88 
flora of Panama and the little we knew was almost inaccessible, being 
iiilea up in the Eeichenbachlnn Herbarium. The few species that were 
described by other botanists were only a small proportion of the Kiosk 
about 150 species that were said to occur in Panama i including the 
Chiricui mountains 1 * 
Through your extensive and careful explorations 
not only the greater part of the half lent species were re-discovered ; 
but besides a large number of new ones discovered; so that we have 
now a f ir,H* although not yet complete knowledge of this Orchid- 
flora, I would say, that next to the explorations of the Orchid- 
floras of the Philippines and of the Guianas, your exploration of 
the Orchid-flora of Panama is one of the most important facts in 
Orchldcologie during the 1 ter years. 
Besides augmenting very considerably the list 
of Orchids in Panama, you h ve found a number of species in this 
region which throw * very different light on some facts in Plant- 
geography th n we had before. If you are able to continue your 
collect ions and explorations in the seme m inner, I at sure that we 
will soon know very much about Panama Orchids, more than anybody 
ever expected there* 
Your collection will always remain a stan- 
d rd for the study of Panama Orchids, 
Yours very sincerely 
R, Sohlechter. 
