164 



tion, in the name of Mr. Crispin, and we were 

 immediately settled in the dwelling house at- 

 tached to it. It consisted of one story only, as 

 most of the houses in that country are so built,, to 

 preserve them from hurricanes and earthquakes. 

 A viranda extended along the Avest and south 

 sides, ornamented with oleanders, African roses, 

 grenadillas, passion flowers, and other lovely 

 plants, trained to the pillars. To the north-west 

 lay a flower garden, inclosed by a hedge of the 

 Barbadoes flower-fence. At ten or twelve feet 

 from the ground, the stem of this beautiful and 

 extraordinary plant divides into several spreading 

 branches^ armed at each joint with strong crooked 

 spines ; and every branch terminates in a loose 

 spike of flowers, which are something like carna- 

 tions, and which combine the most glowing mix- 

 ture of red, orange, and green, accompanied by 

 a strong, but agreeable smell. I shall mention 

 only one more feature of this charming spot : the 

 garden was sheltered by a large Pimento, grove ; 

 and, as you are acquainted with this beautiful 

 species of myrtle, which produces the allspice, 

 you may imagine how delightful I must have 

 found its fragrance, and its shade, in that sultry 

 climate. 



The violent resolutions I had made to abjure 

 my former errors, and to devote myself to my 

 household duties, now led me into the opposite 

 extreme ; I entered into every little detail with 



