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Page 60 · DO #4184 · 182_Goodspeed_Bx1FF22_r
- Collection
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Thomas Harper Goodspeed (1887–1966) papers
- Item/Folder
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Just–Kerr, 1941–1959
- Digital Object
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DO #4184,
page 60
- Collection-level dates
- 1923–1963
Page transcription
other articles in preparation including one on a new species which, with your
permission, he wishes to name in your honor - Copiapoa kendrickiana. Enclosed
are photographs of this plant and of the terrain near Talca where it was
discovered. In addition to Cacti a variety of other types of plants of scientific
and also of potential ornamental value were obtained.
An area in southern Chile never before explored botanically was shown to be of
exprme importance scientifically and otherwise. This is the Sierra Nahuelbuta,
Prov. Malleco, somewhat west of Aggol. It consists of rugged coast range
terrain
on which are groves of the famous "Chilean Pine" (Araucaria araucana) otherwise
confined to a relatively small region in the Andes of southern Chile and
Argentina. The forest contains remarkable remnants of a previously existing
antarctic flora not to be seen elsewhere above a point 600 miles south. During
the parts of three days spent in Sierra Nahuelbuta many new or little known
species were seen, including a number of importance as ornamentals for California.
Because of a recent illness I was unable to engage in the collecting referred to
above. It was carried on, at my direction, by Mr. Hutchison and local assistants.
My three months (January to March 1952) in Chile were primarily devoted to
assisting the Ministerio de Agricultura in development of a Jardin Botanico
Nacional and agricultural research station near Vina del Mar, with my headquarters
in Valparaiso. I also cooperated with the local FAO and Point 4 officers and
with private individuals in a variety of ways. At the request of the then
President of Chile, I spent some time in La Serana and prepared for him a report
on the forestal potential of that region. At the invitation of universities and
scientific and other societies I gave 15 lectures on botanical topics in
Santiago and Valparaiso.
It is clear that this South American expedition for which you were in large part
responsible, although of relatively brief duration and somewhat confined in
extent of territory explored, made a distinct contribution to knowledge of the
vegetation of the other America. We were able to supply a variety of data of
basic importance to the development of Chilean agriculture in return for the
many governmental courtesies which we received. These data plus the cooperation
which I personally was responsible for made another, is small, contribution to
mutual understanding and goodwill between the Americas. A certain proportion of
the new or little known plants obtained will in the future enrich the ornamental
horticulture of California and profit the seedsmen and nurserymen of the state.
I hope that in the future it may be possible to go again to Chile and Peru. In
Chile I want very much to explore the Sierra Nahuelbuta referred to above and
other botanically unknown portions of the coastal mountains south to Valdivia and
also the northern coast from Talca to the Peruvian border not reached 1951-52.
In Peru it would be important to explore thoroughly the coast and Andean foothills
from Lima to the Chilean frontier. Thus, knowledge of the coastal vegetation of
Western South America over some 30° of south latitude would be gained, a project
never before attempted.
Separately I am sending a Peruvian example of Spanish Colonial religious art
which you and Mrs. Kendrick might like to have.
With renewed thanks for your interest and generous support and with all good
wishes
Cordially,
THG:T