INTRODUCTION. XXI 



fcrmerly grew. At the east end of the hills may be seen the gradual 

 decay of cedar stumps, exhibiting more clearly the several stages of 

 change, which are the more worthy of study in consequence of the light 

 they throw upon the many curious chimney-pot looking structures every- 

 where to be met with on the Bermuda shores. 



Indeed, the naturalist, on carefully observing the whole appearance 

 of these sand hills, and taking into consideration the facts which are so 

 prominently placed before him, will be able to form a very fair idea of 

 the circumstances under which the Bermudas attained their present 

 elevation after the great submergence. 



At the foot of these hills, along the shore, runs a charming stretch 

 of sandy beach. 



At low water, and almost within wading distance of the beach, will 

 be seen a series of " boilers " as they are locally termed, i. e., rounded 

 masses of rock hollowed within, containing sea water, having their mar- 

 gins raised by incrusting serpulce. The origin of these boilers, which 

 occur all round the shores, has never been satisfactorily ascertained, 

 and would form a very interesting source of inquiry for any one desirous 

 of advancing scientific knowledge. 



The Royal Engineer Quarries. — These quarries, where the most com- 

 I)act stone to be found in the islands is procured for the purpose of 

 building fortifications and other Government work, are situate upon 

 the shore about a quarter of a mile east of the sand hills. 



The Light-house. — This commanding structure, which possesses one of 

 the most powerful lights in the world, is situate on the summit of Gibb's 

 Hill. The light itself stands 362 feet above the sea level. From an 

 elevation of only 10 feet above the water it can be clearly seen at a 

 distance of 25 miles, while at 40 feet it can be easily distinguished 30 

 miles off. 



There are some very pretty little coves under the light-house, having 

 their shores irregularly indented by rocks which have in some i^laces 

 become detached from the cliffs above. Upon these rocks, and on the 

 sides of the cliffs, grows a pretty species of stock {Matthiola), and in 

 holes burrowed in the more friable rock, the tropic bird {Phaeton) makes 

 its nest. Many species of algai can be collected about the shore, and 

 the conchologist must not forget that it was under stones at this locality 

 where the Rev. J. B. Freer, in 1861, discovered the fine Pupa, an inch 

 in length, which has Jiever been taken since. Here, too, occurs in great 

 quantities Imperator calcar, and also occasionally the large Uchimis 

 escvlentus. 



