5 
Ad foL 8. 
Forest in the Serro of Ocana, about 7000 {Par.') feet high. 
[This plate, representing an aboriginal forest in the Serro de Ocaha (in the eastern chain) is here super- 
added to the series in order to convey an idea of the variety of vegetation in different parts of the Andes, 
though under similar circumstances. The place is situated under the eighth degree of northern latitude and 
on the western declivity of the eastern Cordillera, while the former plates represent forests on the eastern slope 
of the Quindiu or middle chain.] 
Though under circumstances quite similar to those, in which the Quindiu pass of Ibague is placed, the 
forests of the eastern Cordillera nevertheless greatly differ in their vegetation. The forests of the mountains 
between Ocaha and the Paramo de Cacuta (or Cachiri) abound in mighty Fern-trees (Cyathea'*', Balantium^). 
Their trunks are often entwined with Carludovicas'’' (Carludovica funifera+), while larger Cyclanthem 
(Cyclanthus cristatus+) shade the ground with their broad leaves. Of the Palms growing here (a species 
of the Iriartea+ and the Geonoma undatat), neither has the least resemblance to the Palms of the Quindiu. 
This Iriartea is particularly beautiful. Its trunk is of a dazzling white, thirty to forty feet high, of an arm’s 
thickness and furnished with long internodia. The sheath of the frond forms an upright continuation of the 
trunk itself, and the few fronds are regularly pinnated, somewhat broader at their extremities, and end in 
a flabelliform, more or less truncated apex, that looks as if it were bitten off. This Palm is uncommonly 
graceful ; its stem always slim and straight, while the annulated stem of Geonoma undata is always curved. 
A deep shade is formed by the dense foliage of Anona Quinduensis (Anonaceae),^ Ladenbergia macrocarpa 
(Cinchonaceae), Myroxylon Toluifera (Caesalpineae),^ and Icacorea Guianensis (Myrsinaceae).^ Aroideae cover 
the trunks of Gomphia lucens+ and the tendrils of Passifloreae (P. glauca, Tacsonia lanata) and Polygaleae 
(Securidaca volubilis)* render the wood impenetrable. Here and there a tall Solanum'*' is seen rising and the 
banks of the cool torrent are covered with beautiful Ferns (Dicksonia'*'). 
It is not always either safe or easy to cross these rapid mountain-streams, nay, sometimes it is impossible 
for w'eeks together to cross a water, which, at other times, appears but as a small rill. When, in consequence 
of heavy rains, the water is swollen, the Arrieros examine the ford with great caution, ere they venture into it 
wdth their animals. If it is found passable, the mules are unloaded and unharnessed ; several men, maintaining 
their stand in the rapid torrent only by clinging to each other, under much pushing and crowding make the 
reluctant beasts cross the stream, holding them by their heads and tails. Baggage and clothes are carried over, 
uplifted in the hands, to prevent them from getting wet, or they are transported over by a tree, laid across 
the torrent. Provided these crossings are not too toilsome, they generally form the gayest scenes, especially 
when the company is numerous and has many Indians in its train. The fresh bath is welcomed by the strong- 
limbed fellows and the labour is performed under shouts and joking. The most ridiculous situations often 
arise by the stubborn beasts refusing to take the right ford, or one of the company, in his zeal, stumbling over 
a hidden stone and disappearing for a moment in the floods. By broader and deeper waters, ropes, made of 
leather straps or creeping plants, are found, by which the baggage is dragged across, while men and animals 
• swim over. 
The Magdalena River. 
At Honda the river, amidst wild roarings, and rising in high waves, forces its w'ay through a narrow defile. 
It is navigable for small craft even for a considerable distance above Honda, and, down the river, canoes, 
managed by able pilots, can pass the rapids of Honda. Up stream, however, boats and their cargoes have to 
be carried a long way by land, if they are to continue the journey up the river above Honda. The current 
is so rapid, that, while up stream the distance between the estuary and Honda, under the most favourable 
circumstances, with a light canoe and at low water, takes at least six weeks ; in the opposite direction it is 
performed in eight to twelve, or at high water even in five days. Freighted vessels require three months and 
upwards to perform the journey up. The distance in a straight line, without counting the numerous windings, 
is about 400 geographic miles (60 to a degree). 
The voyage down has a great charm, while, in the contrary direction, it is very fatiguing and tiresome. 
Either bank is uninterruptedly covered with mighty aboriginal forest. The river, whose water is very muddy, 
is not deep, but it is of majestic breadth, and towards its mouth, branches out into many arms. There are 
some only about thirty feet broad, and thickly overgrown with aquatic plants ; others, again are very wide, and 
near the mouth, the river in many places has the appearance of an extensive lake with numerous islands. 
1 Kunth, Synops. pi. vol. iv. p, 382. ^ Ibid. p. 69. ® Ibid. p. 382. ^ Ibid. p. 389. 
C 
