HALL’S EXCURSIONS, 339 
seen near the Arenal on Chimborazo, and on the western 
side of Pichincha, at an equal elevation, forming large forests. 
The circumstance of our collecting abundance of fire-wood 
where we slept, is a proof that there is no scarcity of arbores- 
cent plants, ** To between 2000, and 4100 métres, (1026 to 
2103 toises) the region of Alpine plants extends.” This is 
still more inaccurate: none of the plants mentioned in this 
passage are seen at a less elevation than 14,000 feet, and 
more commonly, especially the Fraylejon and Sida Pichin- 
chensis, at 15,000. The leaves of the former do not, by-the- 
bye, shelter the benighted Indians; although, from their 
resinous quality, they are useful for fuel. The Ranunculus 
Guzmanni, stated to have been “ gathered by Guzmann upon 
the mountain Corazon, at an elevation of 2430 toises,” I 
found in great abundance near the metallic vein of Condo- 
raza, in the mountain of Capac-Urcu, at nearly the same 
height, 14,496. ‘At the height of 4100 métres (2103 
toises) the alpine plants give place to the grasses." The 
reverse is the fact. The Paramos or Pajonales, as we have 
Seen, succeed to the central belt of copse or thickets, and are 
themselves surmounted by the region of alpine plants, which 
extends to the limit of perpetual snow. Professor Jameson 
and myself have often, in our excursions, admired the rich 
carpet of flowers, consisting of the Gentiane, Drabas, Lu- 
pines, Sida Pichinchensis, Alchemillas, Culcitia, &c., which 
Nature seems to take a pleasure in spreading over the last 
confines of vegetable life. ‘ At 4600 mètres, (2360 toises), 
there are zo pheenogamous plants under the Equator,” In 
addition to what has been already observed, I must remark, 
` that on Chimborazo, at above 17,000 feet, I found several in 
flower, specimens of which have been sent to Dr. Hooker. 
lam inclined to think there must be some mistake in the 
translation* of this passage, for Humboldt, himself, in his 
* The translated passages in question, have since been carefully collated 
with the original of M. Humboldt, and found correct. W. J. H. 
