24 BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 
spinach, for which it certainly proves a good substitute 
Potamogeton natans, with two species of Myriophyllum, com- 
pletely choke up the water-courses rendering it difficult to 
obtain a passage with all our exertions, the heat was intense, 
thermometer 100° in the shade, nota breath of air could 
reach us through the dense mass of Typha. I gathered 
plants-of Nymphea Lotus, which was the only Nympheaceous 
plant I saw. Iwas somewhat disappointed in not finding the 
Nelumbium of Brown, which from the frequent cleanings 
may have been destroyed, for I could not detect a vestige of 
it; in shallow parts of the stream Hydrocotyle vulgaris 
abounds; also along the margin of the Lagoon, I observed 
Bucida Buceras, with some fine specimens of Canella alba, 
(Jamaica Cinnamon) ; this interesting plant, the bark of which 
is highly pungent, is found in the higher mountains, as also 
occasionally on the coast. The Lagoons abound with 
Ducks, Teal, Coots, and a curious water-fowl, called by the 
negroes Crab-catcher for it watches the crab with death-like 
stillness, its body hidden in the grass ready to pounce on 
its unconscious victim. A small species of Turtle, about a 
foot in diameter, is also plentiful. One, lying entangled in 
the aquatic weeds, was easily caught; but it more than once 
tried to escape. These creatures are remarkably quick- 
sighted and instantly dive on being approached. This ma- 
nœuvre, however, does not protect them from the negroes, 
who make it their business to catch them, and I saw one 
man, who had taken six in a very novel way. The moment 
a turtle made its appearance this negro instantly dived after 
it, and invariably brought it out, but this is an acquirement 
not common among the negroes. After traversing these 
extensive Lagoons, we reached the Ferry, about 4 o’clock 
p.M., through which the main canal runs, a deep heavy 
running stream. A short distance below the Ferry, the … 
water becomes brackish and consequently no aquatic plants 
are to be found. My mules meeting me at the Ferry, I pro- 
ceeded to Kingston; the evening was pleasant and cool, | 
thermometer at 8 p.m. 83°. Although the temperature ave- 
