314 SOUTH-WEST FLORIDA. 



that these canals were dug by the Yamassecs. We think 

 that a thorough examination should be made of these* 

 ancient works by the Smithsonian authorities, as such 

 an investigation might lead to interesting developments 

 regarding the earlier races inhabiting the south-west 

 portion of the peninsula. In addition to the canals 

 referred to, the large Indian mounds on the south-west 

 coast deserve examination. Such an exploration would 

 fall within the legitimate sphere of the institution re 

 ferred to, and the expense incurred would be trifling 

 compared to probable results. During the trip,, birds, 

 fish, and marine and fresh-water alga3 could be collected, 

 and the institution benefited thereby. 



Leaving Pine Island, with its hospitable inhabitants, 

 we made for Bird Key, one mile west of Useppi. This 

 small island consists of about forty acres, and is covered 

 with large mangrove trees. At one time it boasted of 

 inhabitants, for where we landed the shore had been 

 carefully paved with large clam shells. It is the rookery, 

 or roosting place, for the multitudes of birds that frequent 

 Charlotte Harbor. On the island will be found pelicans, 

 gannet, cormorants, water turkeys, cranes, and herons of 

 all kinds, sizes, and descriptions. A person desirous of 

 collecting ornithological specimens would find this a de 

 sirable locality. In the evening we amused ourselves by 

 shooting white herons for their plumes, and the noise 

 made by the birds after each discharge beggars all de 

 scription. We left Bird Key and adjoining coast islands, 

 after devoting a couple of days to their examination. 



Wending our way homeward, we reached the north 

 ern end of Gasparilla Island, and came to a halt for a 

 time. We had been sceptical regarding the fish stories 

 that had been told us about the fish in this region, but after 



