PINE-KIDGE. 57 



the Hondu and the New Elvers, almost all the way from Indian 

 Church to Corosal. Another large pine-ridge exists to the west 

 of Alligator Pond, and between it and the mouth of the Northern 

 Eiver. 



To the north of the Belize Eiver, an extensive pine-ridge 

 occupies the country between it and New Eiver lagoon, some 

 20 or 25 miles across. To the south of the river Belize, there 

 is John Young's pine-ridge, over which passes the road to the 

 western frontier, and which should also greatly facilitate the 

 construction of a railway in the same direction. 



In the neighbourhood of All Pines, as already noticed, there 

 is a large pine-ridge connected by several other smaller ones, so 

 that a person might ride continuously over an open, park-like 

 country, for some thirty or forty miles. It is estimated that 

 about one-third of the area of British Honduras, at present 

 known, is composed of pine-ridge country, having the geological 

 and botanical characteristics above indicated. 



The pine (Pinus cubensis), the chief plant of the pine- 

 ridges, is probably the most abundant tree in the colony ; but 

 the timber is used locally to a small extent only for building 

 purposes, owing, it is said, to the difficulty experienced in 

 sawing it. The wood is heavy, and, if properly seasoned, might 

 be very durable. Its chief use at present, however, is as fuel, 

 and in making torches. The latter are extensively used at the 

 mahogany works ; and, indeed, but for the pine torches the 

 hauling of mahogany, which, on account of the heat and the 

 flies (mosquitoes), takes place chiefly at night, could not be 

 carried on. For railway sleepers, the pine-wood, carefully 

 selected, should prove most valuable. There is an impression in 

 the colony that two species of pine exist on the pine-ridges, 

 which are distinguished as white and yellow pine, and supposed 

 to be characterised in the one case by rather smooth and com- 



