of an Orchid Hunter. 199 



(Phytelephas macrocarpa) to the bamboo, and then 

 ao-ain to the region of the tree-ferns. 



To avoid the work of cutting a way through the 

 forest we often kept along the mountain- streams. 

 One day, as I was wading up one of the streams at 

 an altitude of about six thousand feet, I came upon 

 that lovely little plant, the Nertera depressa, growing 

 on the tops of stones about half-submerged in the 

 cold water, but looking green and healthy, all covered 

 with its bright red berries. I was the more surprised 

 as I had never found it in any other locality, and 

 was almost ignorant of its native country. 



In the forests of Colombia I have met with four 

 species of toucans at various altitudes. Here we were 

 besieged by crowds of the large black variety, with a 

 golden-yellow patch on the breast and the usual 

 awkward bill. I had no difficulty in securing a few 

 as specimens. 



We very soon reached the height of the Cattleya 

 grounds ; but for anyone to get a good collection here 

 it is necessary to camp in the forest and work three 

 weeks with a good company of men. The plants are 

 most difficult to carry through the woods to the 

 canoes, and they must be taken by way of Simiti, 

 where it is easy to get wood to make boxes ; but 

 when they are made another difficulty presents itself. 

 The canoes used here are small, and not capable of 



