73 
a kind of gourd, and still more surprising, a high-climbing dew- 
flower (Commelina). This plant with its stout fleshy stems and 
branches climbs all over the limbs of the pond-apple trees, often 
reaching to the highest branches. Air-plants were represented 
by both orchids and bromeliads. 
About noon we passed between Torry and Kreamer islands 
and went into Pelican harbor where we dropped anchor. As 
soon as the “‘Lida’’ was made secure we boarded the ‘‘ Highball”’ 
and hurried over to the northern end of Kreamer island several 
miles to the westward and spent the afternoon in making a 
large collection in the hammocks. The vegetation for the most 
part was similar to that of Torry island but eae rather 
more varied. eres to the “Lida”’ ighed anchor and 
moved up into the so which connects pea harbor with 
Pelican Lake, just as ae sun was going down. The scenery 
there was enchanting, and the birds of various kinds were congre- 
gating in their respective rookeries which were the largest and 
most fantastic I have seen in southern Florida. As the moon was 
rising we anchored in this sound surrounded by floating islands 
of water-hyacinth and water-lettuce. These floating epee 
varying in size from a few rods to acres in extent, are at tim 
blown about by the wind with almost incredible ee 
Sometimes the outlook would be ae clear, then in a few 
moments our boats would be surroun ry masses of these 
lan ow this South American seat got into Lake Okee- 
chobee I do not know, nor how long it has been there will probably 
never be known. It may have been brought by birds coming 
from the south or it may have floated down the Kissimmee River, 
for the distance of several hundred miles after it was introduced 
into northern Florida. The lake and some of its branches have 
proved very congenial to eget os and I doubt if it 
grows more aera tie in eects enough 
it does not prove much of an impediment to navigation. We 
successfully made our way through formidable foliage masses 
acres in extent almost at full speed; but not so in the case of the 
inconspicuous pondweed. Progress through a growth of this 
plant is well nigh impossible, except with a weedless propeller. 
