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level land but the stripjon the shore whero the huts stand, 
the mountain rising directly from it to a height of about 
250 feet. It is entirely of granite, but it is so time and water 
worn, and in so decomposed a state that large pieces will 
often crumble under foot when trodden on. Mr Gordon and 
myself walked over the top of it, and I got a few dragon 
flies and butterflies but all old friends. I found the same lizards 
and gecko as at Mahe, scorpions and centipedes, but my 
time was too short to make a careful examination. We left 
Curieuse about 5 o’clock, and returned to the Frigate. 
“ Next morn all were up bright and early ready to go on 
shore. The Governor concluded to land with a party on the 
north of the Island, and walk across to Mr Campbell’s house. 
All equipped in easy costume they set off, and early as it was 
the sun shone out fiercely. 
“ I decided on taking our baggage and steaming round in 
the launch. We took a coloured man as a pilot, but when we 
got towards the Anse Marie Louise, the sea broke round us, 
and the launch danced about like a cork, anfi rolled till I 
thought her ongine must come out of her, and as we ran into 
the pass we shipped considerable water. However the mid- 
shipman in charge managed her capitally and we got there be- 
fore the walking party. Mr Campbell was on the beach with 
some people, looking out for the Governor who was expected 
to come in the launch. I introduced myself and he politely 
led the way to his house. 
“ Sir Arthur and his party soon arrived, looking considerably 
the worse for their 5 miles tramp in the sun, their coats and 
jackets all left behind, or at least invisible. Mr Campbell with 
his family and neighbours were in a state of great excitement 
and no wonder. Was it not the first time that Praslin’s soil 
had e’er been trod by one of Her Majesty’s Representatives ! 
I was not a little amused at these good people, out of whose 
eyes shone the heartiest welcome, trying to subdue it within 
the proper bounds of reverence for so august a personage. 
That soon passed away and the old Scotchman’s native tact 
como to his aid, and ho did the honours of his place in a man- 
ner that would have done credit to a higher sphere. No doubt 
