THE BAHAMA ISLANDS 225 



Sesuvium portulacastrum L. being the characteristic growth. A considerable 

 part of the dry area of the low coppice is set with scattered Coccothrinax 

 jucunda Sarg. (Silver-thatch palms), some specimens 12 feet high. In lower 

 and damper places the Thrinax bahamensis Cook (Goat palm) takes its place. 

 Both of these palms were in bloom during our visit. The flowers of the first 

 had a disagreeable, fetid odor, while those of the second had a pleasant, honey- 

 like fragrance. The latter palm is lower than the first, not often reaching 

 over 6 feet. The low coppice in which these palms were scattered was com- 

 posed principally of Pithecolobium keyense Britton (Barn's horn), Jacquinia 

 keyensis Mez (Joe-bush), Reynosia septentrionalis Urban (Darling plum), 

 Colubrina colubrina (L.) Millsp. (Wild coffee), Cassia lineata Sw., and 

 Antirrhcea myrtifolia (Griseb.) Urban, the latter with delightfully fragrant 

 flowers. The higher coppice on the hills was of the usual sort, but contained, 

 in addition to the plants ordinarily found on New Providence, Guaiacum 

 sanctum L. (Lignum vitae), which was very attractive with its pretty blue 

 flowers. Covering the barren rocks behind the beach was a low growth of 

 Ernodea littoralis Sw., which, unlike any others seen, had white flowers; 

 Genipa clusiifolia (Jacq.) Griseb., Catesbcea fasciculata Northrop, and An- 

 tirrhcea myrtifolia. Passiflora fcetida L. was growing among these scrubs, and 

 extended in some cases almost to the edge of the water. One specimen was 

 standing perfectly erect in a pocket of sand near the shore. Extending across 

 the bare sand of the beach was Cassytha filiformis L., attaching itself to the 

 plants that came in its way. At places where its yellow filaments came into 

 contact with the sand, suckers were produced which caught hold of the soil 

 particles and helped to secure the stems in position. Plate XLVII, Fig. 2, 

 shows the beach on Green Cay with the low coppice in background. 



CURRENT SETTLEMENT, ELEUTHERA. 



The island at this point is about one-half mile wide and trends approxi- 

 mately north and south. The town is situated on the east side and about a 

 mile below it the island is cut through by a deep current bordered by solid 

 rock cliffs. The west beach is very rocky, but in places there are sandy areas 

 of considerable extent. In one of these sand inlets grew a fine clump of large 

 and small Inodes palmetto (Walt.) Cook (Thatch palm). They occupied a 

 marshy depression where they were no doubt able to procure practically 

 fresh water. Between the palms and the beach was a fine garden of 

 Hymenocallis in full bloom. Here also grew Corchorus hirsutus L., 

 15 



