BOTANICAL ASPECTS OF JAMAICA. 35 
The warm, humid atmosphere was not especially conducive 
to hard work, especially after the chilly air we had left behind 
us, and for a few days we contented ourselves with becoming 
acquainted with the immediate surroundings of the beautiful 
harbor of Port Antonio. This is the principal port of the 
northern side of the island, and is most beautifully situated 
within sight of the Blue Mountains, the highest range in 
Jamaica. The shore formation is largely coral, and the rocks 
are covered with luxuriant vegetation to the water’s edge. The 
heavy rainfall— about one hundred and fifty inches annually — 
induces a marvelously rapid growth of all kinds of plants, and 
everything is fairly buried in the rank growth. Along the 
coast cocoanut palms abound, and where the shores are muddy 
mangrove swamps are a conspicuous feature. 
Although most of the country about Port Antonio is under 
cultivation, cocoanut and banana plantations predominating, 
still the native vegetation quickly takes possession of the neg- 
lected lands, and roadsides and hills furnish abundant and 
interesting material for the botanical collector. Among the 
most unfamiliar plants to Northern eyes are the climbing aroids, 
Philodendron and Syngonium, which, with their terrestrial rela- 
tives, Alocasia, Dieffenbachia, and other less common forms, 
contribute much to. the tropical aspect of the prevailing 
vegetation. The sensitive plant is a common weed, and showy 
Thunbergias and other creepers abound. Of the ferns the 
most noticeable forms were a very common Anemia, and at 
slight elevations Gleichenia and a very beautiful Lygodium. 
Various Alsophilas and other tree ferns were not uncommon, 
but not nearly so fine as those at higher altitudes. A climbing 
Davallia, with prickly stems, was also conspicuous. 
A railroad now connects Port Antonio with Kingston, which 
lies upon the southern shore of the island. The trip over this 
road is a most enjoyable one, as it traverses some of the most 
picturesque parts of the island and gives an excellent idea of 
its general topography and vegetation. For about thirty miles 
the road skirts the seashore, showing in places sandy beaches, 
but more commonly coral rock coming down to the water, 
carved into fantastic shapes by the action of the waves. 
