In little caverns, at the foot of cliffs, were damp spots filled with ferns and broad-leaved caladiums, and brilliant clusters of begonias in bloom.
At several places, the water of springs or underground streams gushed forth, in natural rock-basins, or from under projecting ledges.

At one spot, there was a dainty basin of limestone into which a pretty veil of spring water fell gracefully.

We crossed and recrossed the stream many times.

Everywhere we were within sound of the creaking sugar-mills, and in sight of the ladling of boiled sap; everywhere we met _arrieros_ driving animals loaded with little loaves of native sugar; everywhere the forest was broken with little patches of sugar-cane, growing on the slopes.

Here and there, we saw cables slung across the streams, for passing cargoes at high water.