INTRODUCTION. XIII 



years after 1842. Southampton Island was also fortified for tlie saniepur- 

 pose as Castle Island. 



Kearly opposite Southampton Island, but at some little distance from 

 the shore on the south side, stands " Gurnet Rock," an isolated mass, very 

 interesting to an ornithologist, from its being almost the only spot in the 

 Bermudas where breeds that rare bird, the dusky shearwater {Puffinus oh- 

 scitrus), which is evidently the curious bird mentioned by Capt. John 

 Smith in his account of the Bermudas (which is included in his "History 

 of Virginia") about two centuries ago, under the name of the "cahow." 

 The rock cannot be landed upon in safety, owing to the almost continued 

 swell of the ocean; and many are the hair-breadth 'scapes that have 

 occurred when enthusiastic naturalists, who are somewhat rare in the 

 Bermudas, have daringly attempted the task. The last effort was made 

 by Lieutenant Eeid, E. E., about 1874. Getting as near as possible in 

 the boat, he had to make a spring just as the swell lifted her up the side 

 of the rock ; but although he luckily succeeded in making good his foot- 

 ing, he received some severe bruises from the jagged nature of the sur- 

 face. His embarkation was happily effected without injury, and he had 

 the pleasure of carrying home a fine young specimen of the bird which 

 he had secured. 



After passing Southampton Island the western shore of l!^onsuch Island 

 comes in view. This island now belongs to the military department. 

 Several rare species of moUusks may be obtained in the sandy bays ot 

 its southern shore. 



Cooper's Island next claims attention ; here many shells and sea-weeds 

 are to be found, as well as a few interesting plants growing on the 

 sandy hillocks which are such conspicuous features in its scenery. If 

 the day should be calm instead of breezy, the visitor will do well to 

 l^ay attention to the curious objects beneath the waters of the harbor. 

 The bottom is everywhere studded with reefs, on which grow corals, gor- 

 gonias, sponges, «S:c., in profusion, and if the boat be provided with a 

 pair of long handled nippers, any quantity of specimens may be obtained. 



Mullet Bay. — About half a mile from St. George's, is Mullet Bay, one 

 of the many pretty little inlets with which the islands are everywhere 

 indented. 



Stock's Point. — Past Mullet Bay, and forming its western shore, runs 

 out toward Castle Harbor an irregular promontory known as Stock's 

 Point. At the extreme end of this point, and situate in a pretty nook, 

 is the residence of Mr. J. T. Bartram, whose collection of Bermudian 

 stuffed birds and fishes is the only one of its kind in the islands. 



