of an Orchid Hunter. 65 



tiger-cat, with which the woods abound. Knowing 

 that we were not likely to meet with many inhabitants 

 for more than two clays' march, we accordingly laid 

 in a stock of what provisions we could buy, con- 

 sisting of a few roots of the cassava plant (Jatropha 

 Manihot), some flesh-meat and bananas, coffee and 

 raw sugar, together with candles, matches, and a 

 stock of ammunition. Our cooking utensils w r ere 

 an old lard-tin and some calabashes, these being 

 very much preferable to the native pottery, which, 

 although very durable, is very heavy. At daybreak 

 on the fourth day from landing we prepared to say 

 good-bye to the people of Puerto Wilches, who, what- 

 ever they may lack in culture and resources, certainly 

 are not wanting in hospitality — above all, the 

 excellent magistrate, Senor Don Eugeno Castillo, 

 in whom every stranger will find a willing friend. 



