2 26 THE ADVENTURES OF 



"Because, at certain seasons of the year, many kinds of birds 

 migrate," answered my friend; " and they are often found at an 

 immense distance from the country where they breed. This 

 beautiful blackbird, for instance, is never seen in Mexico except 

 in the spring, which has caused it to be called" here the prima- 

 vera." 



" Look, papa, at these beautiful yellow flowers ; they cover the 

 trunk of this tree so completely, that it appears as if they grew 

 on it." 



" They are the flowers of the tropceolum, or wild nasturtium. 

 This plant has been cultivated in Europe, where its seed 

 is eaten preserved in vinegar, and its flowers are used to season 

 salads.'' 



" Then the Mexicans do not know its value, for I have never 

 seen it on their tables." 



" You are right ; but still I should have thought that the 

 piquant taste of the flowers of the tropaeolum would have just 

 suited them. Perhaps they find it too insipid after having been 

 accustomed to chewing capsicums." 



"You have the seasoning, and I have the salad!" suddenly 

 cried my friend. 



And he showed us a handful of an herb called purslain. 



This plant, which grows in abundance in damp ground, has red 

 flowers, which close every evening and open again in the morning. 

 I gathered the fleshy leaves, whilst Sumichrast, who had found a 

 plant covered with seeds, showed Lucien the circular hole on the 

 seed which has given to the plant its family name (Portulam). 



Some maize-cakes and a salad formed our frugal break- 

 fast, which was discussed on the edge of the stream. Lucien 

 specially seemed to enjoy it, for I was indeed obliged to check 

 him, the appetising flavour of the salad had so sharpened his 

 appetite. 



When we had finished our meal, Sumichrast tried to climb the 

 steep bank ; but the ground gave way under his feet, and two or 

 three times he fell. I left Lucien to manage for himself, for his 

 falls were not likely to be dangerous. As he was much less 

 heavy than we were, he succeeded in reaching the level of the 



