INTRODUCTION. XJX 



the trunks of the mangrove trees uear the mud. jllclanqms flaviin and 

 M. Bedfieldii also occur in abundance under stones at the edge of the 

 mud IJJ'ear the entrance to this bay on the eastern side will be seen 

 the ruins of a building formerly used us a magazine. A battery existed 

 here also. 



It was just inside the mouth of the bay that, in the month of January, 

 1860, the largest example of the ribbon fish (Regalecus) ever yet seen 

 was captured. The head and some other portions of the fish were for- 

 warded as a present to the British Museum. The total length of the 

 specimen was 16 feet 7 inches. 



Regaining the i)ublic road again, the visitor is now only a mile or so 

 from the capital town of the islands. 



Hamilton. — Incorporated June 30, 1793, and named after the then gov- 

 ernor, llenry Hamilton, the town has very slowly but steadily increased 

 in size. 



Below the hill on which the Sessions House stands is the " Public 

 Building," erected in 1839. Here are the "Custom-House," "Colonial 

 Office," " Public Library," " Council Chamber," &c., while on the land- 

 ing of the upper staircase are a few cases containing enough natural 

 history specimens to make the visitor regret that the inhabitants do not 

 possess sufficient enterprise to establish a museum. No place in the 

 world presents the facilities Bermuda does for the collection of marine 

 specimens 5 and as nearly all could be preserved in alcohol, there is less 

 excuse for the omission. It is hoped, however, that ere long the tide 

 of improvement will at last reach " the remote Bermudas," and that 

 institutions generally established in other communities for their benefit, 

 and satisfaction will be considered necessary in this. 



There are several interesting localities within walking distance of 

 Hamilton which will well repay the trouble taken in reaching them. 

 Proceeding along the public road going to the eastward, skirting 

 the shore of Hamilton Harbor, and before the end of the harbor is 

 reached, there may be seen four fine specimens of the cabbage palm 

 {Oreodoxa oleracea) with trunks as smooth as ivory, and bearing above 

 the curious bunch of foliage which, from its resemblance to the vege- 

 table in question, has given the tree its name. One or two specimens 

 of the cocoanut palm {Cocos nvcifera), are also to be seen here, as well as 

 numerous shrubs, natives of the West Indies. At the end of the wall 

 which skirts this property will be seen in a cottage garden a tree pos- 

 sessing to all apjiearances crimson leaves. This is the fire i)lant, or 



