528 BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 
became acquainted with the species, though not before I felt 
the effects of its irritating spines, which are curiously con- 
cealed at the back of the leaf. 
Our guide, not liking to take the trouble and fatigue of 
going to the top of the Ridge, as we had been directed, after 
he got into the wood led us just wherever he pleased; for so 
dense were the trees, that we had no power to dictate; but 
certain it was, we never reached the summit. 1, however 
found means of rewarding him accordingly ; these negroes will 
sacrifice any thing for their own present ease and comfort. 
Black and yellow Snakes abound in the woods to an incre- 
dible degree, but generally make their escape as fast as pos- 
sible; Lizards are also numerous, and I witnessed a deadly 
contest between a black snake and a large lizard; the latter 
endeavouring to elude me, was caught in a very dexterous 
manner by a large black snake, so completely enveloping it in 
its folds, that escape was impossible. I, however, rel 
it, and allowed them both to get away, but not before the 
snake had wounded the lizard severely, which was done ina 
moment. The large Tillandsias afforded us some excellent 
water, and I gathered eight species of Ferns I had not before 
seen. The rain setting in, we returned, getting well soaked 
before we reached Wheelersfield. 
Thursday, 13th.—Having caught a slight cold yesterday; I 
did notfeel very well, but my arrangements being comp 
to visit Morant's Point, an extensive plain at the eastern ex- 
tremity of the island, I set off. At Holland Bay I found 
Anona palustris (Alligator apple) in great profusion, covere! 
with tempting golden fruits, of which it is stated that alli- 
gators are fond, as well as pigs, but this is the only use made 
of them by the negroes; the wood is an excellent substitute 
for corks. Solanum crassifolium, Malpighia urens, a species 
of Wrightia, two of Hibiscus, and forests of Coccoloba 
uviferum, compose the chief part of the vegetation of the | 
eoast. Typha latifolia and Nymphea blanda were the only 
aquatics I saw in the Lagoons, which are traversed by large 
masses of the Mangrove (Rhizophora Mangle). After leaving - T 
