66 PROF. F. PHILIPPI'S RESEARCHES IN CHILI. 
In ordinary seasons it is absolutely Sram but at intervals 
of several years the region receives occasional showers, which 
suffice to maintain here and there some eek vegetation, especially 
in the higher portions which extend to the watershed of f the Andes. 
The Chilian province of Atacama includes, besides the desert 
strictly so called, a southern portion, lying between the rivers | 
Copiapé and Huasco, which approaches nearly to the desert 
four inches in the yea: nate the aspect of the country, excepting 
along the few streams rae ending from the Cordillera, is a waste, 
dotted at intervals — rare patches of ee ie: chiefly 
trees were seen, and the only tall Bases were the Cereus — 
valley to Freirina and Huasco, embarking at the latter place to — 
return to Valparaiso on the 4th of October. 
Professor apr d has been good enough to send me a summary [| 
of the results of his first examination of the collections made — 
this excursion ‘of only tee ba days. Besides three ferns he — 
enumerates = species of pee —— of which he reckons 74, — 
Leguminose much larger, than is ordinarily found in the adjoining 
regions s of Chili and Peru. 
Composite ... ay re ae 36 species. 
a5 is 3 
fratine 
Convolvulacee (including Nolanacee) 18 
NOON, et i ne I, 
Gramineae... ae 2 gee 
