GREGAEIOUS TREES. 369 



curious phenomenon. In some eases it is doubtless 

 the congeniality of the soil or circumstances that is 

 the cause, the plant being in some way or other 

 adapted to the place ; but it would be difficult so to 

 account for the fact in every case of its occurrence. 

 In some districts at the eastern extremity of the 

 island, and around Black River, the Opoponax, a 

 species of Acacia {A. tortuosa, I believe), is said to 

 have extended itself over such tracts as to be quite a 

 pest. On the banks of the Cobre, just behind Spanish- 

 town, species of Inga are particularly abundant. 

 Between Kingston and the city just named the 

 traveller sees nothing for long distances but Lignum 

 vitcB trees, lovely indeed as they are with their com- 

 pact dark-green forms, and splendid azure blossoms. 

 To come nearer Bluefields, at Crabpond Point, there 

 is a considerable tract along the sea-shore densely 

 covered with a species of fan-leafed Palm (I believe a 

 Thrinax) of small size, not more than twelve or 

 fifteen feet high ; and the open slopes of CuUoden 

 and the eastern part of Mount Edgecumbe are 

 studded with multitudes of a similar Palm, but grow- 

 ing to loftier proportions. Near Belmont dense and 

 perfectly unapproachable thickets run along the 

 margin of the sea, formed of the Nickar {Guilandina 

 honduc), of which the long stems, the leaf-ribs, and 

 the flattened valves of the seed-pods are alike covered 

 with the most terrific hooked spines. I do not think 

 so much of the beautiful and aromatic Pimento, that 

 clothes these park-like estates, because its growth is 

 cherished for the sake of its spicy fruit; though 

 there is reason to believe it would naturally grow in 



R 5 



