XIV INTRODUCTION. 
The Causeway.—This bridge was constructed in England and sent out 
in pieces. Just at itsend, on the Walsingham side, is a deep pool, 
which is known as “ Blue Hole,” in which many kinds of fish may be 
seen disporting themselves in the clear water. 
Walsingham Caves.—A bout a quarter of a mile up the hilly road which 
leads from the causeway towards Hamilton, stands a small wooden 
shed on the left hand; while on the right, a rough and narrow road 
is seen, which leads to the famous caves which have afforded for many 
years the most singular scenes to be met with in the Bermudas. It 
would take pages to describe properly the various portions of these sub- 
terranean recesses, which present the usual appearance of stalactitic 
halJs and spacious chambers, floored with transparent waters, on which 
no boat has ever yet been launched to explore the darkness beyond. 
- Walsingham.—The grounds about Walsingham are by far the most 
picturesque in the islands, presenting a singular chaotic appearance of 
broken rocks, caverns, and ponds, interspersed with grassy patches and 
thickets in which numerous kinds of trees and shrubs mat their foliage 
with that of the orange and lemon. Here may be found species of plants 
unknown in any other part of the islands, and in the clear waters which 
occur in almost every cavern mouth, the most brilliant-hued fishes may 
beseen. The coffee-tree grows luxuriantly at Walsingham, and a climb- 
ing jasmine overruns both rocks and trees profusely. The soil of this 
district is different to that of other parts, being of a bright brick-red. 
Paynter Vale.—Not far from Walsingham, and snugly ensconced in a 
grove of fine old trees, lies all that remains of the old homestead of the 
Paynter family; the house a complete ruin, with ferns growing out of 
the crevices, and bananas, papaws, and cedars hemming in its remains 
on every side. Near what was formerly the principal entrance gate 
stands a magnificent fiddle-wood tree (Citharexylum), the parent of all 
the fiddle-wood trees in Bermuda. It was brought from Barbadoes about 
the year 1829. 
A little east of the ruined house an avenue of tall tapering cedars leads 
to the old burial place of the family, which has recently been covered 
over with blocks of stone to prevent desecration. Climbing a steep hill 
near by, the visitor finds himself in full view of Harrington Sound, with 
the Flatt’s Bridge and village in the distance, while a little higher he 
will find a patch of red ground, on which it is said nothing in the shape 
of vegetation has ever been known to grow. About 80 yards north- 
wards of this patch, and situate in the adjoining wood, is a small cave, 
