INTRODUCTION. XV 
known as “Chalk Cave.” On returning and recrossing the red patch, 
there will be seen on the left hand a deep hollow called ‘‘ Plantain Hole,” 
in which coffee, myrtle, wild cherry, fiddle-wood, and other trees are 
growing and entwining their branches together. 
After leaving this cavernous depression and ascending the steep hill 
above for a short distance the visitor will come suddenly in view of 
Castle Harbor. Descending the slope before him and arriving at the 
shore he will find himself near the Government Limestone Quarry, from 
which large blocks of compact stone have been taken for building forti- 
fications, and which is frequently referred to below in Professor Rice’s 
paper on the geology of the islands. To the southeast is a cave called 
**Cooper’s Hole,” well worth a visit. Returning northwards, along the 
margin of the water, the visitor will perceive a current of water rushing 
almost under his feet, which is supposed to flow under the land from 
Harrington Sound. Still continuing northwards he will soon arrive at 
a rail fence, which, if he follows along through ferns, myrtle, orange, 
&c., will bring him to another deep hollow, called “Little Plantain 
Hole.” At one time this was overrun with citron and orange trees; but 
very few, owing to the great disease of 1854, now remain. Still follow- 
ing the fence he will again arrive at the ruins of the old Paynter home- 
stead, from which he started. Just outside the entrance gate, and across 
the public road, on the shore of Harrington Sound, will be seen a cavern 
in the cliff, which goes by the name of ‘‘ Shark’s Hole.” If a boat can 
be obtained this cavern is well worth investigating, for several species 
of sea-weeds are to be obtained on the rocks on either side; while in the 
recesses of the cave beyond, by the aid of a torch, a beautiful collection 
of stalactites can be seen. A fine collection of stalactites from this 
cave are preserved in the National Museum and in that of Wesleyan 
University, Middletown. 
Tucker's Town.—The land which lies between Paynter Vale and the 
south shore, including the long narrow neck which stretches out east- 
ward to Castle Island, is known as Tucker’s Town. Tucker’s Town 
ponds are favorite resorts of the migratory water birds which visit 
Bermuda from the North American continent during the fall and winter 
months. Along the shores of these ponds the mangrove (Rhizophora) 
grows luxuriantly wherever congenial mud affords its roots a resting 
place. 
The walks about the sand hills near the shore will be found interest- 
ing to the lover of nature, for many interesting maritime plants may be 
