188 
were secured at La Brande, at an elevation of about 750 feet. 
That same afternoon a guide was engaged to conduct me to the 
summit of Mt. Balance, the object of my visit to this place. 
At five the next morning, August'15, I set out with the guide 
on the ascent of this mountain. The whole distance, about nine 
miles, had to be done on foot, as the guide assured me the path 
was not possible for a horse. After traversing it, I fully agree 
with him. The first 1,250 feet of the ascent, up a preliminary 
peak, exhibited an interesting flora, which seemed to be in parta 
continuation of that of the plain of Gonaives. I do not believe 
I have ever seen trees so covered with 7iflandsta usneoides as 
were many of those encountered on this trip below the 2,000 foot 
altitude. The Agave found on the plain of Gonaives was also very 
common here up to an elevation of 2,000 feet. This xerophytic 
character then ceased and was replaced by the vegetation of the 
umid areas. This continued to the summit of Balance, 
which had an elevation of 3,700 feet. The last two hundred 
feet of this was of red clay, and the vegetation ae indicated 
conditions which must be exceedingly | ees There were evi- 
dences of heavy showers t The tree trunks 
were covered with hepatics antl filmy ferns, and the rocks and 
cliffs in the dense shade were clothed with big masses of ferns, 
peperomias, orchids and other te of this character. Tree- 
ferns were quite abundant at and near the summit, and I wished 
many times that I might caper some of them to the conser- 
vatories at the Garden. It was impossible, however, as we were 
too far from facilities of any kind. Gathering showers in the dis- 
tance made necessary a precipitate retreat, after about two hours 
- most interesting collecting. On this trip to Mt. Balance nos. 
—1763 were secured. A oe was made to Gonaives that 
ae after a short rest at La Bran 
The next day, August 16, I one for the plantation, Mr. 
aes breaking camp the same day and likewise proceeding for 
the same destination, he arriving that day, I early the morn- 
ing i the day following. Nos. 1764-1776 were secured on this 
return trip to the plantation 
The following pisecllancolis collections were made: 1777 and 
