154 
BLUEFIELDS. 
bean [DolicJios ensiformis) bearing large swordlike 
legumes, with white oval beans. An old Guinea 
woman, whom I asked about the matter, after much 
evasion of the question, and apparent reluctance, at 
length mysteriously told me that — “if any some- 
body look into de groun’, him make dat him no cut 
him eye ; ” that is, the plant will prevent any one 
from casting an evil eye into the ground. This dread 
of the evil or “ cutting ” eye, is a very prevalent 
form of superstition among this superstitious race, as 
it seems to have been among the ignorant of all 
nations, in all ages. 
VOICES OF EARLY BIRDS. 
April 29th. — I rose some hours before the sun, 
and proceeded to the Peaks of Bluefields. Passing 
through the wooded pastures and grass-pieces of 
Pinnock-Shafton, I was interested in the voices of 
“ earliest birds.” While as yet no indication of day 
appeared over the dark mountain, no ruddy tinge 
streamed along the east; while Venus was blazing 
like a lamp, and shedding as much light as a young 
moon, as she climbed up the clear dark heaven 
among her fellow-stars ; — the Piramidigs or Night- 
jars were unusually vociferous, and careering in great 
numbers; they flew low, as I could perceive by 
listening to their sounds, but were utterly indis- 
tinguishable to the sight from the darkness of the 
sky across which they flitted in their angular traverses. 
Presently the Flat-bill uttered his plaintive wail, 
occasionally relieved by a note rather less mournful. 
