jan. — mar. 1857.] Peruvian Bark-tree. 



stations from the woods of the interior of Peru, Bolivia, and New 

 Granada. Seeds and plants were often promised by one and ano- 

 ther, but these promises were not realized, although they were con- 

 tinually renewed. It was sufficiently clear that the only means to 

 obtain seeds or plants of the Quinquina-tree was to send thither a 

 proper person to fetch them. 



" To find such a person was not easy. Various knowledge, bo- 

 tanical knowledge, and particularly an acquaintance with the Quin- 

 quina, were required. A great constancy and intrepidity in danger 

 and in the difficulties of long journeys in foreign countries, and es- 

 pecially a strong constitution, would be requisite in one charged 

 with so important a mission. 



" Meanwhile the experience and information obtained by Mr. 

 Weddell, in South America, were not lost to the naturalists of the 

 Netherlands. His fame, but particularly his excellent writings, as 

 well as the barks and dried specimens, collected by him in Peru, 

 were not only known and appreciated here, but came freely into the 

 possession of Dutchmen, and of their scientific institutions. In the 

 Museum of Paris they were submitted to the inspection and research 

 of the professional and interested with a praiseworthy liberality, of 

 which the writer of this communication was able to bear witness dur- 

 ing his sojourn in the French capital. 



" In the month of June, 1852, the Minister for the Colonies pro- 

 posed to the King, that a proper person should be sent to South 

 America, to collect seeds and plants, and to transport them direct- 

 ly to Java, and he was empowered to despatch Mr. Justus Charles 

 Hasskarl, late Botanist of the Botanical Gardens at Buitenzorg, Java, 

 on the mission. 



" The choice of so competent a man may in all respects be con- 

 sidered fortunate. Mr. Hasskarl, by along residence on the Island 

 of Java, had become accustomed to the influences of a tropical cli- 

 mate. He had a strong constitution, and was of middle age. For 

 many years he had given evidence of a great love for the science, 

 and a comprehensive knowledge of the Flora of Java. His nume- 

 rous published writings evince great accuracy, perseverance, and 



