48 
REMARKABLE HAMIlOl)?. 
rod-like sentries, whose particular business it is to salute 
ofhcers and to keep out brindled cows, fierce dogs, and, 
what is nearly as l>ad, presuming rowdies, so that ladies 
and children may enjoj" a quiet walk without the fear of 
encountering the attentions of eitlxer of the foregoing 
parties. 
On the left of this delightful promenade is located the 
Government house and grounds, wliilo the space on 
the right is occupied by a botanical garden. Both of 
these are enclosed by tasteful fencing; and when you get 
half-way up the avenue you come to two gates, — the one 
directly facing the other, — before which two more dressed- 
up ramrods walk up and down and bore all who pass in 
uniform, by “presenting arms” with a clang that often 
startles weak-minded officials into a state of nervous 
politeness and takes away greatly from the pleasure of 
any one’s walk. This soon became such a bore that Ave 
were glad to get out of our feathers and emerge once more 
from the “ Masonic” in the reasonable costume of free and 
enlightened citizens. Previous to this, however, we used 
said feathers to open the gates of the garden, through the 
Avell-kept walks of which avo lounged, to the intense admi- 
ration of a dozen or more nurses and probably double 
the number of children, until the arrival of the hour for 
lunch. 
Diudng this lounge we did not notice any foreign plants 
or floAA^ers; but those indigenous to the country Avero 
both so numerous and beautiful that their presence Avas 
not at all necessary. We were told by the keeper that 
tliat garden Avas not supported by either the home, colo- 
nial, or city treasury, but by the voluntary subscription 
