HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE HERBARIUM. 
65 
The work of collecting the bark was conducted by the Indians, 
and the method adopted by them was destructive and wasteful. 
The trees are frequently surrounded by natural obstacles which 
renders the task of collecting hazardous. When the collectors 
reach the trees the bark is stripped off, rolled up into convenient 
packages, and carried to the port of shipment. 
In i860 he removed to Lima, and after negotiating with the 
owners of the forest, he concluded an agreement by which he was 
permitted to collect as many seeds and plants as he liked, “ but 
not to collect the barks.’' 
The following remarks of Mr. Spruce will serve to illustrate his 
character and zeal during the performance of his arduous 
commission :— 
“ I have seen enough of collecting the products of the forests to 
convince me, that whatever vegetable substance is needful to man, 
he must ultimately cultivate the plant producing it.” (Report, 
page 83, and “Travels in India and Peru,” page 61.) 
“ Although upheld by a determination to execute to the best of 
my ability the task I had undertaken, I was but too often in that 
state of prostration when to lie down and die would have seemed a 
relief.” (Page 316, “ Travels in India and Peru.”) 
Mr. Spruce was successful in collecting over 600 plants and 
100,000 seeds of the most valuable species, Cinchona succirubva (red 
bark), and with these he started for Guayquil, 28th Sept., i860. 
With the able assistance of Dr. Taylor and Mr. Cross, these 
treasures reached Guayquil, Dec. 27th, i860. 
“ They were safely embarked on board the steamer for India in 
charge of Mr. Cross, Jan. 2nd, 1861. 
“ On May 1st, 1861, the Legislature of Ecuador decreed that 
every person, whether foreigner or native, should be forbidden to 
make collections of plants, cuttings or seeds of the Quina tree, 
and that precautions should be taken to prevent those articles from 
passing the forts and frontiers of the Republic. 
“ A fine of 100 dollars on every plant and every drachm of seed 
was imposed on those who attempted to break this decree. But 
on May 1st, 1861, the plants and seeds of the Quina tree were safe 
in the Neilgherry hills in Southern India.” (Markham’s “ Travels 
in India and Peru,” p. 322). 
Since 1861 the cultivation of these valuable trees has been con¬ 
ducted with remarkable success, to the benefit of the cultivators 
E 
