A. EF. Verrill—The Bermuda Islands. 468 
or 
(op) 
the rain-water. But in many places on sloping hillsides, platforms 
are built of similar slabs of stone to conduct the rain-water into 
large cisterns at the base of the slope, as at Castle Island. (See 
plate Ixxix, fig. 1.) 
4,.— Fallen Caverns and Natural Fish Ponds. 
In many places small and deep valleys or abrupt depressions 
occur, which are called “sinks” or “plantation holes.” Most of 
these, if not all, have been caused by the falling in of roofs of 
caverns, which are of frequent occurrence here. Vegetation is often 
luxuriant in such places, owing to the rich soil, increased moisture 
and heat, and the shelter from the high winds. . 
When these sinks are formed by the falling in of caverns that 
extend below sea-level, they result in the formation of excellent 
natural fish-ponds, for they have subterranean connections with the 
sea that serve to renew the water constantly and keep it pure. 
Many of these exist. The one best known is the “ Devils Hole,’” 
situated close to the west end of Harrington Sound. ‘This is about 
100 feet across, and the water is said to be about 40 feet deep. It is 
now enclosed and kept stocked with a large number of fishes, mostly 
Hamlet Groupers, for exhibition purposes. It is a place of much 
interest to visitors. (See p. 436.) Three ponds of the same kind are 
situated near the old Walsingham house, close to the shore of Castle 
Harbor. The largest of these contains several fine sea-turtles. The 
others contain many bright-colored fishes of various kinds. Another 
very interesting pool of this kind may be seen close by the road- 
side on Coney Island, just after crossing the causeway that leads to 
this island. It is on the right hand side of the road, and only 
separated from it by a rough board fence. It has perpendicular and 
overhanging rocky sides, but at the bottom there is a considerable 
depth of clean, transparent water. Ina calm day large numbers of 
interesting fishes, some of them of large size, can be seen leisurely 
hunting for food among the masses of fallen rock at the bottom. 
But they suddenly disappear into the cavernous places at the least 
alarm. The principal fishes noticed here were the “Sea Lawyers” 
or Gray Snappers, which took the initiative in all the evolutions, 
and whose movements all the others followed in case of supposed 
danger. 
There were also large blue Parrot-fishes, Pilot-fishes, and several 
other kinds. They are said to have entered this place through small 
