EAST-FLORIDA 245 



The Virginia deer is numerous in the woods, run- 

 ning in herds. In the item of quadrupeds Florida 

 seems to be no ways different from Carolina, the same 

 being found in both provinces. I had but uncertain 

 and insufficient accounts of one animal of the mouse- 

 species. Its size is said to be that of a strong rat, it 

 burrows in the earth, and has been often seen with 

 its jaws stuffed. It is found in the interior country, 

 and is likely an unknown variety of this species. 



Among snakes almost all the Carolinian species are 

 known here and, as is to be expected in a new-set- 

 tled country, they are in considerable numbers. 



There is great plenty of birds of various kinds. 

 Many of the northern passage-birds winter here. In 

 the woods the little perroquets (Psittacus Carolinus) 

 are numerous. Red or Cardinal birds are often seen; 

 Spanish boats from the Havannah visit the coasts of 

 Florida to catch these birds, which they sell at 

 Havannah and elsewhere for 3-6 Spanish dollars 

 a-piece. In the swamps and along the seashore are 

 quantities of ducks and other water-fowl. The Alee do 

 Alcyon, Ardea caerulea and amerieana L, and also the 

 Falco palumbarius were observed by me. On the 

 sand-banks along the coast and in the harbor sat great 

 troops of pelecans (Peleeanus Fiber L.), and other 

 water-birds. These pelecans fish commonly only in 

 the morning and the evening, sitting quiet the re- 

 mainder of the day. There were fewer buzzards to 

 be seen here than in Carolina. 



The neat cattle of Florida are not the best, yet the 

 meat brought to market at Augustin is, if anything, 

 better than that of Charleston. No great attention is 

 given here to the keep of cattle. Of pastures there 



