INTRODUCTION. XVIT 
by a bridge. In the torrent below the bridge Mr. Goode discovered 
Amphioxus in 1877, and this vicinity is one of the best collecting grounds 
in the islands. Much may be done by raking up stones and sponges 
from the bottom and examining their interstices for small animals. 
Flatt’s Harbor.—In days of yore this pretty little inlet of the sea pre- 
sented a different aspect, for the shores, particularly at its head, were 
lined with wharves from which good-sized vessels discharged their car- 
goes. It was, in fact, one of the ports of Bermuda, and considerable 
trade was carried on here. Even now the extent of the ruins of several 
houses testifies to their capacity in former times. All, however, now 
wears a look of desolation; the moldering walls with the carved portals 
are draped with the prickly cactus, while gigantic papaws and plantains 
raise their leafy crowns above the whole. 
Gibbons’ Bay.— A bout a quarter of a mile from Flatt’s Village, on the 
north shore road to Hamilton, on the right hand, will be seen a little 
sandy bay, with an island beyond, joined by a causeway of large stone 
blocks to the shore. The little bay to the right is known as Gibbons’ 
Bay. It is an excellent place for collecting shells and sea-weeds, as 
also marine invertebrates, which are common under the stones and sand 
at low water. In the little rock pools here and along the north shore 
occur frequently groups of young Velella, while in the crevices of the 
rocks, after a northerly storm, may be found great masses of Gulf weed 
covered with pelagic crustaceans and hydroids. 
Mount Langton.—Government House is situated on an elevated ridge 
of land, and commands a fine view of the sea-coast all along the north 
shore. The garden contains interesting examples of foreign trees, 
shrubs, and plants. It was here that Lady Turner, between 1826 and 
1832, planted the first weeping willow ever seen in the islands, a spe- 
cies now very common. Governor Reid, about 1841, planted the India- 
rubber trees which stand near the steps leading down to the garden. 
The wampee and litchi trees were also planted by him. The large silk 
cotton trees in the garden were planted by Governor Elliott about 1850, 
and Sir Henry Lefroy, when governor, added largely to the list. 
Peniston’s Pond.—This beautiful little lake, screened from the ocean 
by small hills covered with cedar, lies on the south shore of the islands, 
about a mile and a half west of the Devil’s Hole. 
The waters of Peniston’s Pond are quite brackish, having communi- 
cation with the outer sea by underground channels. In heavy southerly 
storms a perfect stream of water is forced over the shore rocks at the 
