1917.] Chapman, LHstribution of Bird-life in Colombia. 47 



lallen trunks and branches rendered the greater part of it impenetrable. 

 Birds were scarce, but small mammals were plentiful. After three days a 

 camp was established further down on the western slope where conditions 

 were more favorable. 



It was our intention to remain only a week at most, but a series of mis- 

 sions in Guadaloupe attracted everybody for miles around including the 

 peons, so I was left a,lone and of course could not leave until their return, 

 two weeks later. 



" On the western slope, the great forest extends down to 3,500 feet, and in 

 the canons and ravines, down to 3000 feet. The lower part is comparatively 

 open, with numerous ferns and palms, and as one reaches higher altitude 

 there is much moss, many ' pines,' parasites, creepers, etc., similar to forests 

 of the same altitude previously described. Birds are not plentiful, and 



mammals scarce. 



"Up to 3500 feet there are large areas of wild cane and bamboo along 

 the streams, and in these the most successful trapping was done." 



The Magdalena Valley, to the Caqiietd Region. — ^" About an hour's ride 

 from Altamira, over a nicely cqnstructed gravel road, takes one to the 

 town of Guadaloupe. Just before reaching the town it is necessary to cross 

 the Rio Saraza, which at this season (June to August) was a swift, muddy 

 stream over a hundred yards wide. The town has a population of about 

 one thousand, numerous small stores, weekly market, etc. All around are 

 thickets of bamboo and wild cane; the altitude is 2450 feet. This zone 

 extends up to nearly 3500 feet. 



"The new government road follows closely along a small 'quebrada,' 

 the name of which I could not ascertain, but it is probably the Imaya or 

 Matayna, and a full day's travel with packs takes one to Andalucia, altitude 

 7000 feet, which is practically the top of the range. The forest up to this 

 point has been described elsewhere, and is continuous over the eastern side 

 until Sucre, altitude 2800 feet, is reached, the second night. The only 

 difi.erence here is that one finds less moss and epiphytes. Sucre is a large 

 board house constructed by the government, and contains the telegraph 

 office, the present end of the line which is being constructed by the govern- 

 ment to Florencia. 



"From Sucre one continues gradually downward until shortly after 

 noon, to an altitude of 1500 feet. Then there is a sharp hill about 500 feet 

 high, called Llegua Gorda. This was the only bad part of the trail, and, on 

 account of the deep mud, two of the three pack mules had to be unloaded 

 and the packs carried to the top. About two hours beyond we camped at a 

 small hut called La Recluta where there is a large clearing, fine pasture, 

 corn, yuccas and other farm products. It is only a half day to Florencia 



