372 Geographical Notices. 
they are not traversed by a wide running stream like the Atrato — 
but by a multitude of minor rivers and bayous, from which air 
and light are more or less excluded by the over-lapping branches 
of the great forest covering it. Consequently we here meet a 
marked generical decrease of organic forms, when compared 
with the vegetation upon the banks of the Atrato. : 
The palisades thus form a belt of forest swamps, which bor- 
ders the everglades to the west and covers the eastern limits of 
the sloping lowlands. . 
If we do not find here that magnificent display of individual 
contact. The same feature is repeated also in the animal king- 
om. Pera: 
Plants and animals of more terrestrial habits enliven this 
; um 
] 
Merulidx, Tenuirostres, Trochilidse, Muscicapide of every _ 
lidee and Ardeide take leave. Of the Rail family, however, the 
remarkable “‘ Psophia crepitans” seems to be still retained. 
The geological character of this alluvial section is pee i 
for within its limits fallen and drifting timber forms a sorb® 
skeleton for the more firm though only temporary support of 
otherwise incessantly shifting soil. is sam 
which causes such “grownd-mooring” produces on the 0 
This characteristic of the palisades undoubtedly gave — any 
efended by on yo 
g) ee 
_. Like Section II, the palisades are scarcely inhabita per 
only a few families of Chocdes (Indians) pore! eer 
; temporary lodges, as their ——- a val : a ou 
tions may require. The cross extent 0: 
to about 14 miles. 
mere eee 
