The attractive Andean rhododendron, or befaria, was first observed by Mutis (75) near Pamplona and Bogota, in the 4th and 7th degree of latitude. It was so little known before our expedition up La Silla that it was not to be found in any European herbal. The learned editors of The Flora of Peru had even described it under another name. The two species of befaria we brought down from La Silla are specifically different from those at Pamplona and Bogota'. Near the equator the Andean rhododendrons cover the mountains right up to 1, and 1, toises. Going further north on La Silla we find them lower, below 1, toises. Befaria recently discovered in Florida, in latitude 30, grow on low hills. Thus, within 600 leagues in latitude, these shrubs descend towards the plains in proportion as their distance from the equator increases.