4O4 oN THE ANDAMAN ISLANDS. 



found in a wild state j but it is remarkable that cocoa- 

 nuts, so common in other tropical countries, are here 

 almost unknown. Many of the trees afford timbers 

 and planks fit for the construction of ships, and 

 others might answer for masts. A tree grows here 

 ro an enormous size, one having been found to mea- 

 sure thirty feet in circumference, producing a very 

 rich dye, that might be of use in manufactures. 



The only quadrupeds yet discovered in these islands 

 are wrid hogs, monkeys, and rats. Guanas, and va- 

 rious reptiles abound ; among the latter is the green 

 snake, very venomous ; centipedes often inches long, 

 and scorpions. 



A variety of birds are seen in the woods; the most 

 common are pigeons, crows, parroquets, king fishers, 

 curlews, fish-hawks, and owls. A species of hum- 

 ming bird, whose notes are not unlike the cuckoo, is 

 frequently heard in the night. 



The principal caverns and recesses, composing part 

 of the coast, give shelter to the birds that build the 

 edible nests: an article of commerce in the China mar- 

 ket, where they are sold at a very high price. It has 

 been thought that these nests are formed from a gluti- 

 nous matter exuding from the sides of the caverns 

 where these birds, during their nidirication, resort. 

 It is not known whether they emigrate; but the period 

 of their incubation takes place in December, and con- 

 tinues till May. Not more than two white spotless 



r s have been found in their nests ; but they have 

 been further supposed to breed monthly. 



The harbours and inlets from the sea are plentifully 

 '■:.<>.' with a variety of fish; such as mullets, soles., 



