112 



PHYSICAL GEOGEAPHT Al^D BOTANY OF CHILI. 



there. Of these few genera are peculiar, but a large number of 

 the species are of peculiar stunted growth, frequently with large 

 flowers, and somewhat resinous; a peculiarity possessed in still 

 higher degree by large numbers of species from the high Andes. 



I annex a list of the families of plants that have been met with 

 in Chili to the end of last year, with the number of genera and 

 species of each. Considering the small numbers of collectors, I 

 consider the number of species enormous, and I have been much 

 surprised to find the Flora of valleys scarcely a mile apart, with 

 equal altitude, rainfall, climate, &c., very distinct. 



Amongst a few other plants, I send you a few species of CoUetia 

 (Ehamnacese) directing your attention to C. nana, a little resinous 

 species growing in the highest parts of the Andes, and then to 

 the other species growing on the plains. The' violets sent also are 

 curious. 



I must apologise for the hasty and incomplete manner in which 

 I have written these few notes. I lead by no means an idle life ; 

 I am now occupied in finishing a catalogue of the insects of the 

 country — this with my duties in the museum, and my natural 

 history classes, leaves me very little leisure. 



