The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-18
CARNEGIE DESERT
BOTANIC LABORATORY
Z. V. COvilIe Describes Es-
adjustment Near Tucson.
WEST QUICK TO RESPOND
Assistance and Support for Project
Given Promptly-Yalue of
the Research.

Frederick v. Coville, botanist TO the
Agricultural Department. Iectured Sat-
urday night before the Biological Society
of Washington at the Cosmos Club, on
1.-The Location OF the Desert Botanical
Laboratory. Carnegie Institution" Mr..
Coville gave some interesting facts
about the laboratory which have never
been published and which will prove of
interest to scientists IN all countries.
Mr.. Coville said that the COMMITTEES
having charge of the appropriation of the
Carnegie Institution early decided that
one of the most practical and necessary
new lines OF research was that into the
history OF plant life in the American
deserts. So thoroughly impressed with
the Importance of this work were the
members OF the committee that they
made its appropriation their first con-
sideration and the money set aside for
its use was the first allowance made.
Mr.. Coville Appointed.
The recommendation of the committee
was accepted. Mr.. Coville was appointed
one of a committee of two to travel
through the arid regions of the West 10
select site for the laboratory, which
will be the first of it's kind in the world.
The site finally selected was Tucson
Mountain, two miles from Tucson, Ariz.
The manner in which the citizens OF
Tuscon adopted the laboratory was typi-
zeal OF the active. hustling qualities of
Western business men and their willing
ness TO spend their money on anything
which they think will be of benefit to the
community.
Mr.. Coville went before the Tucson
board OF trade prepared to make a long
and earnest appeal for assistance and
support. He had mapped out speech
which would show the board OF trade
just how much the city and surrounding
country would be benefited and got HIM
self ready to answer the arguments of
those who thought that the laboratory
would not produce practical results.
Appeal Not Necessary.
With this touching appeal in mind, the
scientist went before the merchants,
was given the floor and began accord
ing to the schedule he had mapped out
Greatly to his surprise, he was rather
abruptly cut short with the statement
lance Of the undertaking, and all il
wanted to know was what the laboratory
would require from the citizens
This stumped Mr.. Coville, who had not
expected TO reach that point until after
days of elaboration, so he had to ask
for time. He carefully examined the
country, picked out Tucson Mountain.
and then requested the grant of forty
acres OF land. the building OF a road
two miles long from the city to the
mountain, the digging of a well. the in
stallation Of water pipes and a pump
and connection with the city's electric
light and telephone service After these
requirements were met, the plant was to
be kept in operation by the Carnegie In
stitution- The board of trade promptly
agreed to the terms, and the laboratory
Is now being built.
Dr.. w. F. Cannon. a graduate of Le-
land Stanford, tr-, University, and who
later studied at the New York botanic
garden, has been appointed director OF
the laboratory. and will have room for
five assistants. AS the work progresses
money Will be set aside for the en-
ployment OF experts to assist Dr. Can
non.