Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA DEARBORN 71 



the narrow part of the lake, where the railroad crosses it. The 

 altitude is about 4,000 feet. The depth of the lake is about 100 feet, 

 deep water extending to within a few feet of the shore. A number 

 of hot springs are located along the southern margin. Excepting 

 where erosion has cut down the side of a mountain and filled a portion 

 of the lake, the strip of shore is narrow, in places there are sheer 

 ascents from the water. Green vegetation was confined to the 

 lake shore, and practically all bird life was near the water. A num- 

 ber of species not encountered on the Atlantic slope were collected 

 here. The jay (C. melanocyaned) and the sparrow (M. biarcuatum) 

 were the two most striking species, both being new and abundant. 



San Jose was the next locality visited. ' The heat here was so 

 great that it was found necessary to retreat to the highlands to 

 recuperate, at the end of five days.^ It is a good collecting ground, 

 however. The lagoons teem with wading birds, and in the woods 

 were found a number of forms not taken elsewhere. Near the beach 

 were found a number of species peculiar to mangrove swamps, while 

 the woods farther inland 'were well tenanted with birds, and not 

 too hard to get through. <- 



Mazatenango and Patulul are similarly situated, their altitude 

 being about 1,800 feet. This region is w watered by numerous streams 

 from the Cordilleras and is largely under cultivation, sugar and 

 coffee being the staple products. The forests contain some of the 

 finest trees that were seen anywhere, and where the underbrush has 

 been removed for planting coffee, finer conditions for collecting can 

 scarcely be imagined. The writer joined Mr. Barber at Patulul and 

 continued in his good company till the work was ended at Tecpam. 

 We were especially fortunate at Patulul in not only being granted the 

 privilege of hunting on property of the land holders, but furthermore, 

 in being entertained by them. Sr. Don Guillermo Peitzener, pro- 

 prietor of Finca San Julian, a sugar plantation, accorded us full 

 home privileges, with every convenience amply provided. Birds 

 were plentiful, and the collection grew rapidly there in such species 

 as inhabit cultivated land. When we wished to work the woodland 

 forms, we were given an equally cordial welcome at the coffee plan- 

 tation known as Finca San Fernando, by its owner, Sr. Don Frederico 

 Muller-Winter and his gracious and accomplished wife. When 

 we came to this place after a ride on horseback over a narrow trail 

 for several miles through the forest, we named it Paradise, and still 

 hold that it is a credit to the name. Here is a home so remote from 

 commercial hurry, that nervous wrack is unthinkable. A mountain, 



