352 Natural History Bulletin. 



from 6 A.M. until 12 m., and who could see neither reason nor 

 advantage in crowding two da3-s into one. 



The study and preparation of the material required more 

 than twice as much time as the field-work. Where it was 

 possible a good series of each species of the Phanerogams 

 and Ferns was collected, and each species was numbered and 

 described from the fresh specimens. Seeds and fruits of most 

 of the species were also collected. These were dried and 

 packed in boxes or paper. The Fungi, Slime-moulds, etc., 

 were dried, and either glued in small boxes which had been 

 brought for the purpose, or, when not friable, they were simply 

 wrapped in paper. 



The specimens were then packed in wooden boxes which 

 were lined with oil-cloth to exclude moisture. This method 

 of packing proved very satisfactory, the specimens passing 

 safely through the ordeal at Castillo, Greytown and on board 

 the ship. 



A number of obstacles interfered with the work to a greater 

 or less extent: the poor, narrow quarters, infested with nu- 

 merous insect-pests, scorpions, rats, etc., not only caused per- 

 sonal discomfort, but increased the difficulties of preparing the 

 material and saving it intact. 



The suspicion with which the natives at first viewed the 

 work of the expedition also contributed somewhat in the same 

 direction, the use of a more comfortable hut being refused the 

 party for this reason, and other minor evidences of distrust 

 being apparent. Later howev^er many of the natives became 

 somewhat interested in the work, which was a source of con- 

 stant speculation to them, some thinking that the specimens 

 were to be used for medicines, others that they were to serve 

 as patterns for calico-prints, etc. 



Insects, particularly ants which swarm in countless numbers 

 everywhere, freely attacked specimens when these were not 

 protected by naphthahne or camphor, and a vigorous warfare 

 had to be waged against them. 



The frequent high winds, and occasional showers, also in- 



