30 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 
avoided. As we rode, the perspiration fairly dripped from our faces, 
although 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 
