INTRODUCTION. XxI 
formerly grew. At the east end of the hills may be seen the gradual 
decay of cedar stumps, exhibiting more clearly the several stages of 
change, which are the more worthy of study in consequence of the light 
they throw upon the many curious chimney-pot looking structures every- 
where to be met with on the Bermuda shores. 
Indeed, the naturalist, on carefully observing the whole appearance 
of these sand hills, and taking into consideration the facts which are so 
prominently placed before him, will be able to form a very fair idea of 
the circumstances under which the Bermudas attained their present 
elevation after the great submergence. 
At the foot of these hills, along the shore, runs a charming stretch 
of sandy beach. 
At low water, and almost within wading distance of the beach, will 
be seen a series of “ boilers” as they are locally termed, 7. ¢., rounded 
masses of rock hollowed within, containing sea water, having their mar- 
gins raised by incrusting serpule. The origin of these boilers, which 
occur all round the shores, has never been satisfactorily ascertained, 
and would form a very interesting source of inquiry for any one desirous 
of advancing scientific knowledge. 
The Royal Engineer Quarries.—These quarries, where the most com- 
pact stone to be found in the islands is procured for the purpose of 
building fortifications and other Government work, are situate upon 
the shore about a quarter of a mile east of the sand hills. 
The Light-house.—This commanding structure, which possesses one of 
the most powerful lights in the world, is situate on the summit of Gibb’s 
Hill. The light itself stands 362 feet above the sea level. From an 
elevation of only 10 feet above the water it can be clearly seen at a 
distance of 25 miles, while at 40 feet it can be easily distinguished 30 
miles off. 
There are some very pretty little coves under the light-house, having 
their shores irregularly indented by rocks which have in some places 
become detached from the cliffs above. Upon these rocks, and on the 
sides of the cliffs, grows a pretty species of stock (Matthiola), and in 
holes burrowed in the more friable rock, the tropic bird (Phaéton) makes 
its nest. Many species of alge can be collected about the shore, and 
the conchologist must not forget that it was under stones at this locality 
where the Rev. J. B. Freer, in 1861, discovered the fine Pupa, an inch 
in length, which has never been taken since. Here, too, occurs in great 
quantities Imperator calcar, and also occasionally the large Echinus 
esculentus. 
