328 MU. CROSS'S COLLECTION Chap. XIX. 



(J. Condaminea as a slender tree, from 20 to 30 feet in 

 liei*i>-lit,* and from 8 to 10 inches in diameter at the base; 

 bnt he saw few trees of these dimensions, and the plants 

 from which the bark of commerce is now taken are in 

 general not more than 8 to 10 feet in height.^ When the 

 plants are cut down, three or four young shoots or suckers 

 generally spring uj), but this does not always happen, as 

 some of the more industrious bark-collectors frequently 

 pull up the roots, and bark them also. The bark is taken 

 from the smallest twigs, and thus the annual growths are 

 often taken, especially if they are strong. The plants are 

 sometimes found growing in small clumps, and sometimes 

 solitary, but always in dry situations. 



The temperature of this region ranges according to Hum- 

 boldt and Caldas from 41° to 72° Fahr., and according to 

 Mr. Cross from 34° to 70° Fahr. ; but he adds that it seldom 

 falls below 40°, and rarely rises above 65° ; the mean range 

 being from 45° to 60° Fahr. The climate of Loxa is very 

 moist. The wet season commences in January and lasts 

 until the end of April or middle of May ; in June, July, 

 and August there are heavy rains, accompanied by strong 

 gales of wind ; from September to January there is generally 

 fine weather, but occasional showers of rain fall even at that 

 time of year.^ 



The vegetation on the Sierra de Cajanuma is of a semi- 

 arborescent character, but some of the higher summits are 

 bare. In tlie bottoms of the ravines grow a species of Alnus, 

 Melastomce, Peperomias, palms, and two species of tree ferns ; 

 and on the slopes throughout the low-lying country, barley, 

 maize, peas, and potatoes are cultivated. Mr. Cross sent 



•* ravun gives its lioight at trum 18 | " Seemanu's Voyage of U. M. S. 



lo 24 feet, and S to 'JiiK-lics ill diameter. I //^-raW, 1. p. 177. For some further 



* They yield tile c/oifv* liark >>( vom- j j)artieulur.s respecting tlii' eliiuehona 



mercc. ' region of Loxa, see ehap. ii. p. 21-25. 



