunque, which no doubt would prove a good field. An expe- 
dition to this part of the island, in the future, would undoubtedly 
be worth undertaking. Dr. Evans returned to New York the 
last of July, so I intrusted to his care all plants, seeds, etc., 
collected on the mountains. They all reached the Garden in 
good condition. The following two weeks were spent in collect- 
ing and shipping museum material, seeds and living plants, among 
which was a fine specimen of the “ Coroza"’ palm (derocomia 
mcdia), which when crated weighed over 1,800 pounds, and with 
the aid of ten natives took over three hours to put on an ox cart, 
for transportation to San Juan. While in San Juan my work was. 
greatly facilitated by Mr. Sturle, also Mr. Gardner and Mr. Bar- 
rett, of the Agricultural Station at Rio Piedras, to whom I am 
greatly indebted for their kindness. Sailing from Porto Rico, 
August 12, on the steamer ‘‘ Caracas,” I arrived in New York, 
August 17. Respectfully submitted, 
Percy WILson. 
RESULTS OF THE USE OF THE STOKES FUND FOR 
THE PRESERVATION OF NATIVE PLANTS. 
The purposes of this fund were described in detail in the Jan- 
uary number of the JouRNAL, and the plan adopted for use of the 
interest upon it was there presented. Essays in competition for 
the three prizes offered were received from twenty persons and 
those written by Dr. F. H. Knowlton, Miss Cora A, Clarke and 
Dr. A. J. Grout, were published in the April, May and June 
