3 
beasts for my jounieys: but uoav I must have my own mules, 
and I shall require no fewer than four; one for my riding, one 
to carry specimens and paper, and two others for various articles 
of cargo, plants, &c. I hope to set off for the Valle on Monday 
next. 
I now send a box of Orchidea and a few seeds, together with 
specimens of a higlily curious tuberous-rooted plant, w-diich I have 
never seen in flower. The Indians use a decoction of the root, 
not the tuber, for an eye-wash, and consider it a most valuable 
application for removing inflammation and healing injuries in 
that organ. The tuber should be kept almost entirely above the 
soil. 
The Aristolochia is singular, and its roots contain a valuable 
astringent, which has the reputation of proving an antidote to 
the wounds of the most venomous serpents. The Indians aver 
that long keeping improves the virtue of these roots : some pieces, 
together with seeds and specimens, and a perfect capsule, are in 
the parcel. I also send specimens, not in bloom, of a remarkable 
tree, with a habit resembling a Punica ; it is marked GranadiUa, 
and was discovered, I am told, by M. Punck during his brief 
visit to Santa Martha: he saw it in flower, and considered it to 
be a new and splendid species of Punica ; but to me it seems 
essentially distinct from that genus.'* Tdie calyx is inferior, the 
capsule dry, and the seeds w inged. Though I have never seen 
the inflorescence, the above peculiarities convince me that M.Punck 
examined the tree no farther than its general habit, w hic i 
certainly bears a strong resemblance to Punica, to w hich it ow es 
its local appellation. Lest the seeds should not gCTininate, I 
shall procure living plants on my return from the Nivada. 
intend sending home a glass case, as soon as I can find witlia o 
fill one. 
The roads in this country are dreadfully bad ; and communica¬ 
tion is mostly carried on by water. Yesterday, returning to anta 
INIartha, I was obliged to swim two rivers; sometimes they are 
quite unfordable : in fact, I never passed such a trying or mg i 
as the last, it being impossible to keep myself dry. ilie paths 
are generally conducted by the river-sides, and often le mu es 
capsize and hurl rider and load into the w^ater: add o w iic i, 
rain falls daily of the most terrific kind. I shall set off for the 
Valle on Monday, and be absent about three nion s. o ^ ay 
the weather is hot and moist, the thermometer indicating 8b in 
the shade at noon. . j. + i 
I will thank you to decide on the route you wish me to take, 
* It proves to be the rare and beautiful Lafoensia punicafolia of De Candolle, kn. 
C 
