THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA. 73 



sarsaparilla root, turtle shells, and some of the more 

 expensive woods. Their trade is usually carried on 

 at one of the islands or keys in the bay, to which 

 they convey their articles of exchange. Hogs, fowls, 

 turtles, and the usual variety of tropical fruits are 

 to be obtained here in considerable quantities. These 

 people often visit Navy Bay and Chagres with these 

 articles to sell. 



Spanish vessels usually keep clear from this coast, 

 for it is well known that no quarter would be given 

 them if they should fall into the hands of the Men- 

 dingoes. Indian corn, plantains, bananas, cassava, 

 and other articles for domestic use, are grown by 

 them. The men cut the trees, excepting always 

 the cocoanut, and partially clear the ground, while 

 the women and children plant or sow, and cultivate 

 the crop. After the first harvest they set fire to the 

 dry stocks, which burn with the fallen trees, leaving 

 the ground without obstruction for a future use. 

 Fishing is followed as an occupation, to some extent ; 

 large fish are often shot in shallow water, with ar- 

 rows. The turtles are of excellent quality, and in 

 great quantities. The hawk's-bill turtle is taken 

 alive, and a fire kindled upon its back, which is al- 

 lowed to burn until the pieces may be easily removed, 

 care being taken not to allow too much heat, lest it 

 spoil the shell. It is said that this treatment is some- 

 times survived, and that the shell is reproduced in 

 one continuous piece over the whole back. 



In the vicinity of the Chagres river, many of 

 the natives own large tracts of land, but with very 



