20 BRITISH HONDURAS. 



simply a matter of observation. If, as will be suggested in a 

 later chapter, a geological survey of the colony is organised, on 

 the same lines as those so exhaustively and so efficiently carried 

 out in Jamaica, Trinidad, and British Guiana, there is no 

 doubt that its true mineral wealth would then be clearly 

 indicated. So far, there are, apparently, some good grounds, 

 for belief in the existence of gold in the quartzy reefs of the 

 Cockscomb country. And in other rocks, especially in the 

 neighbourhood of those of volcanic origin, precious stones and 

 fine crystals may not improbably be found.. I have in my 

 possession fine specimens of jaspar and other stones, picked up 

 in the rivers of the colony, which have been much admired ; and 

 I have no doubt, if the sources of these rivers Were systematically 

 explored, much valuable information would be obtained. 



For the agriculturist, the vast deposits of limestone are of 

 interest as likely to yield good lime ; and the numerous caves 

 and caverns might yield largely bat manure, rich in ammonia 

 and nitrogenous compounds ' invaluable for sugar-cane. The 

 numerous cays might also be examined for guano and phosphates, 

 which, instead of being. exported to other countries, might render 

 the cultivated lands of the colony most productive and remune- 

 rative. Fine building stone and marbles of great beauty are 

 found in numerous sections along the southern rivers, and these 

 will doubtless be utilised as the country becomes more developed 

 and settled. Of wild animals, British Honduras possesses the 

 puma, or Central American lion ; the jaguar, or tiger ; the ocelot, 

 or spotted tiger-cat ; the coyote, a small, wolf -like fox; the peccary, 

 of which there are two kinds the peccary proper, and the white- 

 lipped peccary, or " warree," both formidable animals when met 

 in droves. It is said that the jaguar will never attack warrees 

 when packed, but looks out for the hindermost on a run, or a 

 straggler. The warree has a small hole on the back, over -the 



