THE FLORA OF GUIANA AND TRINIDAD 31 



parasitic trees, with their glossy magnolia-like leaves are extremely 

 handsome, and much resemble in general appearance the species of 

 Ficus, so common in the eastern tropics, which have the same habit of 

 strangling the tree which gives them support. 



Trinidad has no very lofty mountains, the highest peak, Tucuche, 

 being very little over 3,000 feet. The most interesting excursion made 

 was to this mountain. In company with Mr. Freeman, Mr. Urich, the 

 government entomologist, and Mr. Chandler, an English botanist visit- 

 ing Trinidad, the writer made the ascent of the mountain which offers 

 no difficulties, and many interesting plants not found in the lower 

 country were seen. 



The route at first lay through extensive cocoa plantations, which 

 occupy much of the lower forest lands in Trinidad. Along the mar- 

 gins of the streams the showy Aroid, Spathiphyllum canncefolium, made 

 a fine show, and another conspicuous and interesting plant was the 

 curious Cyclanthus bipartitus, a member of the small family Cyclan- 

 thacea?, whose systematic position is something of a puzzle to the 

 systematist. 



Lygodium sp. and Anemia phyllitidis, characteristic ferns of the 

 lower country, were abundant, and a number of other ferns were noted 

 as well as a few liverworts. These, however, are much better developed 

 at higher elevations where there are a number of species of tree ferns 

 belonging to the genera Alsophila, Cyathea and Hemitelia. None of 

 these attain large proportions, and neither in the number of species nor 

 in the size of individuals can Trinidad compare with Jamaica. 



At an elevation of about 1,500 feet the primitive forest begins — 

 characterized by magnificent tall trees, whose species in most cases 

 could not be determined. The dense undergrowth comprised large 

 ferns, palms, Heliconia, Aracese of various kinds, and many shrubs and 

 lianas, the whole forming a magnificent example of a wet tropical for- 

 est. That it was a "rain forest" we thoroughly appreciated, as we 

 passed through it in a veritable tropical downpour which soon made 

 every little ravine and gulley the bed of a torrent, and much of the 

 time we had to wade through these small cascades when they crossed 

 the trail. 



However, although thoroughly drenched, we finally reached the 

 summit where there is a shelter hut in which we were to pass the night. 

 The rain ceased for the time being, and after a change into dry clothes 

 the afternoon was spent exploring the upper part of the mountain. 



Among the most noticeable plants of the summit were many 

 Bromeiiacea?, mostly epiphytes, but some of them growing on the 

 ground. The scarlet and yellow bracts of some of these were extremely 

 showy. Several species of palms were abundant, and especially 

 Geonoma sp. confined to the higher elevations. One of the most beauti- 



