THE NAUTILUS. 



Vol. XXXV JANUARY, 1922. No. 3 



A SEARCH FOB LIGUUS. 



BY CHARLES TORREY SIMPSON. 



For a considerable time in the past I have been making 

 annual trips to the Florida Keys for the purpose of studying 

 the life of the region, its geographical distribution and the 

 geology. Sometimes I have gone by boat but oftener by train, 

 running to the most southern point visited and tramping back. 

 I formerly went alone carrying no load and like an invading 

 army trusting for sustenance on the territory I visited; but I 

 have been so regularly taken for a tramp or bad man and 

 driven from the doors of the natives, that of late I carry a small 

 tent, bedding, provision, even drinking water, and by that 

 means I am independent and can camp whenever and wherever 

 night overtakes me. 



Several islands of the lower chain have a considerable growth 

 of the Carribean pine (Pinus caribaea), found generally in the 

 southernmost part of the State. Big Pine Key is pretty well 

 clothed with this kind of forest; and it is found on No Name r 

 Little Pine, Cudjoe and several other keys. 



Big Pine is a sort of headquarters from which I make trips to 

 nearby islands. It is the largest of the lower keys, being over 

 eight miles in length and about two and a half in width at its 

 widest part. It runs from north northwest to south southeast 

 and in shape reminds one somewhat of one of the modern Ku. 



