THE 
AMERICAN NATURALIST. 
Vou. xv. — DECEMBER, 1881.— No. 12, 
DEMERARA., 
BY F, M. ENDEICH: 
dh as northern portion of South America, known as Guyana, 
Gyana or Guiana, has been, in the course of time, separated 
into several provinces, one of which fell to Great Britain. British 
Guiana, or Demerara, was-ceded to the Crown by Holland in 1814, 
and since then has been one of England's important colonies. 
Located within‘the equatorial zone, the country. affords no induce- 
ments for extensive white settlement ; only those: who are accus- 
tomed to such climate can be employed in the prosecution of 
various industries and enterprises. European civilization and 
energy have wrested from the fertile soil golden fruits, and the 
flourishing colony has seen a long period of uninterrupted pros- 
perity. 
While the country bordering upon the sea is low and flat, it 
becomes more broken and even mountainous towards the interior, 
Complete explorations of the southerly portions of the colony 
have not been made as yet, and, in consequence, strange legends. 
and rumors are afloat concerning the hidden mysteries and well- — 
Suarded treasures of the terra incognita. Gold is reported to: 
have been found at various places, sometimes as nuggets and 
again imbedded inthe rock. Traditions of unsurpassed mountain 
Scenery, the Alps and the equator combined, tempt the spirit of 
venturesome travelers. Within accessible distance, the Kaiteur 
falls, renowned for their picturesqueness, _ have received the 
Aomage due them, at the hands of those who braved’ alike cli- 
Mate and fatigue to enjoy their refreshing thunder, 
Dense, tangled “bush,” the frequency of swamps-and. marshes, 
65 
«WOR, xV.—no, x11. 
