12 



and up James River, these oysters have been 

 found grouped on the arms of trees and shrubs 

 that spread out their branches horizontally from 

 the banks, and are washed by the flood tide, 

 and dry on the ebb. 



THE Bahama Islands and adjacent reefs pro- 

 duce many interesting shells, as the Ostrea 

 Margaritifera, (Pearl Oyster); Paper Nauti- 

 lus ; some fine Chitons, there called Sand Tur-r 

 ties ; and Corals of great beauty. The Conch 

 that contains the highly valued pink pearl, is 

 to be found there ; petrified stumps of the Palm- 

 tree, some of which are very fine ; many va- 

 rieties of Madrepore, Sponge-coral, Gorgonia, 

 and a curious little animal called Hypocam- 

 pus; birds of great variety, insects, and a mul- 

 titude of other interesting subjects, are brought 

 from thence. The romantic caves, and mag- 

 nificent coral reefs that adorn the island of 



