Author's itinerary during his collections in the region of Santa Marta, Colombia from June 1911 to October 1918 (continued)

Abstract

The road climbed slowly, zigzagging through the foothills of the mountain range. Perhaps centuries ago the Indians deforested this region and now the region was densely covered with thatch half a meter high, which was very dry for more than a month of summer. The loads were bulky and heavy and one of the oxen caused himself to lie on the ground frequently until at last he no longer wanted to get up. My hunter, an Antioquian with much practice as a muleteer, but of little intelligence, resolved to resort to a rather drastic remedy tired of struggling with the animal, and lit a handful of straw next to the belly of the poor ox. The result was disastrous. Enraged or terrified by the fire, he got up bucking frantically, threw down the load and ran off in a panic.