292 Timehri. 



Not always, though ! In the days of the old "Barracouta" tourists often 

 came to the house demanding refreshment, saying the men in the Gardens 

 had told them they would get all they wanted at " Massa house." Xo 

 matter what question was asked the labourers, or in what language it 

 was spoken, they were ready with the same answer, " Go Massa house, 

 talk Missie, she gwine help you ! " Since the office has been at the 

 entrance gate we had fewer visitors on tour. 



Heavy trouble came upon us in March, 1894, when my eldest son, 

 2nd Assistant Analyst and Colour-Sergeant of the Militia, died of acute 

 malaria after a few hours' illness. Less than a year afterwards my elder 

 daughter, who had never recovered the shock of her brother's death, 

 died of the same acute malaria after ten days' illness. Through the 

 kindness of Bishop Butler she was tenderly nursed the whole time by 

 the Sisters of the Convent of Mercy. I cannot write of this time except 

 to speak of the sympathy shown us by all classes. The Government 

 Botanist, Mr. Jenman, and his daughter lifted every possible burden. 



In 1897 my younger daughter was married to Mr. John Williams 

 of the Government Laboratory. So that the house in the Gardens 

 holds the memory of births, marriage and deaths in our family. My two 

 surviving sons are in the United States, but if ever they return to 

 Demerara I am sure they will revisit the Gardens and their old home. 

 They will see many changes, most, if not all, for the better. 



I should like to write of the delight and pleasurable interest we all 

 took in the progress of the Gardens, but it may all be recorded later. 

 The nursery is full of beauty and we watched and waited for many a 

 wonderful fruit or flower. 



The last few years of our life in the Gardens, though only " we two," 

 have been pleasanter a -id easier than we ever thought possible. But the 

 intense loneliness began to tell on our nerves (often we have been the 

 only people in the Gardens) till the night watchman was appointed. 



We lived there 32 years all but one month, yet it was not with 

 unmixed regret I heard our sta}- had been determined. I tried to make 

 myself believe I should be glad to go, but it was a terrible wrench at 

 the last. I left the Gardens at Christmas morning and my husband 

 j elinquished his position on the 31st December, 1913, after 35 years' 

 continuous service. 



It is a matter of surprise generally that we have decided to remain 

 in the colony. Why should we go away ? We have " troops of friends " 

 here ! 



We have been to England and America at different times but are 

 always glad to get back to Demerara. 



We hope to re-visit both places, but we shall return undoubtedly. 

 Have we not "eaten labba and drunk creek water?" And we shall 

 be content to wait the traditional result and take our final rest 

 in Demerara. 



