96 NOTES OF A BOTANIST chap, xvi 
we can well understand the difficulties of the ascent 
of such a mountain through many miles of tropical 
forest, among deep ravines and impassable gorges, 
along a track used only by Indians crossing the 
mountains to a good fishing stream which flows 
directly into the Huallaga, as described at p. 40.) 
In July 1856, Spruce went for a month to Lamas 
and Tabalosos, making the latter place his head- 
quarters for the exploration of the eastern slopes 
of the Campana Mountains, where, at about 4000 
feet elevation, is a natural pasture called Potrelo, 
around which is low forest with many interesting 
flowering plants, palms, tree - ferns, ferns, and 
mosses." The position of Tabalosos is picturesque, 
being situated in the midst of mountains. On the 
opposite side of the Mayo (to the N. and N.E.) 
there is a very bold and lofty peak, at no great 
distance, whose rocky slope seems to be nearly 
perpendicular. Those who go from Yurimaguas 
to Moyobamba by way of Balsapuerto have this 
peak on their left. The inhabitants are nearly all 
Indians, with very few half-breeds. Hardly any 
speak Spanish. They grow large quantities of 
vegetables, and are much employed as carriers on 
the route from Tarapoto to Moyobamba. 
(The drawing here given of the rude clock-tower 
of Tabalosos shows this remarkable mountain im- 
mediately to the left of it, and nearly in the centre 
of the picture, while the Indian ringing the two 
very small bells gives life and character to the scene.) 
From the summit of the Pingulla mountain there 
is a splendid view of the whole lower course of the 
Mayo, with Lamas, Tarapoto, and all its surrounding 
mountains, to Chapaja on the Huallaga river. 
