1891.] 14o [Heilprin- 



favorable than to unfavorable conditions and to an explanation of the 

 existing sparseness of the vegetation which lias no connection with cli- 

 matic or physical influences. I think it all but certain that an extensive 

 forest at one time covered the land, and that successive devastations in 

 one form or another have brought the surface to the condition in which 

 we now find it. That the Spaniards here, as in Mexico proper, caused 

 wanton destruction of the native forests is positive; but how often the 

 destruction has been continued since the period of the conquest has not 

 yet been determined. 



The following brief notes on some of the plants observed by us may 

 serve in a measure to elucidate the vegetation of northern Yucatan ; most 

 of the determinations have been made by Mr. MacKinney, who has also 

 supplied the Maya names (the second name which occasionally appears in 

 parentheses is the one in common use). 



Cassia sp.f (Yaxhabin). — Tree, 15-20 feet, very abundant in the open scrub 

 between the seaboard and Merida. Flowers bright yellow. 



Acacia corniyera (Subinch'). — Very abundant in the bush. 



Acacii udonttissima? (Baalch >. 



Iii'jn xttocarpa (Pick). — One of the largest of the roadside trees, 70-100 feet 

 or more in height. This tree appears to be specially selected for 

 decoration by the Tillandsia. 



Bombax ceiba (Yaxche). — The silk-cotton tree is one of the giants of the 

 Yucatan flora, of which it constitutes one of the distinctive features ; 

 70-100 feet ; very abundant. Specially noble examples of this tree, 

 one of them measuring not less than eight feet in diameter, are found 

 in the region about Ticul. Destitute of leaf at the time of our visit, 

 but bearing an ample supply of pods. 



Eriodendronanfractuosum (Porhote). — An abundant tree, mostly of smaller 

 size than the ceiba; flowering. 



PacMra alba, Pachira fastuom (Xcuyche — Amapola). — Cultivated as orna- 

 mental trees ; 15-25 feet ; flowering, but devoid of leaves. 



Brossimum alicaslrum (Ox — Ramon). — Very abundant in all the village 

 gardens ; cultivated for fodder. Tree, 60-80 feet. 



Ficis (jrandifvlia (Ahum). — Large and abundant tree. 



Ficus rubiginosa (Capo). — Very abundant as a pseudo-parasite on Sabal. 



Ficus laurifolia — Shade tree in the park of Merida. 



J.icaratia Mexicana (Kumche — Bonete). — Large and abundant tree — in 

 fruit. The conspicuous triangular fruit is prepared in a variety of 

 ways as an article of food. 



Carica papaya (Put — Papaya). — The papaw ; very abundant in gardens. 



Bursera gumtnifera (Ghacah). — Tree (destitute of leaf at the time of our 

 visit) very abundant in the hill region south of Ticul ; 50-GO feet. 



Spondias lutea (Abal — Xkinim-lwbo — Siruela). — One of the forms of Yuca- 

 tan plum ; extensively cultivated. 



Spondias microcarpa (Aac-abal). 



Spondias rubra (Xkis-abal). 



Cordia Sebestana (Kopte — Siricote). — Abundant in gardens. 



