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agricultural district, among the crops raised are corn, wheat, barley and tobacco

Veg. Today there appeared to be a decided change in the vegetation when we began to descend the slope between La Piedad and Yurecuaro, at about 1600 meters altitude. On the plain near La Piedad Mezquites and Acacias appeared to be the principal trees. When we began descending the slope, Tree Ipomeas appeared and soon became abundant.

This afternoon a trip was made across and down along the farther side of the Sula river, a branch of the Santiago - the two streams unite a short distance below the town. The rivers are only a trifle below the level of the broad plain, and are bordered near here, along both sides by marshy tracts in which many aquatic birds find shelter.

Water Hyacinth. This plant is said to have been unknown here until about three years ago when a few were placed in a small branch of the Santiago river. Now the plant grows with excessive abundance and chokes the Santiago at Ocotlan so much that navigation is interfered with and the river has to be periodically cleaned. The plants are spreading rapidly and will probably soon be growing in abundance in many places along the shores of Lake Chapala.

Pyrocephalus r. mexicanus. Very abundant along the banks of the rivers here. Usually seen sitting on the Mezquites, Hurisachis and other trees along the banks, but they alight also on any available perch.

Fulica. Very abundant in the marshy areas along the river.
  
Crotophaga sulcirostris.  Several parties of 5-10 birds in the marshes along the Sula river.

Dec. 24, Lake Chapala.

An invitation was received yesterday afternoon to go on a hunting trip today and Xmas on Lake Chapala for geese, ducks and other water-fowl. The invitation came from Mr. Reece who is in charge of the Dwight Furness ranch near here, and facing on the lake. A carriage came about 9 A.M. this
morning to take us to the ranch, from which the start was to be made. We got off about noon in a large sailing canoe usually used for freight. The party consisted of Mr. Nelson, Mr. Reece and wife, another man and myself, besides several boatmen. Our objective point was the