42 
farmaceous powder that surrounds the seeds. There are also 
specimens of a Sloanea, of which I previously sent seeds. This 
noble tree. appears to be imperfectly described. Its seeds 
are partially enveloped in a fleshy arillus of a yellowish (not 
scarlet) colour. I consider it highly improbable that any bird 
can break or pierce the capsules to obtain the seeds, both on 
account of their extreme hardness, and because the natural instinct 
of birds prevents them from attacking any unripe fruit. As soon 
as they become mature, the capsules of the S/oanea burst open 
and expose the delicately flavoured seeds. I have never seen 
the capsules perforated, though the tree is of common occurrence 
in Manchester, St. Ann’s, and Hanover parishes, and they appear 
of a peculiarly indestructible nature, the ground being often 
strown with the capsules of many previous years. 
Within the last few days, I have visited the Lagoon, near the 
ferry, in search of Nelumbium Jamaicense; but without success. 
Nymphea Lotus is common, and is the only individual of that 
tribe which I have seen. Sagiftaria lancifolia is a showy aquatic. 
I hope the seeds of the curious I/imosa-like water-plant have 
germinated. I lately obtained a quantity of seeds of Lisianthus 
glaucifolius, from the coast of St. Ann’s: they should be raised 
in sandy peat. 
Tf all is well, it is my intention to leave this Island for 
Santa Martha early next month. It will be necessary to furnish 
myself with fire-arms, Dr. Linden assuring me that it is unsafe 
to travel there without them. Dr. L. is just gone to Cuba, after 
a stay of nine weeks here; he considers Jamaica a poor country 
for botany; but I think without sufficient reason. I shall be 
anxious till I can hear that the Lace-Bark trees arrived safe and 
in good condition. My health happily continues good. The 
weather is dry and warm at Kingston, but rain has fallen in 
great abundance among the mountains. 
(To be continued.) 
