i82 The U'est American Scientist. 



Its surface is mountainous, and presents picturesque and varied 

 scenery, with corresponding climate variations. 



The Blue Mountains, in the central portion of the island, attain 

 to an elevation of 7,000 feet, flanked on all sides by hills and moun- 

 tain ridges, which, rising from the level of the sea, form supports 

 or buttresses to the main range, divides the surface into a large 

 number of water sheds. 



More than one hundred rivers and large streams, with their in- 

 numerable tributaries, carry off the water of the abundant rains, 

 through deep and narrow gorges, fertile valleys, and level plains 

 to the sea. 



This favorable conformation of surface, with the great humidity 

 of the atmosphere, and the general equability of the climate, com- 

 bine to make the island the richest and most prolific fern region in 

 the world, with other plant growth in corresponding profusion. 



In this small area, about the size of the State of Connecticut, 

 nearly five hundred species ot ferns, (about one sixth of all the 

 known species of the world) have been discovered. 



In the whole continent of North America, from the Arctic Re- 

 gions to the southern boundary of the United States, comprising 

 an area of a little over eight millions of square miles, less than one- 

 half as many species of ferns are found ; and of these, only forty 

 are found in common in the two regions 



In 1838, Reward collected seventy-seven species of ferns in 

 Jamaica. 



Grisebach, in his "Flora of the British West Indies," enumer- 

 ates three hundred and ten species, including Lycopodiums, Sela- 

 ginellas ^nd other fern allies. 



Up to April, 188 ■, Mr. G. S. Jenman, formerly superintendent 

 of the Botanic Gardens of Jamaica, who is making a special study 

 of the ferns of the West Indies, had identified and described four 

 hundred and sixty-five species and sixty-three varieties of true 

 ferns inhabiting Jamaica, and new species are still being dis covered 



What a magnificent country for the lovers of the most beautiful 

 and fascinating division of the Vegetable Kingdom ! Is it any 

 wonder that, as Lady Brassey quotes in her book entitled "The 

 Trades, The Tropics, and The Roaring Forties:" — There is a 

 saying among military men to the effect that: — "The first year you 

 are quartered in Jamaica you admire the scenery; the second year 

 you C( Uect ferns; the third year you go mad. " But it is probably 

 a very mild species of madness, as we seldem hear of any ill effects 

 resulting from it. 



R. B. Trouslet's editorial was received too late for this issue. 

 Much other valuable matter is crowded out. W. R. Lighton is 

 to conduct a de})artment in the magazine, and will also have some- 

 thing to say later. 



