i8 
BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 
manding a fine view of the ocean and reefs. I was particularly 
pleased with the drive to Fort Montague. The air was perfumed 
by the myriads of flowers, which hung in festoons from the bushes 
or peeped above the thick growth of cacti bordering the road. We 
observed, as we drove along, many kinds of fruit growing in tropical 
luxuriance; among them might be enumerated the banana, pineapple, 
orange, sapodilla, cocoanut, and grape-fruits. Numbers of birds 
were chattering among the trees, while an occasional flash among 
the flowers revealed to the close observer the beautiful little Bahama 
Humming-bird, as it hovered for a moment before darting out of sight 
amongst the foliage. Near Fort Montague some very good bathing- 
houses have been erected, and . a bath in the clear water during the 
cool of the evening is very refreshing. 
Fort Fincastle, which is situated at the head of what is called 
“ The Queen’s Staircase,” is a curious old structure, now gradually 
falling into decay. The staircase is one of the prettiest spots in 
Nassau, consisting of a flight of steps cut in the rock, which rises 
on both sides, in perpendicular walls, to the height of eighty or 
ninety feet. The rock is overhung with creeping vines, giving it 
the appearance of some moss-covered castle of feudal times, and the 
effect is heightened by the well-worn steps leading to the summit. 
When viewed from a certain position, the fort has the appearance of 
an old steamboat ; a lookout which has been built upon it heightens 
the resemblance, as its position and appearance are that of a pilot-house. 
To strangers visiting these islands for the first time, the habits 
and customs of the people are full of interest. The little negro boys, 
