26 
BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 
CHAPTER V. 
LONG ISLAND. THE CAVES. 
Clarence Harbor, June 7, 1879. — Objects had just begun to 
be distinguishable in the faint light of early dawn when we left 
the vessel and were pulled slowly to the shore. The morning was 
deliciously cool, and a thick mist hung over the water, through 
which, as w r e approached the beach, we could just discern our 
man Sam, keeping guard over four horses, which were destined to 
greatly assist us during the many hard journeys which we afterwards 
found it necessary to make. 
My friend and myself selected our animals, and after seeing the 
provisions, ropes, etc., packed safely upon the backs of the others, we 
started in search of a large and little-known cave, which our guide 
was certain he could find, and which was situated, according to his 
statement, about ten miles from the village. The first part of the 
road was in fair condition for horses going at a slow pace, and at 
that hour the air was cool and refreshing, and the ride very enjoy- 
able. Riding along the edge of a small inland pond, I observed 
numbers of birds which would have gladdened the heart of any 
naturalist. Gull-billed Terns and Black-headed Gulls circled around 
us or poised themselves over the pond, with bent heads, gazing 
intently at its unbroken surface, several long-legged Stilts stood in 
solemn silence in the shallow water, and a number of little Night- 
