ISTHMUS OF TEHUANTEPEC 135 



were then walking it was often used for ties. Spanish cedar is 

 also quite abundant, and is one of the valuable woods. 



In regard to trees the old resident, and sometimes the semi-old 

 one, is very apt to point out the rubber tree in its natural state as you 

 ride with him through the forest, and if he knows anything about 

 rubber, he never makes any mistake. If he doesn't, he is very apt to 

 point out a tree which the planters call the "Boston rubber tree/' and 

 which the natives call the "chankarro." It really looks like the Castilloa, 

 but is apt to prove a surprise to those who try to tap it. The trunk is 

 only a hollow shell, and the interior is invariably filled with what are 

 known as the fire ants, of whose presence the tapper is instantly apprised 

 when his machete cuts through the thin film of bark. 



PIECE OF ROAD ON PLANTATION RUEIO. 



There are, also, many beautiful trees, such as the "royal" and other 

 palms, and an infinite variety of vines and climbers. Perhaps the most 

 abundant vine down in that part of the country is the morning glory, 

 which is not an annual as it is with us, but it is a perennial, and swarms 

 up over the tree trunks, covering acres of forest with its dense foliage, 

 and its beautiful bloom. To those who insist that the trunk of a rubber 

 tree should not be exposed to the sun, I would suggest that they allow 

 the morning glory vines to cover it, as they will shade it perfectly, and 

 do the tree no harm. At the same time, I am personally convinced that 

 the tree needs no such shading. 



I must not forget one vine that we noted on our journey, as it 



