Paul DeBenedetti 1961 Jan 6 (Dec 20) memories & recollections - Mex. trip. roots we would see a Natrix or some other water snake, and birds of various types flew across the canal. In more open areas we saw a few Iguana iguana. They were mostly in the reeds at the side of the canals. When approached, although with the engine off, they would dive in to the water or clumps of (lily pads?) at the side of the canal. Four or three were seen in taller trees. These dove from branches 20 or 30 feet up into the water and swam out in good crocodile fashion, but quickly left the water, usually after having swum about 25 yards or so. A large part of the swamp is open, reedy marsh (the reeds were 4-5 foot tall), with many birds. Some of it appeared solid. There were few trees here, but these occasionally had iguanas in them. Just coming into this area Rich saw a large turtle on the bottom. It had a distinctly ridged (Briacumale) shell, and he thought - it was a snapper. Although it was not moving, we did not stop for it. We also saw 1 or 2 Pseudemys, one easily 2 feet in shell length, swim across the channel. There were very many large catfish in the water, which was crystal clear, and, according to our guide fresh. We were taken to spring area by a banana plantation where we were to pick up some beans.