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for Penonome. We left Panama about 8 A. M. and, after making 
short stops at the island of Taboga and the Port of San Carlos, 
came to anchor at midnight off the mouth of the Sarotee River. 
At daylight we began steaming up the river, which proved to be 
a stream of moderate size with but little current and with low, 
often heavily wooded banks, the mangrove being one of the 
Fic. 24. Palms near Penonome. The one in the center is the oil-nut palm; the 
others are cocoanut palms. 
most conspicuous trees. White and blue herons, parrots, and 
sandpipers were common, otherwise we noticed little animal 
life. We reached Porto Posada in about two and one half hours, 
and found it to consist of a small wharf with a couple of open 
sheds a few rods away, from which a nearly straight road led to 
the town of Penonome, some twelve or fourteen miles distant. 
Mosquitoes were in swarms and no fresh water apparently to be 
had for miles, except that on the boat. I had ordered a saddle 
horse to take me to the town, but, finding only some ox-carts 
for the freight, concluded to walk and do some collecting along 
