GREGARIOUS TREES. 
369 
curious phenomenon. In some cases it is doubtless 
the congeniality of the soil or circumstances that is 
the cause, the plant being in some way or other 
adapted to the place ; but it would be difficult so to 
account for the fact in every case of its occurrence. 
In some districts at the eastern extremity of the 
island, and around Black River, the Opoponax, a 
species of Acacia {A, tortuosa, I believe), is said to 
have extended itself over such tracts as to be quite a 
pest. On the banks of the Cobre, just behind Spanish- 
town, species of Inga are particularly abundant. 
Between Kingston and the city just named the 
traveller sees nothing for long distances but Lignum 
vitce trees, lovely indeed as they are with their com- 
pact dark-green forms, and splendid azure blossoms. 
To come nearer Bluefields, at Crabpond Point, there 
is a considerable tract along the sea-shore densely 
covered with a species of fan-leafed Palm (I believe a 
Thrinax) of small size, not more than twelve or 
fifteen feet high ; and the open slopes of Culloden 
and the eastern part of Mount Edgecumbe are 
studded with multitudes of a similar Palm, but grow- 
ing to loftier proportions. Near Belmont dense and 
perfectly unapproachable thickets run along the 
margin of the sea, formed of the Nickar {Guilandina 
honduc), of which the long stems, the leaf-ribs, and 
the flattened valves of the seed-pods are alike covered 
with the most terrific hooked spines. I do not think 
so much of the beautiful and aromatic Pimento, that 
clothes these park-like estates, because its growth is 
cherished for the sake of its spicy fruit; though 
there is reason to believe it would naturally grow in 
