30 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 



avoided. As we rode, the perspiration fairly dripped from our faces, 

 altlioLigh we were moving at a slow walk, causing us no exertion 

 whatever. Soon the path became so bad that the horses could go 

 no farther, so we had to dismount and follow our guide on foot. 

 He led us over rocks and through tangled vines for about a quarter 

 of a mile, until at last we came to what appeared to be a well, 

 descending perpendicularly for about twelve feet, which he stated 

 was the entrance to the cave. Into this opening we descended, by 

 the aid of a rope, and found ourselves in a large, low chamber, 

 extending in all directions as far as we could see. It was so low 

 that it was necessary to move about in a stooping position, at times 

 crawling on the hands and knees. The floor was perfectly smooth 

 and level, and of a rich brown color, being composed of a deep 

 deposit of guano. After penetrating for some distance, and finding 

 nothing of interest, we turned about and made our way back to the 

 entrance. The air outside was cool in comparison with the oven- 

 like temperature of the narrow passages through which we had 

 crawled, and it was with a feeling of relief that, upon reaching the 

 place where we had left the horses, we once more mounted them 

 and turned their heads homeward. 



After riding for some time, we came upon a small hut, which 

 offered a comparatively cool shelter, and feeling that it would be 

 unsafe to proceed farther during the heat of the day, we led the 

 tired animals to a shady corner, and stretching ourselves upon the 

 stone floor, alternately smoked and slept until the sun had disap- 

 peared behind the hills in the distance. A refreshing breeze had 



