BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 531 
arborea is also abundant; this showy tree is called Blood- 
wood, from the high colour of its timber, which, for house- 
hold purposes, is much esteemed; it is a moderately-sized 
tree. When a glimpse can be obtained of the romantic 
scenery around, which is not often, the whole forest is seen 
to be completely interwoven with climbers, principally Convol- 
vuli, of no great beauty, and Mimosa scandens, presenting 
an heterogeneous mass of vegetation, of the most luxuriant 
description. 
On reaching the Cuna Cuna Gap, at an elevation of 
about 4,000 feet, we enjoyed the luxury of a refreshing 
breeze and as much space as we could turn comfortably 
round upon. We then took some refreshment and a short 
rest, two very necessary things in the climate of Jamaica, 
and eommenced our descent on the north side, which is 
about as steep as the ascent from Bath. Here I found 
Acrostichum crinitum growing on the trunks of large trees, in 
a fine state of fructification, with several other individuals of 
the same genus. I also obtained seeds of Alpinia occiden- 
falis; birds, particularly the Dove tribe, are very fond 
of its pungent seeds ; we had seen three species of Dove, one 
with beautiful plumage, and known in Jamaica as the Moun- 
tain Witch. The shrill and beautiful note of the Solitaire 
accompanied us the most of the day on our progress to Rio 
Grande, whose distanthollowroar we heard several miles before 
reaching it. I found several charming Ferns I had not be- 
fore seen, the singular Aspidium proliferum and rhizophyllum 
being particularly abundant on moist banks, accompanied by 
several curious species of Trichomanes; lalso noticed, grow- 
ing parasitically on the roots of trees, the curious Balano- 
phora Jamaicensis, called by thenegroes John Crow's Nose, by 
no means an inapt comparison. This plant is very common 
In moist woods, springing up in a similar way to some species 
of Fungus, but being of a brilliant scarlet colour, it imparts 
a lively appearance to the dark brown roots and decayed 
ves, among which it delights to grow. Springs of water 
of delicious coolness cross the pass at almost every yard. On 
