492 



DISTRIBUTION OP PLANTS. 



were near enough to distinguish a margin of low hmd in front, with a 

 church at the water's edge; and some small vessels at anchor were 

 reported. 



Towards sunset on the 11th, we Avere approaching the entrance to 

 the Bay : inarked on the North side by the broad rounded mountain 

 of Mariveles, three or four thousand feet in elev^ition; its slopes, 

 though gradual, being more broken than in the Hawaiian volcanoes. 

 In our progress South along the coast, the forest first became continu- 

 ous on the tlaiik of this mountain, and as we drew near, Avas observed 

 to be freshly luxuriant. Yet there were no palms conspicuous in the 

 foiest in the distance ; neither here, nor in any portion of the Inte- 

 rior we subsequently visited. 



On the morning of the loth, the Vincennes having sailed up the Bay, 

 anchored among the shipping before the city of Manila. In excur- 

 sions in the environs, for three miles outwards in two different direc- 

 tions, I found the variety of plants much greater than among the 

 Polynesian islands; but by no means approaching the profusion of 

 species in Brazil. 



On the 15th, I set out with others in two canoes for an excursion 

 into the Interior: proceeding up a gently-flowing stream, until in the 

 evening we reached the Lake. We here separated into two parties ; 

 Mr. Rich and Mr. Brackenridge proceeding towards the volcano in 

 the other canoe. 



On the 16th, our canoe arrived at Santa Cruz: and Mr. R. Sturgis, 

 Lieut. Eld, and myself, proceeded with horses over a gradually-rising 

 country, and at the end of " tAvelve miles" arrived at the Mission of 

 Mayjayjay; about "a thousand feet above the sea." Thus far, we 

 found the ground dry; but there were accompanying marks of excess of 

 moisture in the climate. Beyond, on Mount Banajao, " the highest 

 mountain on the island," there had been continual rain for several days; 

 and the weather was represented as unpropitious for our propijsed 

 ascent. — We set out at 8 a.m. on the 17th, proceeding through an in- 

 habited distinct, and across some rather extensive natural openings, 

 affording pasturage, on which buffaloes in a few small herds were feed- 

 ing. At the elevation of a thousand feet or so above the Mission, 

 the forest became unbroken, and the ascent more steep; so that we 

 were obliged to leave the horses, and proceed by the path on foot. 

 Large trees proved rare ; and among the variety of interesting plants 

 in the moist, dripping forest, there were few showy flowers. At the 



