in the Peninsula of Florida. 203 



which they call here " Limkins." They were wild, having doubt- 

 less been frequently shot at, and would not let the steamer ap- 

 proach them, but rose at a distance and flew into the thick reeds 

 which fringe the edge of the water. Anhingas were very plentiful 

 not far from Pilatka. I was pleased to see eight Swallow-tailed 

 Kites (four of them together) soaring over the woods which 

 cover the banks of the river. Luckily they did not come near 

 enough for a shot from the gunners. They are beautiful birds, 

 and most graceful in their movements. 



On board the ' Darlington ' were three gentlemen from Sa- 

 vannah, who had arrived at Smyrna a week before I did. They 

 went down Indian River, and crossed overland to Lake Washing- 

 ton, near the head of the St. John^s, a distance of six miles, 

 which they walked, taking their things over in an ox-cart. They 

 came down the St. John's River to Enterprise in a small boat, a 

 reputed distance of two hundred miles. They had had good 

 sport fishing, but had met with very little game and not many 

 birds, and no Parroquets. They had seen a few " Limkins," and 

 shot one ; they had also shot a Black-necked Stilt. 



At most of the landings where the steamer stops, venison is 

 put on board to be conveyed north. Of course the facilities of 

 communication greatly contribute towards promoting the de- 

 struction of the Deer, especially as these animals are shot all the 

 year round. I have already mentioned the long pendent moss 

 which hangs from nearly all the trees in the southern States of 

 America*. When green, it is eaten by cattle. It is also used 

 for stuffing mattresses and cushions. For this purpose it is 

 soaked in water until the green bark or rind is rotted off, when 

 the inner part remains black and crisp, and in outward apj^ear- 

 ance somewhat resembles curled horsehair. It is an air-plant, 

 and in this climate will live if hung up anywhere. Wherever it 

 grows in great abundance the spot is sure to be unhealthy. The 

 trees in the pine-barrens are free from it, but in the swampy 

 spots it grows luxuriantly. I have compared this moss with 

 some of the Spanish moss which I brought from Jamaica, and 

 find it entirely different : it is much coarser and longer. 



* This is not really a moss, but a flowerinf^ plant of the natural order 

 Bromeliacea — the Tillandsia usiieoides. — £ij. 



