— 15 -= 



present day ; the whole forming a unique and singular for- 

 mation. 



At this elevation you come to an open spot, easy of ascent. 



The whole island is covered with Palms, Vacoas &c. ; of 

 which I observed the following. The Areca Alba, which grows 

 also in the Mauritius, 



The Jubea spectahilis, that is not indigenous to any other 

 part of the known world. The base of this palm, has the 

 singular form of a water bottle. 



The Pandanus VandermeeecMi , which was discovered by our 

 friend some years ago, and who sent specimens of it to the 

 Botanical Gardens at Ghent, where they received the above 

 name. This is a different species of Vacoa, from the one used 

 for making the sugar bags. 



The Latania glaucopMlla grows in vast numbers, and is 

 native only of this and the neighbouring islands. 



The Veloutiers^ grow here also, and doubtless many other 

 plants on the side less exposed to the influence of the strong 

 S. E. winds ; but I had no time to go there. 



In Col. Lloyd's report, written 25 years ago, he mentions a 

 belt of forest trees, such as Boisde Ronde,EboDy, Benjoin and 

 others ; but they must have been all cut down or destroyed 

 for we saw no traces of them- 



Here and there are patches of grass ; the creeping Cyna- 

 don, Citronelle, and common Turfing grass were all I saw. 



The Ipomoea, maritima I found growing at an elevation of 

 800 feet ; the seeds doubtless having been brought by birds. 



The only fern I discovered was a small Adiantum can- 

 datum, the species growing in the Mauritius. 



There were wild Goats and Rabbits but both shy. 



Large Lizards, of I think the genus Lacerta, were numerous. 

 They were very tame, and seemed to look on man with aston- 

 ishment. I captured several alive with my hands, but they 

 can bite, pretty sharply when hurt. A small species of Qeclco, 

 the Scincus Telfairii was very common, but the little creatures 

 were so active, that they were with difficulty caught. 



* Tournefotia argentea, ]jin. 



