GOTHIC AECHBS. 
63 
the highest mountainous ridges of the island, more 
than a thousand feet above us, covered with beautiful 
wood. We tried to reach the loftiest part of the 
ridge surrounding the lake, to the great dismay of 
Governor “ Tom Joe,” who declared that nobody could 
pass that way ; it was very narrow, and steep on both 
sides. We saw some wild pigeons in the woods, but 
they would not come near enough to be shot. 
After a good bi'eakfast under the shade of a huge 
fantastic rock we descended to the vale of St. John, 
over ground which is capable of cultivation, being 
naturally clear for a considerable extent, and with 
apparently good soil. The natives have a few plan- 
tations of cassada lower down. We saw farm- 
houses scattered about, and a neat little white-washed 
chapel. 
At our last resting place, in the lower part of the 
valley, we enjoyed a deliciously cool rill, under the 
shade of palm-trees ; the arching and intersecting ribs 
of which formed a more exact representation of the 
gothic arch than any of the types that have been 
imagined by architects to be the original of that 
graceful style. Nothing could be more perfect than 
what we then had before us. Vistas in all directions 
might be compared to the long aisle or nave of a 
cathedral; and though the willow or other trees in 
the cold climates, where this style of architecture pre- 
dominates, may really have given the first idea of it, 
the regular course of the stout rib in the immense 
