FLORA OF NOKTH-WESTERN MEXICO. 263 
nature altogether. The fields remain dry until, towards the latter end of May or in the 
beginning of June, the vivifying rains set in ; in a few days every herb, every shrub and tree 
has started into hfe, and the vegetation developes itself with great rajjidity: the season 
answering to the North European spring has commenced. Early in September the rains 
cease; in October the night-frosts (which last until February) recomiuence, except which 
there are few indications of winter ; snow seldom falls, and never remains long on the ground. 
The great aridity of the climate is best illustrated by the fact that, though the rainy season 
only terminates early in September, there is very little water to be met with in any part of 
the plains during the winter months (October until February). The periodical streams seem 
to disappear at the moment the rains themselves cease, and the perpetual springs, streams, 
and small rivers are so few in number that the traveller has very often to search for hours 
ere he is able to meet with water ; fortunately the Mexican Flora mostly has furnished a 
guide to places where there is always a good supply, by planting on the banks of the running 
streams Sabino-trees {Taxodium dlsiichum, Rich.) to inform the weary traveller, \^hen he 
descries their high waving tops, that the object of his search is close at hand. 
The immediate neighbourhood of the coast is generally lined with a dull maritime 
vegetation, the Mangrove-tree being very frequent, and appearing from Acapulco to a little 
to the north of Mnzatlan (lat. 24° 88' N.), where, together with the Cocoa-nut Palm, and 
many other forms common all along the western shores of America, from Guayaquil north- 
wards, it reaches its extreme northern limit. Advancing a short distance inland, tiie aspect 
of the vegetation improves ; trees of Cresceniia alata, Hamatoxylon Campechianum, Cordia 
Gerascanthus, Ipomcea arhorescens, Crafava Tapia, evergreen Figs, and feathery Mimosa;, 
shrubs of Bixa Orellana, Makavisctis arhorem, different species of Hibiscus, Triumfelia, and 
Poinsettia pukherrima, a great variety of creeping and winding plants, such as Clematis 
dioica, numerous Convohulaccm, and the splendid Antiyonon lepfopvs, which, between ]\Ia- 
zatlan and San Sebastian, covers almost every bush with its pink blossoms, ai-e to be met 
with. 
On ascending the mountains we meet, about 1500 feet above the sea-level, the first 
Evergreen Oaks, which soon increase in number of species as well as in that of individuals, 
and are, at the height of about 3000 feet, joined by various Conifem and a rich mountain 
vegetation. It is about at this height that the traveller realizes all the ideal notions he 
may have conceived of fine localities and beautiful vegetation. Santa Lucia, situated on the 
road from Mazatlan to Durango, may serve as an appropriate illustration. Situated about 
4000 feet above the sea, enjoying throughout the year a temperate climate, it lies in a ro- 
mantic valley, encircled by M'oodcd mountains, which admit a view of the Pacific Ocean. 
The houses of the Indians, scattered over an undulated surface, are surrounded by a vege- 
tation in which the graceful forms of the tropics arc harmoniously blended with those of the 
temperate zone. Mimosa stand in company with Oaks and Firs, hardy Umhcllifera and 
Composite with Cuj^heas, Lobelias, and Lophospemmis ; nearly every hedge is overgrown by 
