MR. SPRUCE’S EXCURSION ON THE AMAZON. 239 
clad with Membrillos (Gustavia Membrillo, Seem.): near the village 
of San Juan another with Palos de velas (Parmentiera cereifera, Seem.) ; 
while, in different parts of the country, may be seen vast groves 
solely composed of either Maquenque, Palma real, or Palma de escoba. 
Mountains, exceeding 1,500 feet in elevation, situated principally in 
western Veraguas, possess a flora which resembles, in many respects, 
that of some parts of the Mexican highlands. Alders and Blackberries 
(Rubus, sp.) are common ; evergreen oaks are intermingled with palms ; 
and the genera Styrax, Rondeletia, Salvia, Lopezia, Fuchsia, Centradenia, 
Ageratum, Conostegia, Lupinus, Hypericum, Freziera, Galium, Euphorbia, 
Rhopala, Equisetum, Tropæolum, Adiantum, Begonia, Clematis, Verbena, 
Inga, Solanum, Kellettia (n. 1593), &c., are represented by one or 
more species; in fine, it is that vegetation in which the forms of the 
torrid are blended with those of the temperate region. 
Such is a rough outline of the chief characters and general aspect of 
the Panamian flora. It is at present not my intention to go more 
into detail, but, in order to afford a still further insight into the vege- 
tation of a country so little known, I will occupy the following paper 
with a short account of its principal productions, enumerating them 
according to their uses and properties. 
(To be continued.) 
Copy of a Letter addressed by Mr. Spruce to G. BENTHAM, ESQ., 
dated Santarem, Rio das Amazonas, Sept. 10, 1850. 
My peak Srg,—I have now another box of specimens to send you, 
and I hope it will be the last from Santarem ; for, although I have — 
no reason to complain of my collections during the last month, I am 
anxious to reach a new field, where I should undoubtedly find more 
novelty. The excursions are now long and painful, for I can hardly PEE 
a tree on the neighbouring campos, or in the forests, within a reason- 
able distance, whose flower and fruit I do not possess. I lose no 
opportunity of examining the coasts of the rivers and igarapés when 
I can get a boat and men. Boats I can at any time have at my disposal, 
but the “ gente " to man them are difficult to catch. Should I need 
men but for a day, and ask them of the Capitao dos Trabalhadores, T 
must wait for a fortnight ere I can get them, for in all probability a 
VOL. III, 21 
