May 29, 1903.] 



SCIENCE. 



863 



various islands of the West Indies with a view 

 to the selection of a suitable spot for a tropical 

 station. In the end Jamaica was practically 

 determined upon, when the sad death of an 

 American botanist and zoologist in the island 

 resulted in a suspension of the efforts. Within 

 the past two years the Commissioner of the 

 Imperial Agricultural Department for the 

 West Indies, Dr. D. Morris, C.M.G., has 

 endeavored to secure assistance from the Im- 

 perial and local governments for the establish- 

 ment of a marine section to his department, 

 at which biological research could be con- 

 ducted, but as yet without much encourage- 

 ment, owing to the depressed financial condi- 

 tion of the islands. 



As in so many instances one turns for a ray 

 of hope to the trustees of the Carnegie Insti- 

 tution. But before this beneficent organiza- 

 tion can be approached it is manifest that the 

 scheme should be thoroughly discussed and 

 some consensus of opinion reached by biolo- 

 gists as to the most desirable spot. From his 

 personal experience Dr. A. G. Mayer is pre- 

 pared to support the claims of Tortugas, 

 Florida. A residence for several years in 

 Jamaica is my excuse for the presentation of 

 what I conceive to be the superior advantages 

 of this island, in which I am supported by 

 two of Dr. Mayer's correspondents. Professors 

 E. G. Conklin and T. H. Morgan. 



First with regard to the comparative rich- 

 ness of marine life in the different regions of 

 the West Indies. Investigations of the vari- 

 ous groups so far conducted (fishes, Crustacea, 

 echinoderms, corals, actinians) reveal a great 

 similarity throughout, as would be expected 

 from the uniformity of temperature and the 

 insular conditions of all the likely places. 

 Hence, as regards abundance of life, any area 

 otherwise suitable would be almost equally 

 desirable, except for specific purposes, for the 

 needs of the marine zoologist alone. 



A tropical laboratory is much more likely to 

 be a success if from its position it appeals to 

 the worker on land and fresh-water forms as 

 well as marine, to the botanist as well as to 

 the zoologist. And there is no reason why 

 the center chosen should not be as desirable 



for the one purpose as the other. It is in 

 this respect, however, that the various islands 

 differ greatly, and where the advantages are 

 altogether in favor of Jamaica. Nowhere 

 in the West Indies is there readily available 

 such a diversity of terrestrial f aunal and floral 

 conditions, a fact already recognized by Pro- 

 fessors Campbell and MacDougal after an 

 investigation of other islands, and supported 

 by the many American botanists and zoologists 

 visiting there from year to year. The pres- 

 ence of a well-equipped and long-established 

 government botanical department, with all 

 its collecting traditions, is not one of the least 

 of its attractions, as well as known localities 

 for such interesting forms as Peripatus. The 

 student concerned with the results of the in- 

 troduction of new animals and agricultural 

 pests will have his ardor more than satisfied 

 by the mongoose, toad and tick. 



In the matter of health the tropics are gen- 

 erally viewed with suspicion. This is well 

 founded as regards investigators who desire 

 to carry on work, involving exposure, in the 

 same manner as in temperate parts, but is 

 of little moment to the resident or experienced 

 visitor aware of the precautions called for 

 under the totally new environment. To select 

 any locality of which the general healthiness 

 or climatic conditions are uncertain, or where 

 proper medical advice and attention are not 

 available, would undoubtedly sooner or later 

 result in a sad collapse. 



A central, readily accessible spot, where the 

 general social life and the character of the 

 people wiU add something to the experience 

 of visitors, is also matter for consideration. 

 The Naples Zoological Station undoubtedly 

 owes some of its success to its geographical 

 position and historic surroundings. A com- 

 paratively unknown isolated spot, with no 

 associations beyond those of the laboratory, 

 is not likely to offer sufficient attractions to 

 make a long sea voyage, especially to European 

 colleagues, nor can possibly give that status 

 which a center of activity already recognized 

 can confer. The general social conditions of 

 Jamaica, the hospitality offered from the gov- 

 ernor downwardsj the experience of English 



