26 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 



CHAPTER V. 



LONG ISLAND. THE CAVES. 



Clarence Harbor, June 7, 1S79. — Objects had just begun to 

 be distinguishable in the faint light of early dawn when we left 

 the vessel and were pulled slowly to the shore. The morning was 

 deliciously cool, and a thick mist hung over the water, through 

 which, as we approached the beach, we could just discern our 

 man Sam, keeping guard over four horses, which were destined to 

 greatly assist us during the many hard journeys which we afterwards 

 found it necessary to make. 



My friend and myself selected our animals, and after seeing the 

 provisions, ropes, etc., packed safely upon the backs of the others, we 

 started in search of a large and little-known cave, which our guide 

 was certain he could find, and which was situated, according to his 

 statement, about ten miles from the village. The first part of the 

 road was in fair condition for horses going at a slow pace, and at 

 that hour the air was cool and refreshing, and the ride very enjoy- 

 able. Riding along the edge of a small inland pond, I observed 

 numbers of birds which would have gladdened the heart of any 

 naturalist. Gull-billed Terns and Black-headed Gulls circled around 

 us or poised themselves over the pond, with bent heads, gazing 

 intently at its unbroken surface, several long-legged .Stilts stood in 

 solemn silence in the shallow water, and a number of little Night- 



