A Botanical Expedition to Nicaragua. 355 



the dry season. The water in the lake, the river, and the 

 swamps was still at its maximum, and the surrounding coun- 

 try was verdant with the vegetation whose vigor had not yet 

 been diminished by the dry season. During this time Phan- 

 erogamia could have been collected to the best advantage, 

 since here as elsewhere they were found to be in the best con- 

 dition earl}^ in the dry season. 



Before the second visit the waters of the lake had receded, 

 the swamps were becoming drier, and the evidences of a dry 

 season were more numerous. 



The third visit brought out these characteristic changes 

 still more distinctly. Slime-moulds and numerous Molluscs 

 were collected on the mud-fiats which were now exposed and 

 quite firm, many of the trees and shrubs were losing their 

 leaves, birds were congregating in flocks preparatory to their 

 Spring migrations to northern countries, and all in all, though 

 the conditions were in some respects exactly reversed, one 

 was reminded of Spring in the Mississippi Vallev. 



Because of the short stay made during each of these visits 

 only about 35 species of Phanerogamia were collected. Be- 

 side these a number of species of Fungi, Slime-moulds, Mol- 

 luscs, Beetles, Orthoptcra, etc., were added to the collection. 



Thorough, systematic work in this vicinity would however 

 without doubt yield rich returns to the student and collector. 



Castillo Viejo. 



After waiting one day at San Carlos for the river steamer, 

 the party continued its journey down the San Juan River ta 

 Castillo Viejo, and reached the latter point on the 12th of 

 February. After securing comfortable quarters above the 

 office in the Canal Company's building, the writer made a 

 three days' flying visit to Greytown for the purpose of pur- 

 chasing additional supplies, while Mr. Smith secured two 

 rooms in a native's house for a workshop, and made other 

 necessary arrangements for work. 



