22 A BAMJ1LE IN CTINTIIAL AMEjU(lA j 
titles of black smoke which deposit a very pure kind of lamp 
black, which is the substance used. Bed ochre is purchased at the 
stores, by the Indians when they come down to the settlements to 
barter or trade for clothing and other necessaries, and forms the 
contrasting colour with which the face is ornamented. The 
colours are mixed with fat, and we were informed on the spot that 
the article most preferred was obtained from cockroaches. That 
abundance of these pests existed everywhere, and of a very large 
size we were well satisfied, but the statement as to the use of' their 
fat, was taken — cum grano salis. 
The mission house was a large building constructed solely by 
the Indians for use of the mission parties who.visit them regularly 
once a month, and was built solely from the products of the 
various palms so abundant in the neighbourhood. We took up our 
quarters therein and found it airy and comfortable. The Indian 
usually sleeps upon the ground, his bed being made of the leaves 
of a plant known as the “pimento palm,’’ Acaxthouiza/aculeata. 
The leaves of this are fan-shaped and when tied two together in 
opposite positions they form an efficient shelter from the rain 
when walking, for which purpose they are used by the Indians, as 
well as for beds and thatching purposes. 
Again the inevitable dog was present, and I witnessed a 
curious instance of the affection of these people for the canine 
race. They use, for carrying their children, goods and effects, 
strong nets made of the fibre from leaves of Bromelia pita, 
or silk grass — and on examining one of these bags hanging up 
near the kitchen I found, to my surprise, a litter of young pups 
about three or four days old, which had, I learnt, been brought 
by one of the boys a distance of several miles. 
Chapter Y. 
Palms and Wild Plantains (Beliconiads)— Maize— Preparation of Maize called 
Boii-y on— Curiosity of Indians at Photographic operations— Selaginellas— 
Contretemps in the Kivei — Castilloa elastica— Superstitions and vrohaUe ex- 
planation — Penelope, description of— weight of— Flavour of. ^ 
Around the IVXission House on all sides were growing large 
quantities of several species of dwarf palms, mos1;ly belonging 
to the genera Chamedorea and Geonoma. Among the latter, 
was a very beautiful species with a thick plumose head. This 
was in fruit, and well matured seeds were duly secured for the 
Jamaica Gardens. There were also large quantities of several 
different Heliconiads and other Genera of the Order Scitamince. 
One of these locally known as “ Waaha,” struck our attention by 
the presence of. a silvery glaucous tint on the underside of its 
leaves, which when swaying with the wind gave the plant a most 
peculiar appearance. It is nearly allied to a Jamaica plant 
