Lairs 946 Diplopterus 16. Jalapa, Veracruz, Mex. to Orizaba, Veracruz, Mex. July 10, 1946 There are maguey, Tuna cactus, and scattered trees growing in very stony soil. 2.9 miles past the turn-off, and continuing for several miles, there is a very dense growth of xerophytic vegetation: Tuna and candelabra cactus, mesquite, and maguey. Brown Towhees were noted in this vegetation. 3.9 miles past the turn-off the xerophytic vegetation is very heavy: tree yucca, tuna and candelabra cactus and mesquite; extending all the way to the foothills enclosing the valley in the floor of which the road lies. At the Tehuacan turn-off, the road climbs through arid desert hills. These hills are covered with various cacti and shrubs, and tree yuccas. 4 min. past the turn-off to Tehuacan finches were noted along the hill-tops, although they were very few in number. 7 min. past the Tehuacan turn-off, at 6350 ft. Brown Towhees were noted. The road continues to climb to an altitude of about 7500 feet, and then drops off in a breath-taking grade, falling to about 5000 ft within 2 miles. Although the plateau drops off sharply here, Towhees may get down to about 6000 ft, as chafarral growth could be seen on the mountain sides to about that point. The valley in which the town of Orizaba lies is semi-tropical. Orizaba is 4050 ft high.