CHAP. IV. RETURN TO PORT LOUIS, 83 



they were covered with the richest verdure, amongst which 

 hung garlands of graceful creepers, while arums often lined 

 the borders of the stream, altogether affording most enticing 

 bits of scenery, heightened in effect by the mimic cascades or 

 waterfalls which foamed along amongst the fragments of rock 

 and stone. Near this scene I came, in the course of my walk, 

 upon a sort of lady's garden concealed by evergreens and 

 flowering shrubs, and containing a choice collection of plants, 

 many of them in flower, especially the passion-flowers of 

 nearly every hue, and the rich crimson Poiwea coccinea, 

 almost dazzling in the bright rays of the morning sun. 



In the vicinity of the house, on both sides, were a number 

 of remarkable trees. A fine spreading banyan, not the largest 

 I had seen, but one of the most perfect specimens of a young- 

 tree, attracted my attention, as well as a beautiful Indian 

 acacia on the opposite side of the house, while the groups of 

 magnificent sago trees were alike singular and beautiful. 



On returning, I was glad to unite in the morning worship 

 of the family, which was conducted with great propriety and 

 seriousness. At the breakfast, which immediately followed, 

 the large dish of freshly gathered strawberries, with which the 

 repast concluded, reminded me, in a very agreeable manner, 

 as did many circumstances and scenes in Mauritius, of similar 

 enjoyments formerly shared while residing at the foot of the 

 Pyrenees in France. 



As the governor went on the same day to Port Louis to 

 preside at the Legislative Council, I was glad to take a seat 

 on the box of his carriage ; and the day being rather cooler 

 than usual, there was something quite inspiriting — reviving 

 recollections of stage-coach days in England — in setting off 

 behind four well-bred and well-appointed horses, in high 

 spirits, and seeming as if they liked to hear the music 

 of their hoofs pattering in concert as they trotted along the 

 smooth macadamised road. 



G 2 I 



