16 MADRONO [Vol. 1, 



as a botanical subject, because that feature was only incidental to 

 the study of ethnology in which I was engaged for the ten years 

 from 1890 to 1900. But my interest in botany was aroused by the 

 study, and was strengthened by my observations of the botanical 

 gardens at Buitenzorg, Java, which are probably the most famous 

 in the world, the only rival being the Kew Gardens in London. The 

 plants in this garden are of a wonderful variety, possible because 

 of the tropical climate and abundant moisture. The gardens stand 

 without peer in the studied care with which they are laid out and 

 kept, and in the wonderful luxuriance of growth and the vivid color- 

 ing of the flowers. Everything from all the world seems to thrive. 

 Recalling the splendor of these gardens, I have often asked myself 

 why could not the botanical public of California establish even 

 such gardens at our own University; for there we have ample 

 space in the rolling hills beyond the campus, which could be laid 

 out in most picturesque effects. 



"The climate of California lends itself to the cultivation of 

 floras of many types because of its mildness; and the variation 

 from the moisture of winter months to the dryness of the summer 

 season gives suitable conditions for plants of a great difference of 

 habit. The soil of the Berkeley Hills is also variable, and would 

 therefore accommodate many species. The fact that the University 

 Hills are higher than the surrounding country would add greatly 

 to the facility of building up gardens, and to the charm that would 

 invest them when completed. If we had such a place at oar Uni- 

 versity it would be a powerful factor, as added to the natural 

 attractions of the state, in enlisting the interest of botanists and 

 flower lovers in the Pacific Coast and in California." 



The President: "The organizer of the International Phyto- 

 geographic Excursion iu America is one of our country's most 

 famous ecologists. He belongs to the 'Middle West,' but he has 

 learned since reaching California that he is from the 'East.' T will 

 now call upon Dr. Cowles, Professor of Plant Ecology in the Uni- 

 versity of Chicago." 



"Mr. President: It has been a delightful pleasure to us to 

 journey through this region, and enjoy the wonderful vegetation 

 and the hospitality of California. Once, many years ago, I came to 

 this Golden State and luxuriated in golden days. I have happy 

 memories of that time. Now that I am come back to it I find your 

 dust of the San Joaquin as sweet as the peaches of Sonoma, the hot 

 air of the foothills as intoxicating as if wafted from Araby the 

 Blest. Our work has been successful far beyond our expectations. 

 We are deeply indebted to you for your aid, and I thank you on 

 behalf of the whole party." 



The President : ' ' The great quest of the plant geographers to 

 California was undoubtedly the Big Trees. One of the European 

 botanists said to me: 'I have looked forward all my life to seeing 



