XAYMACA; THE ISLAND OF MANY RIVERS 331 



We spent several days in Kingston, and saw 

 at the West Indian exhibition the wonderful 

 natural products of the various islands, and 

 noticed the scarcity of manufactured articles, 

 save the most simple and primitive. Our only 

 purchases were some artistic baskets made by 

 the Caribs of St. Vincent. But one product 

 overshadowed all others, and that was the distilled 

 and fermented liquors, not only from the islands, 

 but from Europe and the United States as well. 

 Displayed conspicuously, with every variety of 

 arrangement, offered in enticing form, all known 

 kinds of whiskey, rum, brandy, cognac, and beer 

 seemed represented. I marvelled to find any one 

 sober. We made many pleasant acquaintances 

 during our brief stay, and enjoyed the quaint 

 hospitality of the inn, known as Park Lodge, 

 with its clean beds and excellent Creole cuisine. 



On our return to " Boston " immediate prepara- 

 tions began for our homeward journey, as we 

 knew to our cost the endless delays and vexation 

 of native methods. The beauty of the scenery, 

 the quiet charm of the life so possessed us, that 

 we left our feudal estate, our vassals and retainers, 

 with many regrets. Who can paint the glory of 

 land and sea that spread away at our feet, from 

 the terrace at " Boston." Each day varied the 

 outlook an everchanging scene of life and color. 

 Now the details appear in the backward vista. 



