46 
blown off by a previous storm were sending out tufts of leaves 
along their sides. Another feature of these barren rocks is the 
great quantity of bromeliads, of which there are at least six 
species, representing several genera. They cling to the sides and 
tops of the cliffs to which es often impart a distinct coloration, 
reddish or yellowish. Some of the larger ones, called “ Curujei,” 
accumulate considerable water, often six to eight ounces, at their 
leaf bas This is sometimes drunk by the thirsty climber, 
whose canteen has —. empty. If there is no contamination 
of decayed organic matter, the water is quite wholesome. Three 
creeping cactuses representing the genera, Selenicereus, Harrisia 
and Leptocereus; the first being especially abundant, the last is 
new and quite rare and seems to occur only on the top of the 
highest rocks; the flowers and fruits of the first two are well 
known, but the fruit of the last is unknown and is apparently 
seldom formed, as I secured a number of withered flowers, which 
are quite small. I siacee the blooming season was just past; 
no young fruit, however, was found. Thickets about the base 
of many of these oe. Pee those that have been burnt 
over were a mass of color due to the profusion of reddish flowers 
of a woody vine, Bignonia Sagraeana, reminding one very much 
of the Bougainvillea of our northern conservatories. 
went as far northwest as Sierra de Francisco, which is the most 
northwesterly of the limestone sierras. Beyond this there are 
silicious hills with open pine woods and live oak thickets. I got 
partly up the side of Sierra de Francisco and found it more densely 
wooded than the sierras to the south. Further progress was 
prevented by a terrific rain and thunder storm, which made the 
return to Sumidero very unpleasant and we barely escaped being 
marooned on the wrong side of the river, which was rising 
rapidly ee became unfordable for several days thereafter. 
Northeastward of Francisco are two massive peaks known as 
Gramales. They are probabl yl, 200: feet in altitude and similar 
n ir 
good view of the southwestern side of Pan de Azucar, which seems 
