INTRODUCTION. XIX 
the trunks of the mangrove trees near the mud. Melampus flavus and 
M. FRedfieldti also occur in abundance under stones at the edge of the 
mud Near the entrance to this bay on the eastern side will be seen 
the ruins of a building formerly used us a magazine. A battery existed 
here also. 
It was just inside the mouth of the bay that, in the month of January, 
1860, the largest example of the ribbon fish (Regalecus) ever yet seen 
was captured. The head and some other portions of the fish were for- 
warded as a present to the British Museum. The total length of the 
specimen was 16 feet 7 inches. 
Regaining the public road again, the visitor is now only a mile or so 
from the capital town of the islands. 
Hamilton.—Incorporated June 30, 1793, and named after the then goy- 
ernor, Henry Hamilton, the town has very slowly but steadily increased 
in size. 
Below the hill on which the Sessions House stands is the ‘ Public 
Building,” erected in 1839. Here are the ‘“‘Custom-House,” “ Colonial 
Office,” ‘‘ Public Library,” ‘“ Council Chamber,” &c., while on the land- 
ing of the upper staircase are a few cases containing enough natural 
history specimens to make the visitor regret that the inhabitants do not 
possess sufficient enterprise to establish a museum. No place in the 
world presents the facilities Bermuda does for the collection of marine 
specimens; and as nearly all could be preserved in alcohol, there is less 
excuse for the omission. It is hoped, however, that ere long the tide 
of improvement will at last reach ‘‘the remote Bermudas,” and that 
institutions generally established in other communities for their benefit 
and satisfaction will be considered necessary in this. 
There are several interesting localities within walking distance of 
Hamilton which will well repay the trouble taken in reaching them. 
Proceeding along the public road going to the eastward, skirting 
the shore of Hamilton Harbor, and before the end of the harbor is 
reached, there may be seen four fine specimens of the cabbage palm 
(Oreodoxa oleracea) with trunks as smooth as ivory, and bearing above 
the curious bunch of foliage which, from its resemblance to the vege- 
table in question, has given the tree its name. One or two specimens 
of the cocoanut palm (Cocos nucifera), are also to be seen here, as well as 
numerous shrubs, natives of the West Indies. At the end of the wall 
which skirts this property will be seen in a cottage garden a tree pos- 
sessing to all appearances crimson leaves. This is the fire plant, or 
