1881.] Demerara. 939 
that the coastline of British Guiana is subject to serious changes 
in consequence of marine currents, unless such changes be antici- 
_ pated and avoided by artificial means. In order to protect plan- 
tations and settlements of the lowlands, the Dutch Government 
caused an extensive “sea-wall” to be built. The experience 
gained by them in their native country was here successfully ap- 
plied, and the profits accruing from this tremendous undertaking 
have shown the wisdom of its inception. Repairs to this means 
of defense require annually large sums, which are borne by estate 
Owners and the British Government, in order to secure cultivation 
and returns from lands which otherwise would be submerged at 
high tide. 
Georgetown is certainly a most beautiful place. As the center 
of enterprise, from which is directed the utilization of resources 
afforded by the colony, it has a busy appearance. Immediately 
beyond the business quarters of the town, however, are the de- 
lightful habitations and luxuriant gardens of its citizens. A wel- 
come sight is that of the Stars and Stripes, floating over the resi- 
dence of our consular representative, Col. Figyelmesy; his 
Courteous thoughtfulness and hearty reception will ever render 
the visit to his tropical home a most grateful memory. 
The construction of houses, which permits free circulation of 
air, is thoroughly well adapted to the exigencies of the climate. 
A sea-breeze keeps the air in motion and makes life very endura- 
ble. No pen can do justice to the brilliancy of the tastefully 
arranged gardens by which nearly every house is surrounded. 
Magnificent flowering trees, and shrubs exhaling fragrant per- 
fumes, are cultivated in abundance. Hospitality is a leading fea- 
ture of the citizens, and the stranger finds every opportunity offered 
him for admiring their sense of the beautiful. ! 
In our northern climes, where nearly one-half of the year seems 
devoted to the apparent dying and death of all plant life, we are 
driven to bestow an adequate portion of cur affections upon more un- 
changeable objects. Thus it is hardly surprising that blue-colored 
Plates, hideous ornaments of days gone by, and chairs, quaint to 
look at, but also quaint to sit upon, claims so much of our atten- 
tion. When climatal changes interrupt the enjoyment of nature's 
exhibits, it seems necessary to find other subjects upon which the 
‘Superfluous sentimentality demanded by reigning fashion can be 
_ &Xpended, - er bee 
hs | ‘ 
