Letters from Mr. J. Graliam Kerr. 263 



in number of species^ while Bromeliacese are equally so as 

 regards number of individuals — three epiphytic species of 

 Tillandsia, the well-known " Caragnata ''■' being the most 

 abundant. 



Of mammals we have encountered very few^ probably 

 owing to the extreme slowness of our progress and the 

 terrific din made by our engines_, which frightens away 

 all the animals for miles around. Nyctipithecus trivirgatus, 

 Mycetes car ay a, Dicotyles torquatus, Lepus {brasiliensis ?) , 

 and a couple of species of Hesperomys are all that I have 

 managed to collect. I have seen at a distance Felis onca, 

 F.jaguarondi, Hydrochcerus capijhara (only close to the mouth 

 of the river), and Cervus paludosus. Also close to the river^s 

 mouth we observed tracks of puma^ tapir^ agouti, and other 

 beasts. 



Of Birds I have fortunately encountered greater numbers, 

 having up to the present observed approximately 120 species, 

 of which about 30 are apparently new to the Argentine fauna. 

 I am, in particular, hoping, if we manage to reach Bolivia 

 and its forest regions, to bring up the proportions of Argen- 

 tine Woodpeckers to the normal number. I have already 

 got five new ones. 



• I have a considerable number of observations recorded 

 upon various species ; and unknown species I take care 

 to describe, lest anything should happen to the collec- 

 tions. I have considerable difficulties to fight against, 

 owing to the utter want of all facilities for collecting and 

 storing. My laboratory and store-room consist of a damp 

 hold, unlighted except by the hatchway, and always with a 

 couple of inches of water in the bilge. The atmosphere is thus 

 saturated with moisture, and proves a terrible enemy to skins 

 and plants. Whenever I am able I take up the skins and 

 give them an airing, and so I hope to be able to bring back 

 at least recognizable remains of them. The plants I saturate 

 with corrosive sublimate. 



I had intended to give you abstracts of my notes on some 

 of the species, but find time will not admit ; so I reserve 

 everything for a long communication I shall have to make 



