Dr. J.A.R. Anderson, Kuching, was on leave in spring 1971; he would return in the middle of the year for a final short tour. Dr. Anderson’s merits for the development of Botany in Sarawak are extremely large; it is a great pity to see such most experienced personalities leave the scene. We are thankful for his important endeavours and wish him a happy retirement. Prof. Dr. C.D.K. Cook, Zürich, is preparing a manual for the identification of aquatic plants.