these reefs shewed me still more, how closely they resembled 
those in Mauritius. For about three miles they were covered 
with the Turbinaria ornata, Gracilaria and Padina Pavona, 
and not another weed could I find. 
I remained so long on the reefs it was nearly dark when 
I turned homewards, and the scrambling over boulders in the 
dusk is far from pleasant. I was hurrying on when I was 
overtaken by a rather shabbily dressed Englishman. He en- 
tered into conversation, and incidentally mentioned that he 
was of high family, had been doing India — had killed 22 
tigers, &c., &c., and was now on his way to S. Africa to shoot 
larger game. The Hippopotamus, Rhinoceros, Elephant in short 
anything that came to hand. He was. or intended to be a 
second Gordon Cumming. With half the nobility of England 
he seemed perfectly familiar, and after a long tirade, by which 
timo, I can only suppose, from the sequel, he had set me 
down as a green Yankee just out on my travels ; he asked the 
loan of 5 dollars being short of cash at the moment ! I will 
only say, he didn’t get it, but before he left he was very glad 
to accept half a dollar- I have seen abroad too many of these 
loafers, all belonging to “ the First Families,” but in a decid- 
edly reduced condition, too proud to work, but not ashamed to 
beg or spunge on any one not up to them. 
It was nearly 9 o'clock when I arrived at the Victoria 
Hotel, kept by Mr Ducasse, and I would recommend all tra- 
vellers in Mahe to try its accomodation. 
“ The 21st September was the day of the Banquet given to 
the Governor, and after that to the 24th we spent in packing 
up and visiting Mahe. 
“ On that day we left in the M. M. Steamer Danube for 
Port Louis. 
“ Thus ended my trip to the interesting Islands, I should 
have liked to spend another month there, as there were many 
places I had had to hurry over, that wanted close examination, 
and others I had not time to visit at all. 
“ Whatever may be the faults of the Seychellois, I must bear 
testimony that kind heartedness and hospitality are among 
their most prominent virtues.” 
N. Pike. 
