CHAPTER XXII.

Mexican Oak-apples.--A Stream lost in an Abyss.--The Wild Nasturtium.--Sportsmen deceived by Children.--The Grave-digging Beetles.--The Cochineal Insect.--Mexican Wine.--Good-bye to our Indian Hosts. 339

Again on the Road.--The Bird-catching Spider.--The Marten and the Skunk.--The Flying Squirrel.--The Otter-hunt.--L'Encuerado wounded. 353

A laborious Task.--Wild Lime-trees.--Pigeons.--The West India Cherry.--The Earwig.--Snakes and Serpents.--First Glance at the Terre-Chaude. 367

A Ground-squirrel.--A Mouse's Nest.--Humming-birds and their young ones.--The Locust-tree.--Mexican Wolves and their Retreat. 375

The Path through the Forest.--A forced March.--The Bromelaceae.--Mosquitoes.--The Water-plant.--The Promised Land.--A Band of Monkeys. 387