d,7 



unfamiliar ferns. The chief attraction of the region, however, is the 

 orchid garden of Mr. C. H. Lankester. This is a most remarkable 

 assemblage of orchids of Costa Rica and other tropical countries, 

 blended with ferns and cycads and growing on trees and banks in a 

 charming atmosphere of wildness. The wTiter was most kindly en- 

 tertained by the Lankesters, and cannot forget the display of hybrid 

 orchids, some of rich fragrance, which greeted him each morning as 

 he emerged from sleeping quarters. The visit was notable for a 

 number of personally conducted field trips, one to a station for 

 Ophioglossum palmatum and another along the newly constructed 

 Pan-American highw^ay. 



The difficulties experienced in travelling in Costa Rica are il- 

 lustrated by another trip. In company with Sr. Leon of the museum 

 we took bus for Heredia, then climbed six miles on a dirt road to 

 the slopes of \"olcan Barba. On the way a sudden storm overtook 

 us, as we ate lunch by a friendly bank. Arriving at a schoolhouse we 

 went under the guidance of the schoolmaster to a sulphur spring 

 near which we collected a Peperomia which is regarded as a new 

 species. We were allowed to sleep on the floor of the schoolhouse, 

 which we may report as clean and polished, but cold and drafty. It 

 was on this trip that we found Botrychiwn ciciitarimn, B. under- 

 woodianum and Ophioglossum reticulatum, at altitude 6,500 feet. 

 It was in a similar locality that we found Gunnera insignis, a plant 

 provided with leaves so large that they are used as umbrellas by the 

 natives. 



Our advisers did not encourage us to brave the dangers of ma- 

 laria by venturing into the Province of Guanacaste, on the Pacific 

 slope. The climate of San Jose is so healthful, and relatively easy 

 excursions are so many that our remaining trips were made in the 

 neighborhood of the capital. On the last day of August we took train 

 for Port Limon, feeling content at having accomplished at least the 

 main objects of the trip. 



Department of Botany 

 Rutgers University 



