324 
GUATEMALA. 
branches are orchids, bromeliads, and other showy 
plants, while above all this comparatively low bush, rises 
the graceful coco or the confra (Manicaria Plukenetii). 
The presence of mangroves is usually considered an 
indication of the haunt of malaria, but on insufficient 
grounds; for when these trees are cleared away, the 
shore is admirably suited for coconuts, which with 
equal unreason are popularly regarded as token of a 
salubrious climate. 
As we follow up the rivers from the shore, we see 
the mangroves breaking their dense wall, while reeds 
and bambus fill the gaps; until at last mangroves have 
disappeared, as the rich valleys are reached. And now 
no one, or two, or six species can claim supremacy. 
Two trees are, however, prominent, where man has not 
interfered, — the cohune and the mahogany; both trees 
of attractive form and size, and both by their presence 
indicating the richest soil. The unspoiled forest of the 
river region presents a wonderful variety above the 
ground; but among its roots the exceptionally rich soil 
is almost bare, dwarf palms, wild bananas, gingers, and 
ferns scantily covering its surface. From the trees hang 
long vines ( vejucos ), some of them of value for cordage, 
others, as the paullinia (P. sorbilis ) and zarza ( Smi - 
lax sp.), possessed of medicinal properties, while others 
are full of grateful sap. Endless variety reigns, and on 
every side the puzzled observer sees different trees. 
Often the stems are so covered with orchids, aroids, and 
other parasitic and climbing plants that they can hardly 
be recognized, and their leaves and flowers are but a 
part of the fresh canopy some sixty feet or more above 
the ground. From a mountain ridge this forest looks 
