A Botanical Expedition to Nicaragua. 351 



■appearance of the vegetation changed. Fruits appeared in 

 place of the more showy flowers, the leaves of many plants 

 began to fade and fall, and a thick coat of volcanic dust re- 

 placed the freshness of the earlier vegetation, all this giving 

 the landscape a gray and barren appearance. 



The advantages and disadvantages which the period spent 

 on the island offers to the collector may be summed up as fol- 

 lows: Phancro2.cimia were at their best in flower during the 

 first half, and in fruit during the latter part of this period. 



The entire period was good for Pyrenomycetes, Polyporcce^ 

 etc., and Ferns among plants, and for terrestrial Molluscs 

 among animals. It was fair for Siime-moulds (which proba- 

 bly appear to better advantage later in the season) ; too late 

 for Agarics, etc., which evidently thrive better during the 

 rainy season; and rather early for aquatic Molluscs and most 

 Insects. 



The almost entire absence of Parasitic Fungi on leaves was 

 striking. 



On the whole the months of December and January are the 

 best for the botanist. 



Method of Work and Results. 



As this was the first practical experience in tropical parts 

 which both Mr. Smith and the writer had, no division of labor 

 "was made, but both collected and studied all accessible plant- 

 forms for the purpose of gaining a general knowledge of the 

 flora. 



Collecting trips were made on foot, on horseback, or by 

 canoe, and when necessary native help was secured. For the 

 most part only short trips w^ere taken, the greater part of the 

 time being given to the study and preparation of material ob- 

 tained within a mile from Moyogalpa. 



Notwithstanding this fact so much material was accumu- 

 lated that in order that it might be properly studied and cared 

 for it was necessary to work late into the hours of the night, 

 much to the surprise of the natives, whose " working day " is 



