CENOTES, 23 



Glenn's camp. Foiiowing this road for about two miles we 

 reached a cross-road, into which we turned. Here the veg- 

 etation changed to a thick and luxuriant forest of turpen- 

 tine, ceiba, and other large trees. Orchids were to be seen 

 here in abundance, as well as numerous climbing plants. 

 This luxuriance of vegetation indicated the presence of 

 some body of water in the vicinity. Nor were we mistaken; 

 for in .' few minutes we reached a point in the road, on each 

 side of which was a large body of water enclosed in a cir- 

 cular basin about one thousand feet in diameter, and some 

 thirty feet below the level of the road. These were known 

 as the twin cenotes, and were called Shkolak and Skashek. 



These cenotes were surrounded by dense vegetation, in 

 which numerous birds were seen. Several snow-white 

 egrets flew off as we approached, and several other species 

 were seen standing about the margins of the pool. The 

 water was filled with a kind of water-lily. Among the birds 

 which inhabited this spot was the Mexican Jacana. It would 

 start up at our approach and flyover the water, with its long 

 feet stretched out behind, uttering a plaintive cry which 

 was pitiful to hear. This bird was apparently quite com- 

 mon, but none were captured. 



Several other birds started up as we worked our way 

 through the vegetation, and one, which I had a good view 

 of, seemed to be the Ardea ccerulea, or Little Blue Heron of 

 the States. In a little cove, under the overhanging bank, 

 I found a species of Ainpullaria {A. Yucatanensis), and a 

 Planorbis {F. Caribceus). In one portion of the cenote,^here 

 there were no lily pads, the bottom was covered with small 

 stones, and from these I picked a number of small shells 

 resembling a Patella {Ancylus excentrieus). The banks 

 were strewn with dead land shells, but not a single living 

 land moUusk was to be found. The edge of this cenote was 

 bordered by a thick growth of cane, so that shooting was 



