BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 15 
before twelve o'clock. The rain had long ceased, and the 
river considerably subsided. Crossing the river with some 
difficulty, three times in about two miles, the rain again 
set in and lasted sufficiently long to give us a good soaking: 
In the moist woods here, I found some large masses of 
Balanophora Jamaicensis, a singular plant which, I fear, is not 
capable of cultivation ; it is parasitical on the roots of living 
trees. We reached Bath by seven in the evening, having 
experienced considerable difficulty in crossing the rivers, and 
met with several heavy showers of rain. 
Monday, 24th July.—After arranging my seeds, and dried 
plants, and filling one of Ward's cases with my collections 
from Portland, we started for Golden Valley to explore the 
lofty mountains in its vicinity. The road was along the bed 
of the Plantain Garden River in a rich and romantic valley, 
sometimes so narrow as to become a perfect ravine abound- 
ing with the lovely Mountain Pride (Spathelia simplex) thou- 
sands of which in flower presented a lovely appearance. I also 
saw and collected a showy Melastoma with glaucous foliage 
and white flowers. On moist rocks grew an elegant Dick- 
sonia, with Xylophylla latifolia and angustifolia. After crossing 
this romantic river thirty times in eight miles, we reached 
Golden Valley, and were kindly received by Mr. Tasker. 
Tuesday, 25th July.—I set off early, accompanied by Mr. 
Tasker and the Rev. Mr. Wharton ; my servant followed with 
two mules laden with paper, saw, trowel, hampers, &c.; the 
latter articles are my constant companions. We reached 
Dunrobin Castle to breakfast; this is an obscure residence, 
but situated in a most romantic spot, surrounded by lofty 
mountains and deep ravines, alike clad with a highly luxu- 
riant vegetation. After breakfast we proceeded by a narrow 
pass, having left our mules behind, there being no footing 
for them any farther, and after traversing some newly planted 
coffee fields, which were thriving admirably in a rich black _ 
mould, we reached a grand forest. Tree-ferns were abun- 
dant, prickly Yellow-wood (Xanthoæylon Clava-Herculis) Had- 
sonia arborea, Clethra arborea attaining a considerable size, 
Psidium montanum, and Hog-gum, (Moronobea coccinea). The 
