1899 | BRIEFER ARTICLES 205 
sues in thick layers of impermeable cork. There is something 
remarkable in the ability which these desert shrubs have of reducing 
their transpiration surface to such a degree that they can withstand the 
mtense insolation of this tropical region, and the even more trying 
influence of an extremely dry atmosphere. It is highly probable that 
they are able, during the winter season, to absorb moisture from the 
logs which are blown in from the ocean. Owing to the cool currents 
j 
ae i 
barren desert, otograph taken just outside of garden fence, showing the completely 
Of air wh; 
“Slag and winter across these deserts, they are not 
The collection [aa as would be expected in this latitude. 
two Perennials _. provisional flora of Payta—consists 
“Attals, three ce : Be and an undetermined shrub, and seven 
a beautifal © has: a lupine, a caryophyll, a seedling amaranth, 
t¥0 day. yellow flowered oxalis. Our visit to Payta was twenty- 
The i h €rain, and the grasses and oxalis were in full bloom. 
Be ita of delicate yellow blossoms scattered over the 
es, and slender blades of grass so far apart that 
after th 
Ae ht of 
Peet yb 
