306 TRAVELS IN THE CONFEDERATION 



increased swelling started the supposition not until 

 many days later, and on examination a chigger-nest 

 was really found, with the flea infixed and at least 70- 

 80 eggs. 



Centipeeds and ground-spiders, likewise dreaded, 

 did not come within my observation. Another pest 

 here is the little ants which crowd in by millions 

 wherever there are eatables, sugar and the like kept. 

 Finally, there are in the bush swarms of troublesome 

 midges and sand-flies. 



The greatest part of the plants here are everlasting 

 and ever-green. Thus, if this group of islands is lack- 

 ing in properly arable soil, easy to work, the appear- 

 ance of things is none the less pleasant and cheerful. 

 The groves, cross cut by many paths and roads, form 

 a beautiful evergreen garden, where bloom and fruit 

 are continually alternating. Most of the indigenous 

 plants bloom twice a year; particularly during and 

 after the rainy season, in June and July, and in the 

 temperate Autumn months. The months of April and 

 May, the time of my visit, are dry and unfruitful 

 months, during which the flora here exhibits least its 

 beauties and rarities. 



Here shrubs and trees are in great disproportion to 

 the more delicate, annual plants, of which there are 

 but very few. Moreover the leaves of most of these 

 shrubs and trees are of a firmer, parchment-like nature, 

 and their wood is dense and heavy. Although plants 

 of this character are better adapted for withstanding 

 great heat, nevertheless at the time of my visit, after 

 a persistent drought, shrubs of firm, laurel-like foliage 

 as well as those of a more delicate leafage, stood for 



