Oli, A Tint TO THK MAINLAND, 
3b 
denc3 of tliG boatmen tended to give us considerable nerve, wo 
felt much safer on s'loro than in crossing the boiling cauldron of 
the Bull’s Mouth, and we were very thankful to have succeeded 
in crossing without mishap. 
Next day we again wont on a visit to Solar te Cay” and 
discovered a very handsome dwarf palm known locally as the 
‘•'Kiss-Kiss.” It has a small stem 2-3 inches in diameter and 
somewhat in appearance like a sugar cane. It has pinnate leaves 
finely cut at the base, and abruptly terminated at the apex. It 
has a large spreading panicle, which before expanding is enclosed 
in a short, smooth, boat shaped spathe. Here we found several 
Adiantum’s, a Pteris and another Trichomanes, and procured 
seeds of the small swallow tail palm seen on our last visit. 
Next day we crossed to the town of Bocas-del-Tora, locally 
“ Bocotora,” Avith the intention of paying a visit to Senor Pardou, 
the “ Political Judge” or person in authority for the district. 
On our arrival we found tlie town in holiday fig, on account of its 
being Independence day for the State of Panama. There were 
processions of various classes in which the negro appeared to be 
allowed to hob-nob freely with the citizens of higher grade. 
Everything appeared to be conducted Avith utmost good temper 
and politeness, but the frequent pop of the revolver and ride Avas 
not a reassuring feature, but we Avere assured that it Avas only 
on such occasions as these, that the people were alloAved to carry 
and discharge fire arms in the streets, and that in consequence 
they used the opportunity for practising ball firing, &c. 
The members of two Cricket Clubs Avere parading the streets 
and the excitement Avas running high, as to which side^ would 
come off the victor. Either side has its special colours, with the 
monogramic title of its club embroidered on the cap, Avhich, in 
appearance wms similar to those used in England and Jamaica 
during the game of cricket. 
AMe Avere politelA’ shown to the house of benor Pardou by 
a bystander, and were Avell received. Although a resident as he 
informed us, for some forty years, he had not become acquainted 
Avith the English language, but the Senorita Pardou spoke 
fluent English, and was the medium of communication between 
us. We found that the gentleman Avas engaged in commercial 
pursuits, as indeed was nearly everyone in this settlement, or toAvn. 
It consists of one long wide winding street, covered AVith grass, 
well drained on each side by trenches, which carry off the ram 
water Not a vehicle of any kind was seen ; in fact, they are not 
required, for the trade and communication from one part to 
anothcr/is performed by the ever-present canoe. Before leaving 
