AO Observations by T. A. Conrad 
tide water. Within a short distance is a much larger island and 
more elevated, with a dense forest except a narrow strip of cleared 
land which extends quite across the key, (here about half a mile 
in width,) planted with orange, lime, and other fruit trees. I 
found here the Succinea avara, Say; Polygyra plicata, P. sep- 
temvolva, and Achatina fasciata. Along the shore I observed 
Spirula Peronit, Janthina fragilis, Carditomera floridana, &c. — 
Among the fossils, I found Lucina tigrina, Strombus pugillus, 
&c., and as I have not the specimens at present to refer to, I am 
éotntpelled to defer my list of the Post-pliocene shells we the 
eys. 
' "These Keys are numerous, all having a similar origin and differ 
only in size and shape. They are situated in some of the most 
beautiful sheets of water that adorn the shores of any continent. 
Around Indian Key the different colors of the shoals were depiet- 
ed on the surface of the unruffled water, and the tints heightened 
by the rays of the declining sun, were inconceivably beautiful. 
This halcyon sea is bordered by a long line of coral reef, and is 
navigable for small vessels; but in places the intricate chaititiel 
demands a skillful pilot. The Poinsett by some accident got out 
of her course and grounded on acoral bank. We had been some 
time running in water so shoal that the bottom was distinctly 
visible, and when we struck I observed variously colored Gorgo- 
nias and white Madrepores which strongly reminded me of a 
flower garden, beneath the clear water of this shallow sea. The 
weather was beautiful, and the novelty of the scene united to its 
extreme lovliness made an indelible impression on my mind. 
I have no doubt the islands all rest on coral reefs, and their 
élevation above the sea is due to the movement which has raised 
the Post-pliocene of the peninsula. 
Key West, one of the largest of the group, is a well known 
spot. Cocoa nut trees grow in the streets of the village, back of 
which seems to be an interminable forest. A variety of sponges 
line the beach, and many of the shells of Cuba occur here. 
of the town in the shallow cavities of the rock, I found Fascie- 
laria tulipa, Nerita peloronta, and abundance uf Fusus corona, 
Lam., some in the water and others in the moist limy earth, 
whieh i m Places covers the fro West of the town is a sand- 
| appearing, and upon. this several forms of cup 
\e ‘sponges are very abundant. 
