JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND CoLomBi1A — Oscoop. 35 
the mangroves bordering the lake. Cattle trails and bridle paths 
lead in all directions, and in general great freedom of movement is 
possible. Animal life is abundant and varied, including at least three 
associations of species, that of the mangroves, that of the rushes and 
open swamps, and that of the dry wooded upland. 
Paramo de Tama, February 12-March 6. Paramo de Tama is the 
name applied to the more or less distinct mountain mass lying near 
the boundary between Venezuela and Colombia at the source of the 
Tachira River.* Our approach to it was along the course of this river 
and our final camps were near the headwaters, two days’ hard travel 
from the hot valley in which Cucuta lies. Much of the lower slopes 
of the mountains is cultivated, or at least cleared and used for pasture. 
The country is rugged, however, and the mountains close in rapidly, 
sloping steeply to both sides of the river only a few miles south of 
the picturesque pueblo of San Antonio. Among the steep canyons 
well along the way is the settlement of Planadas, and some miles far- 
ther is Mundo Nuevo, a forlorn but quaint-looking little village perched 
on a shelving bit of mountain-side, from which steep declivities drop 
almost directly to the river. 
Here we are in the tierra fria and although an occasional palm, a 
small cultivation of plantains, or a hedge of golden-fruited wild oranges 
still reminds that we are not in a northern region, there are many fea- 
tures distinctly incongruous with these. Waste places in the clearings 
support great patches of familiar looking wing ferns and thickets of 
veritable blackberries in full fruit, while about some of the houses are 
peach trees, and on the cultivated hillsides growing corn, potatoes, 
and beans. 
Our headquarters were at the very last and uppermost hacienda, 
known as El Severia, where we were introduced by our good friend Sr. 
Don Mario Gonzales, the owner, and cordially received by Don Sebas- 
tian Valencia, the duefio, or manager. Considerable clearing sur- 
rounds the hacienda, and a few outlying ranchos, or thatched shelters 
for laborers, are encountered here and there, but in general the country 
above and beyond is in virgin condition. A great unbroken forest 
covers the slopes lying below the crescentic crest of the paramo, which 
is largely rugged, rocky, and bare, but with tongues of forest or strag- 
gling trees creeping over the summit at certain points. 
The first camp was in the heart of this forest at an estimated alti- 
tude of 7,500 feet. A narrow rough trail having been cut for several 
Sone wars paren, Sey ee applies to the bleak which usually characterizes 
the summit of such but in this case it often refers to eatiée Gagvehadl eaten 
