328 THE FARMEh AT HOME. 



or less abundant. However, in most varieties there is not a large 

 quantity ; and it is calculated that two hundred and sixty pounds of 

 bone dust less than six bushels are sufficient for all the phosphates 

 contained in the crops which are procured from an acre, in a rotation 

 of four years, in turneps, barley, clover, and wheat. Some lands will 

 exhibit the benefit of such a dressing for twice or thrice that time. 



PITCH LAKE OF TRINIDAD. Near point La Braye, Tar 

 Point, the name assigned to it on account of its characteristic feature, 

 in the island of Trinidad, is a lake which, at the first view, appears 

 to be an expanse of still water, but which, on a nearer approach, is 

 found to be an extensive plain of mineral pitch, with frequent crevices 

 and chasms filled with water. On its being visited in the autumnal 

 season, the singularity of the scene was so great, that it required some 

 time for the spectators to recover themselves from their surprise, so as 

 to examine it minutely. The surface of the lake was of an ash color, 

 and not polished or smooth, so as to be slippery, but of such a con- 

 sistence as to bear any weight. It was not adhesive, although it re- 

 ceived in part the impression of the foot, and could be trodden without 

 any tremulous motion, several head of cattle browsing on it in perfect 

 security. In the summer season, however, the surface is much more 

 yielding, and in a state approaching to fluidity, as is evidenced by 

 pieces of wood and other substances, recently thrown in, having been 

 found enveloped in it. Even large branches of trees, which were a 

 foot above the level, had, in some way, become enveloped in the bitu- 

 minous matter. 



The interstices, or chasms, are very numerous, ramifying and join- 

 ing in every direction ; and being filled with water in the wet season, 

 present the only obstacle to walking over the surface. These cavities 

 are in general deep in proportion to their width, and many of them 

 unfathomable : the water they contain is uncontaminated by the pitch, 

 and is the abode of a variety of fishes. The arrangement of the 

 chasms is very singular, the sides invariably shelving from the surface, 

 so as nearly to meet at the bottom, and then bulging out towards each 

 other with a considerable degree of convexity. Several of them have 

 been known to close up entirely, without leaving any mark or seam. 

 The pitch lake of Trinidad contains many islets covered with grass 

 and shrubs, which are the haunts of birds of the most exquisite 

 plumage. Its precise extent cannot, any more than its depth, be 

 readily ascertained, the line between it and the neighboring soil not 

 being well defined ; but its main body may be estimated at three 

 miles in circumference. It is bounded on the north and west by the 

 sea, and on the south by a rocky eminence, and on the east by the 

 usual argillaceous soil of the country. 



PLAYFULNESS OF ANIMALS. Small birds chase each other 

 about in play, but perhaps the conduct of the crane and the trumpeter 

 is the most extraordinary. The latter stands on one leg, hops about 



