378 TlMEHRI. 
specimens, faded by long exposure to the light ; 
and as the very great proportion of the skins were of 
this nature, the result was satisfactory. The extreme 
paucity of insect life during the trip was noteworthy ; 
but what the explanation of it may be, I am unable with 
any degree of probability to suggest. 
Reptiles, with the exception of alligators, iguanas and 
salempenta lizards (Teius) were very scarce. Two land- 
turtles were met with by the water-side, but they were 
of the common species (Testudo tabulata) ; and though 
rattlesnakes were said to be plentiful in the grass on the 
savannah, none were encountered. Of fish, no interesting 
specimens were obtained. A species of " perai " was 
said to inhabit the creek, and sundry tales were told of 
their voracity and of the various injuries caused by them ; 
but no actual cases came under observation, nor were 
any specimens procured, or even seen. In this depart- 
ment of Natural History, a rich harvest yet awaits patient 
research in the various waters of the colony. 
