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special recognition for having accumulated, in the brief period of its existence,
40,000 mounted specimens.

A word about the library. It was started through the presentation, by
Dr. A.J. Sharp, of Knoxville, Tenn., of his personal library. Additional material
was contributed by Dr. Ian Baker, of the British Embassy in Mexico. The collection
now numbers approximately 3700 volumes, while the hemeroteca (the collection of
periodical literature) now contains 225 publications titles. There is a special
section of reference works in the library covering the entire field of biology and
related subjects, with a very large section on botany. The general library covers
all aspects of biology, with many related subjects. There is also a large collection
of reprints, with duplicates waiting to be exchanged. Inter-library loans are quite
often requested from the Institute.

The Botanical Garden also deserves a special note. It was established in
an abandoned coffee plantation, which was taken over by the state. About 7 hectares
of the property now form the basis of the garden. Most of the trees grown there
formerly (coffee, oranges) have been removed and plants that are native to the region
are replacing them. The remains of a natural forest have been preserved and are being
enlarged. Programs are being planned to involve the residents of Yalepa in the activities of the garden,

Finally, the office in Mexico City is charged with administration, some
research (Flora de Veracruz, and some basic ecological studies, like the regeneration
of tropical selvas), and with the publications of the Institute.

The Institute, often referred to as INIREB, has recently become a decentralized
Federal Organism, thus enjoying greater organizational and fiscal stability,
which will enable it to improve its services. A new building will be constructed in
the near future. Hopefully, the library will have more shelf space, more funds for binding
the journals, and more help to catalogue all the materials received. In addition,
the Institute hopes to be able to help in some national programs like the campaign
to obtain a federal conservation law. Dr. Gómez-Pompa is fortunate in having acquired a
staff, made up of mostly young scientists, who share his energy, his vision and plans
for the future, and his desire to help make a better Mexico for all levels of the population.