301 



I can offer, for the neatness in which every thing seemed to be 

 kept, every tree being well attended to and every flower bed 

 clean and richly supplied. 



On Ave went and ci'ossing Mrs. Feez's pasture got to the 

 road, on the right side of which is situated the pretty little 

 Roman Catholic Church so much improved since the advent of 

 Reverend Father Victor, the zealous Curate of the Parish. On 

 the way to Fonds Alniandes Valley the scenery is rather mono- 

 tonous, being occupied ])y dwelling places, the principal of which 

 being that of Mr. Goodwille and Dr. Seccomlje. 



On the left one cannot help admiring tlic perseverance of Mr. 

 Potter who has succeeded in forming a splendid little cofl'ee plan- 

 tation shaded by the tall Saman, notwithstanding the difficulties 

 he was told he would have to encounter in getting the land to 

 produce this staple and further on clusters of bamboo and 

 mangoes alternatel}^ following each other afford a delightful shade 

 to the traveller. 



" Come," said I to Leo, " let us hurry up as we must get to 

 Fonds Almandes Valley at eight o'clock ! " 



In a few minutes we reached that part of the road which 

 divides in two, one leading to the Ariapita Valley, the other to 

 Fonds Almandes, but though our destination was the latter, we 

 entered the former for the purpose of obsei'ving part of that 

 valley, and crossing over hill through Mr. Mahoney's residence we 

 would get there in a very short time. On arriving, we were 

 warmly greeted by our hospitable host, who welcomed us heartily 

 and bid us do as we pleased on his grounds. 



I may tell you that Mr. Mahoney's charming little country 

 seat called " Tara's Hall " is situated in a delightful spot on an 

 elevation, and commands a beautiful view. — Mr. Mahoney, who 

 is a lover of flowers, has formed a charming garden in which a 

 large variety of ornamental plants, jassemines, lillies and sweet- 

 scented roses, distil a delicious perfume around, whilst the honey 

 suckle in full bloom attracted swarms of bees, and in the centre 

 of this enchanting spot a decorative little fountain sent its sprays 

 in all directions, producing the most marvellous effects. 



On the sandy road leading to the cottage I could observe 

 the yellow striped wasp Monedula continna, busily engaged 

 carrying food to its larva?. 



This insect bores holes about | inch diameter in sandy places 

 and deposits its eggs at the bottom ; these hatch, and the loving 

 parent wanders from place to place in search of food which she 

 introduces in the hole entering head foremost. 



Just near by was a lemon tree, the fruits of which were 

 rotting on the ground. I examined some of them, and found 

 the I'yphixa fianata and Europs imiyressicoUis the same as 



