At the base was a dense tangled growth of tropical trees through which they pushed their way, sometimes being compelled to cut their way through.

The tall grass, the palms, the matted mangroves and vines made travel difficult.
On and on, up the thorny steep they pressed.

The palms and mangroves gave place to scrub oaks, and they in turn to pine and cedar.

As they ascended, there was a change in soil, vegetation and climate.
At the base of the mountain grew only the trees and plants of the tropics.

Three hours' upward travel brought them into the regions of the temperate zone, and they plucked wild strawberries such as grew in New England.