70 THE MAROON PARTY. 



" It is a most beautiful creature/' said Aikin. 



" What an endless variety of birds is here," continued Rattoon, 

 " I have myself collected twenty distinct specimens of the humming- 

 bird alone ; there are doubtless many more ; this justifies the name 

 that the Indians gave this country." 



" What is that ?" inquired Du Bois. 



" The Island of Erie," replied Rattoon, " or Humming-bird ; the 

 few Indians we have call it so to this day. It is a beautiful appella- 

 tion ; but come, let us forward." We followed, Goodenough 

 whistling " Morgan Rattler," until the steepness of our road made 

 him stop his music in order to husband his breath. 



At length we arrived at the North Signal Post, an establishment 

 kept for the purpose of telegraphing vessels bearing towards this 

 island, previous to their entering the Gulph. This is one of the 

 most beautiful views in the island. It has been said with much 

 truth that Trinadad scenery is more South American than West 

 Indian, but this prospect unites both. The islands at the Dragon's 

 Mouth look here magnificent, bearing the appearance of their having 

 in former times connected the world of mountains that cross the 

 northern part of the island with the almost endless chain of the 

 Andes that cross the great South American continent. These 

 mountainous islands and the Gulph form a complete South American 

 view : while the lovely valley of Diego Martin beneath, presents 

 as sweet a West Indian landscape as I ever beheld. 



All stood gazing on this beauteous scene rapt in admiration ; 

 even Goodenough's countenance expressed astonishment and pleasure 

 at the picture beneath and around him. Rattoon, who was marking 

 the effect that his favourite view produced on his four companions, 

 saw the American's countenance with delight, and seemed to forgive 

 his former gaucheries, until the captain seeing Rattoon observing him, 

 thought it incumbent to say something ; he, therefore, thus expressed 

 himself: " I say, Mr. Rattoon, I guess you think this here prospect 

 pretty considerably droll ?" 



Gentle reader, can you imagine a wild steed of the banks of 

 Apura, going to slake his thirst in the stream, and while he inhales 

 the cooling draught, an electric eel by way of giving him a friendly 

 salute, rubs his benumbing form against the nose of the noble quad- 

 ruped ? Something of this sensation was endured by the poet, who 

 very unceremoniously left the party and walked off home, evidently 

 electrified by the unconscious Yankee. We were not slow in fol- 

 lowing, and after a short delay made our way down the mountains 

 towards Diego Martin valley, and thence home, each delighted with 

 his excursion. 



