285 



Mary Bella Green's, you would learn that 

 v;e exhibited no marks of a decreafed appetite 

 at breakfaft-time. 



Near the fea we were protected from 

 the great force of the fun by the fhade of 

 trees whofe leaves and trunk very much re- 

 fembled the common pear tree of England^ 

 but whofe fruit was, in form, a correct like- 

 nefs of the apple. We knew not that it was 

 forbidden, but had enough of caution not to 

 tafte it. However I gathered a fmall branch, 

 bearing fruit and leaves, and put into my 

 pocket as a fpecimen, from which we might 

 afcertain what tree it was. Prefently after- 

 wards we met a negro, and upon our fhew- 

 ing it to him, and aiking its name, he, in- 

 ftantly, exclaimed with all the impulfe of 

 alarm, " MaJJa^ dat poifon — dat no good 

 for nhyaam — dat daamm 7nanchineel^ Mojfa^'* 

 Finding that I had foftered a ferpent, I dl« 

 redly threw away every leaf, and every 

 apple ; but I difcovered that, like other 

 infidious foes, manchineel had quickly dif- 

 fufed its poifon, and I afterwards fmarted 

 for my curiofity. Either my handkerchief. 



