C. SKOTTSBERG 



Fig. 31. Upper slopes of \'alle Frances, Masatierra, showing forest boundary. — Photo 



1741917. 



in about 300 m we enter the virgin luma forest of the lower montane t}'pe, which 

 as a rule extends to 400 or 450 m, where the region of frequent fogs begins and 

 tree ferns appear in greater number; in this particular spot not much Dickso7iia 

 was seen below 500 m (St. 11), but a little higher up it became plentiful, and 

 Weymouthia mollis hung in festoons from the twigs of the lumas, testifying that 

 we had reached the upper montane forest of the foggy belt. This forest fills the 

 upper gulches of \'alle Frances (Fig. 31). Where the forest abuts on the escarpment, 

 and on the narrow ledges candelabrum trees, i.e. what I have called "the Robinsonia 

 assemblage", appear, and the crest of the Chifladores ridge is covered with scrub. 

 Ouebrada de la Pesca de los Viejos is, just as the valleys to the west, very 

 barren in the outer half and covered with weeds, but a few solitary lumas linger 

 on the slopes, and there is not much maqui. The interior is well forested, and 

 the stream carries water at least during the winter months. The two following 

 valleys, Ouebrada de Laura (Fig. 32) and O. de la Piedra Agujereada (Fig. 33) offer 

 exactly the same aspect, the streams are dry during the summer months, except 

 perhaps after an occasional deluge, and the valle\- ends in a coast clitif. Ascending 

 the ridge between the Laura and Piedra Agujereada valleys, we soon strike the 

 forest; at about 420 m Dicksoiiia is scattered, taking the lead at about 600 m, 

 where it grows to twice a man's height and where Juania is more abundant than 

 in any other place visited by us (St. 12). Here the forest extends over the ridge 



