EXPEDITION TO SURINAM, 17 



as thofe of Europe. There are alfo white fqiilrrels in this c hap. 



country with red eyes, and flying fquirrels. Thefe? it is 



well known, have no wings, but a membrane between 



the fore and hinder leg, being a part of their fldn, which, 



when they leap, expands like the wing of a bat, and by 



this, like a parachute, they reft upon the air, and in 



their flights are carried to a confiderable diilance. 



On the 4th of April we marched again, our courie fouth 

 by eafc, till two o'clock, when we changed our courfe to 

 fouth-fouth-wefl:. 



This day we pafled by piles of fine timber, that were 

 left there to rot iince 1757, when the eftates were demo- 

 lilhed by the negro flaves who were in rebellion. Among 

 thefe were the purple -heart -tree,, the iron - wood - tree ^ 

 and the bourracourra^ known in England by the name 

 of Brazil. 



The purple-heart-tree growls fometimes to the height 

 of fourfcore feet, and thick in proportion, with a fmootli 

 dark brown bark; the wood is of a beautiful purple co- 

 lour and an agreeable fmell, and is much efteemed on 

 account of its weight and durability. 



The iron-wood-tree, fo called from the gravity and 

 permanent quality of its timber, grows to about fixty 

 feet in height, with a light-coloured bark. It is much 

 valued by the natives as well as the Europeans, on ac- 

 count of its hardnefs in particular (refifting even the 

 hatchet), and for taking a mofl beautiful bright polifli. 

 This wood finks in water. 



Vol. 11. jy The 



