24 
and shrubbery, among which cacti were discernible, and gray 
saline areas, the dust of which filled the coaches almost to suffo- 
ti After passing La Rioja we continued on through the 
same monotony and desolation except near Maza ere Ww 
rocky ridge was crossed is was a veritable cactus garden 
hich I was loath to pass without stopping. A number of va- 
rene the village of which is situated three or four kilom- 
eters from the railroad station, was reached sometime after 
dark on the third night out from Buenos Aires. I secured ac- 
commodations which consisted of a large, faicly well ventilated 
been out of town fore some time, and I could not ascertain 
when he was expected back. ee one of Dr. Hicken’s reasons for 
advising me to begin my work at Andalgala was Mr. Jérgensen’s 
knowledge of the region and its plants and the fact that he spoke 
E: 
similar. Upon sounding the few guests at the hotel I discovered 
on his professional rounds at this hour of the day, I tried to 
