1 88 2.] Barbados. 211 



casionally a shark's fin may be seen in close proximity, the divers 

 ply their vocation without paying any attention to the rapacious 

 animal. Not until either the patience or small change of pas- 

 sengers has been exhausted will ,the dripping youths take their 

 departure, seeking fresh fields for their novel enterprise. 



Finally the baggage and personel of some particular party is 

 safely stowed away in a rickety boat, which bears the name 

 " Pearl of the Ocean " emblazoned in yellow letters on a pale 

 green ground, and the pull for land is begun. Rowing along and 

 between'the various craft which lie anchored here, the breakwater 

 is at last passed and the boat glides smoothly along to one of the 

 wharves. Generally the steamers anchor nearly a mile out, and 

 a fine view of the harbor is afforded during the shoreward trip. 

 The breakwater is a solid stone structure, extending outward for 

 some distance. All boats and smaller ships enter within the shel- 

 ter it affords and there discharge cargoes. As vessels are con- 

 stantly arriving and departing, the scene here is one of great in- 

 terest. 



Bridgetown, on the leeward side of the island, is the capital of 

 Barbados. Steamers of various lines stop within its harbor, ex- 

 changing freight and passengers. Dozens of lounging darkies, 

 famous for their insolence, line the landing places, and protest to 

 be most anxious to serve every new-comer in any capacity what- 

 soever. Disinterested as this excessive polfteness and attention 

 appears to be at first glance, it is soon changed to disappointment 

 and loudly expressed anger when a successful competitor among 

 them has secured a satchel or trunk and marches off in triumph. 

 That much reviled class, so prominent in our more civilized coun- 

 try, the hackmen, would certainly blush at their own bashful- 

 ness and maidenlike shyness could they but join the band of 

 vociferating darkies on the docks of Bridgetown. With the pro- 

 verbial inconsistency of the children of this world, the rejected' 

 candidates turn their wrath upon the unfortunate stranger who. 

 has given offence by not employing the entire tribe. Recovering 

 speedily, however, a new victim is attacked and the same scenes- 

 are rehearsed. Bridgetown is not well supplied with hotels, and 

 the wanderers usually congregate at the hostelry where Mr. 

 Kingsley is said to have met with so inhospitable a reception upon 

 his arrival at night. 



The island of Barbados, most prominent among the Windward 



