THE ANDES. 



7 



low hills which intersect the plain^ on approach- 

 ing nearer to the Andes^ although separated 

 entirely from them, like smaller fragments 

 which have been tossed away from the parent 

 mass. The ground here, and all the way we 

 had come, was covered with low shrubs in great 

 variety; all of them evergreens, of which I 

 believe but few have found their way to Eng- 

 land. That most frequently met with was the 

 shrub called here altepe^ which bears a small 

 eatable fruit like a grape. The cerrulia^ bear- 

 ing a small leaf, was also very common. The 

 cactus, of every species, grows on this plain. 

 One sort in particular is very remarkable : it is 

 about the size and shape of a thick street-post, 

 and on the top is often seen a red parasiti- 

 cal creeper winding closely round, giving to 

 these plants the air of little men with red 

 nightcaps. 



