In a Native Prau. 419 



peaks and pinnacles, weather-worn into sharp points and hon- 

 ey-combed surfaces, and clothed throughout with a most va- 

 ried and luxuriant vegetation. The cliffs above the sea offer- 

 ed to our view screw-j^ines and arborescent Liliaceae of strange 

 forms, mingled with shrubs and creepers, while the higher 

 slopes supported a dense growth of forest-trees. Here and 

 there little bays and inlets presented beaches of dazzling white- 

 ness. The water was transparent as crystal, and tinged the 

 rock-strewn sloj^e which plunged steeply into its unfathomable 

 depths with colors varying from emerald to lapis-lazuli. The 

 sea was calm as a lake, and the glorious sun of the tropics 

 threw a flood of golden light over all. The scene was to me 

 inexpressibly delightful I was in a new world, and could 

 dream of the wonderful productions hid in those rocky for- 

 ests, and in those azure abysses. But few European feet had 

 ever trodden the shores I gazed upon ; its plants, and animals, 

 and men were alike almost unknown, and I could not help 

 speculating on what my wanderings there for a few days might 

 bring to light. 



I 



