INTRODUCTION. XI 
years after 1842. Southampton Island was also fortified for the same pur- 
pose as Castle Island. 
Nearly opposite Southampton Island, but at some little distance from 
the shore on the south side, stands “‘Gurnet Rock,” an isolated mass, very 
interesting to an ornithologist, from its being almost the only spot in the 
Bermudas where breeds that rare bird, the dusky shearwater (Puffinus ob- 
scurus), which is evidently the curious bird mentioned by Capt. John 
Smith in his account of the Bermudas (which is included in his “ History 
of Virginia”) about two centuries ago, under the name of the “‘ cahow.” 
The rock cannot be landed upon in safety, owing to the almost continued 
swell of the ocean; and many are the hair-breadth ’scapes that have 
occurred when enthusiastic naturalists, who are somewhat rare in the 
Bermudas, have daringly attempted the task. The last effort was made 
by Lieutenant Reid, R. E., about 1874. Getting as near as possible in 
the boat, he had to make a spring just as the swell lifted her up the side 
of the rock; but although he luckily succeeded in making good his foot- 
ing, he received some severe bruises from the jagged nature of the sur- 
face. His embarkation was happily effected without injury, and he had 
the pleasure of carrying home a fine young specimen of the bird which 
he had secured. 
After passing Southampton Island the western shore of Nonsuch Island 
comes in view. This island now belongs to the military department. 
Several rare species of mollusks may be obtained in the sandy bays of 
its southern shore. 
Cooper’s Island next claims attention ; here many shells and sea-weeds 
are to be found, as well as a few interesting plants growing on the 
sandy hillocks which are such conspicuous features in its scenery. If 
the day should be calm instead of breezy, the visitor will do well to 
pay attention to the curious objects beneath the waters of the harbor. 
The bottom is everywhere studded with reefs, on which grow corals, gor- 
gonias, sponges, &c., in profusion, and if the boat be provided with a 
air of long-handled nippers, any quantity of specimens may be obtained. 
Mullet Bay— About half a mile from St. George’s, is Mullet Bay, one 
of the many pretty little inlets with which the islands are everywhere 
indented. 
Stock’s Point.—Past Mullet Bay, and forming its western shore, runs 
out toward Castle Harbor an irregular promontory known as Stock’s 
Point. At the extreme end of this point, and situate in a pretty nook, 
is the residence of Mr. J. T. Bartram, whose collection of Bermudian 
Stuffed birds and fishes is the only one of its kind in the islands. 
