2i2 JONES ON THE VEGETATION OF THE BERMUDAS. 



caroUnensiSf) as the agent, for these birds visit the islands nearly 

 every winter in small flocks, often being blown off the American 

 coast. A flock of these birds with crops well charged with cedar 

 berries, leaving the American coast before a westerly gale, could 

 land on the islands in twenty hours, if not less, and the seeds would 

 have lost none of their vitality. With the West Indian form it is 

 different. Few migratory birds visit the Bermudas from the West 

 Indies, on their return north in spring, keeping to the continent in 

 their progress ; so we can only look to the Gulf Stream current as 

 a means of transportation in the case of this species. Many of the 

 trees, shrubs, and plants of North America must certainly have 

 been introduced by birds, a large number of species, natives of that 

 continent, annually visiting the islands. The waders and water 

 birds could easily retain small seeds in the mud adhering to the 

 soles of their feet, which would not be released until at the end of 

 their lengthy but soon accomplished flight, they alighted on the 

 shores or in the marshes of the Bermudas. Probably all the fruit- 

 bearing trees have been introduced by the inhabitants, as have also 

 the palms, with the exception of the palmetto. 



Many additions have been made to the flora during the last two 

 years through the assiduity of His Excellency the Governor, who 

 from his first arrival in the colony has paid particular attention to 

 the growth of new trees, shrubs, and plants. During the past year 

 His Excellency has sown and distributed throughout the islands 

 packets of seeds from Kew, representing no less than 600 species, 

 principally of trees and shrubs suited to sandy coast soils, which 

 we sincerely trust may grow and thrive, so that in future years the 

 inhabitants may enjoy the benefit of a more suitable arborescent 

 vegetation, and remember with gratitude the name of their bene- 

 factor. 



In the foregoing brief sketch of the physical aspect of the 

 Bermudas, we have endeavoured to exhibit the more interesting 

 particulars, in order that the readers of this paper may possess a 

 fair idea of this oceanic land which is rarely visited by naturalists ; 

 while in conclusion we cannot fail to mention the kind assistance 

 we have received from His Excellency the Governor, who in the 

 most liberal manner placed a long list of the plants of the islands 



