13 
Gonffora, but are longer, and the peduncles, two feet long, are 
pendent, and bear at the extremity three or four very large fra¬ 
grant flowers, mth a scent equalling that of Stanhopea grandi- 
Jlora, but more succulent, and thus very difficult to dry; orange 
and scarlet are the prevailing colours of these charming blossoms. 
This plant is very rare, and comes from the Sierras of Maracaybo. 
I also send a box of seeds and one containing Cacti : there is 
a pretty Mammillaria and a few plants of a species of Melocactus, 
probably distinct from M. communis. Among the seeds are 
some of a splendid Passion-Jlower, which I gathered near the 
snow : it was in bloom on my first ascent, but I could not secmre 
fruit, tiU the last time. I found this fruit very dehcious, the 
Indians give it the name of Cummincalla. In a few days I 
expect to secure growing plants of Lafoensia punicifolia, for 
my Ward’s case. 
I lately sold my four cargo mules for eight doubloons: less 
than they cost by a good deal; but I have had eight months 
work of them, and they are, of course, somewhat out of condition, 
and grass being scarce, their keep is very dear here. I still 
retain my own riding mule, which I bought for one hundred 
dollars, and expect to realize the same sum for it. 
The most remarkable Palm I have seen is a scandent, or 
climbing one, called “ Malamha^ and with more the aspect of a 
briar than a palm ; I send seeds of it. 
After I shall have made a few excursions to the mountains, 
behind Santa Martha, it is my present design to ascend the Mag¬ 
dalena, to three days journey above Mompax (eleven days’ ascent 
in all). There, at a place called Taguaje, from the native name 
of the Ivory-Nut Palm {Phytelephas), this tree, the Tagtia, 
abounds; and I shall also be in the vicinity of Ocafia, the 
mountains of which may be worth a visit. But as this plan is 
formed in the absence of precise instructions from you, it is pro¬ 
bable the letters I look for by the next packet may alter my 
movements. 
I have collected many Palm-seeds of different kinds, which 
should have been sent home with the other things; but I am 
unable to pack them properly without moss, which is not to be 
had till I go to Mancha. A plant of the singular Aristolochia is 
thriving beautifully in one of my glass cases. 
My dried specimens are also waiting till the next packet. 1 
have been too ill to arrange and despatch them yet. 
Several gentlemen have given me descriptions of Phytelephas, 
{Ivory-Nut Palm) which they all profess to know well; but the 
details which they communicate vaiy strangely. One says the 
