— 104 — 
apples were growing up to the path, with a bright red flower, 
but none of the fruit was ripe. We met a man with a covered 
basket, and when he saw me ho took off the leaves and present- 
ed me with a handful of fine cashew nuts, and I found them 
so good I bought his basket full which he carried for me down 
to my quarters, and relieved me of oome of my load of ferns 
and boxes and bottles, for I had secured a good sollection of 
insects on the way. It was nearly noon when I got back, the 
heat quite oppressive, but it did not prevent my enjoying 
a very hearty breakfast, and I spent the rest of the day in 
’arranging all my treasures. 
Y 
I 
“ I received a special invitation to visit Recife and Frigate 
islands in the French Corvette Surprise, capt. Thierry, (men- 
tioned in a former letter). I went down to the pier early 
morning and being ahead of the party took the opportunity 
of examining this real y fine construction. I met Mr Chal- 
mers, the Superintendent of part of the work, and he pro- 
mised me some written details of it, a promise ho fulfilled 
later. Never was anything in Seychelles erected with such 
celerity and not alone with speed but well done into the 
bargain. Here is positive proof that the Seychellois can work 
well, and let us hope that this may be the beginning of im- 
provements essential to the interests of the place. 
“ When this pier is built it is expected that goods may be 
lauded or shipped with facility, whatever be the state of the 
tide, a matter hitherto difficult and oft times impossible Tho 
pier was commenced during the administration of Mr Ward, 
but only 100 feet were completed, circumstances preventing 
its continuation. In March 1870, it was recommenced and on 
the 21st September 1871 it was advanced to 1750 feet, Itba 3 
been entirely done under the personal superintendance of Mr 
Commissioner Franklin. 
“ The mountains and the ocean have contributed to this ad- 
mirable sea wall. The former has supplied its everlasting 
granite lor the sido walls, which are about 8^ feet high ; tho 
latter has rendered up its mysteriously wrought corals to fill 
