Wanderings in New South Wales, Batavia, Pedir Coast, Singapore, and China : being the journal of a naturalist in those countries during 1832, 1833, and 1834

Preface

Tue Work now given to the Public is the result of a series of recent excursions into the interior of the Colony of New South Wales, at intervals of disengagement from professional duties, and at periods of the year best calculated for observations in natural history. To this are added a detail of such incidents as appeared to the Author worthy of notice, while visiting Batavia, Singapore, China, &c. on his return to England. The writer in his narrative has limited himself principally, if not entirely, to the notes taken at the instant of observation, his object being to relate facts in the order they occurred ; and, without regard to studied composition, to impart the information he has been enabled to collect in simple and unadorned language, avoiding, as much as possible, the technicalities of science.

Lonpon, Junge, 18384.

Contents

OF

THE FIRST VOLUME.

Chapter I

Island of Porto Santo—Madeira—The Desertas Islands— Town of Funchal—The Physalia, or Portuguese man of war—Description of that animal—An experiment—Effects of the Physalia’s sting

Method of preserving the animal—Land in sight—Approach to the Cape Verd Islands—Islands of Mayo and St. Jago—Anchor at Porto Praya—The town—Famine—Novel method of Fishing— Tropical trees and other plants—Valley of St. Trinidad— The monkey bread-tree— Springs of water — Severe drought— Negro Huts—Plantations—The gigantic boabab-tree—Residence of Don F. Melo—The Orchilla weed —Date palms—Leave the island . ; ‘ “ J

Chapter II

Enter the tropics—Flying fish—Luminosity of the ocean— Magnificent scene—Phosphoric light—Interesting facts in elucidation of that phenomenon—Albicores and Bonitos—A colossal whale—Sea birds—Gigantie species of Albatross—Description of those birds—'Their manner of flight ' ‘ , . . ‘ ; ; . 28

Vili CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IL.

Sombre appearance of the Australian coast—Feelings of an emigrant on approaching it—Improvement of Sydney— Fruits produced in the colony—Extent of the town—Cultivation of flowers and culinary vegetables—Ilouse-rent— The streets—Parrots—Shops—Impolicy of continuing the colony as a penal settlement—The theatre—Aspect of the country in the vicinity of Sydney—The grass tree—Floral beauties—Larva of a curious insect—The colonial museum—Visit to Elizabeth Bay—Valuable botanical specimens in the garden of the Honourable Alexander Macleay —New Zealand flax—Articles manufactured from that vegetable—Leave Sydney—lesidence of Mr. M‘Arthur— Forest flowers—Acacias—Paramatta—Swallows . «90

Chapter IV

toad trom Paramatta to Liverpool—Arrival at Raby Farm— The opossum—Prisoners and free men—Advantage of being sentenced to an iron gang—London pickpockets converted into Shepherds—Suggestion with regard to the convicts—Leave Raby—Mr. Jones's farm—Cultivation of the vine—Sameness of the forest scenery in Australia— Lose our way—Journey resumed—Gloomy appearance of the Australian vegetation—The tea tree—Colonial farnis— Emu-ford— Blue Mountain range—The Pilgrim Inn— View trom Lapstone Hill—Variety of Howering shrubs — A beautiful garden—Road over the Blue Mountains— Picturesque prospects—A mountain station—Bleak air of the place—Our supper. : ‘ : : . 4

CON TEN'?S. IX

Chapter V

Our journey resumed—The new road—Reoad-side flowers— Blackheath—The pass through Mount Vittoria—Talent and perseverance of Major Mitchell, the surveyor-general —-Appearance of an iron gang—Leave the Blue Mountain range——Arrive at Collet’s Inn—Resume our journey towards Dabee—New line of road—Aspect of the country— Arrival at Mr. Walker's farm——Residence of Mr. Dalhunty—Huge mounds of clay—Blackman’s Crown—Gum-trees——Bush travelling—Encamp for the night—Caution to travellers--Cherry-tree Hill—A deserted station— Encampment of Aborigines—-The musk duck—Produce of Mr. Cox’s dairy-farm—Mount Brace—Infanticide— Custom of native women relative to their dead offspring— Native practice of midwifery—Animal called the Cola—

Belief in the doctrine of metempsychosis . . 104

Chapter VI

Cross the country to Goulburn Plains —A_ road-gang stockade—Splendid view—The old Bathurst road—Sidmouth valley — Brisbane valley — Squash field —Bolam Creek — Turril, turril— Gum _ resin — Swampy country— Mr. Cowper's farm—Anecdotes—Distant view of Goulburn Plains—Mr. Bradley's estate—Cross the plains— Hospitable reception at Cardross—The Manna tree—

Failure in rearing the tulip tree. . > - 132

Xx CONTENTS.

Chapter VII

Appearance among the natives of a disease resembling the small-pox—Origin and progress of that malady among the aborigines— Medical investigations—Plan of treatment— Variety of forms assumed by the disease—Its duration— The critical period—Dr. Mair’s report . : . 148

Chapter VIII

Breadalbane Plains— Forest country—Cockatoos and parrots —Peculiar species of the lizard tribe—Medicinal trees— Bark of the wattle trees—Mr. Manton’s farm—Picturesque view—Yas Plains— Encampment of natives—Stringy bark, or box tree— Use of that tree— Native method of cooking —The Australian negro—Game—The flying squirrel— Human chimney ornaments—Cloaks of opossum or kangaroo skins—Barbarous ceremonies—W omen not admitted to the confidence of the males ‘ ‘ , . 162

Chapter IX

Perch, and other fish—An elegant couple—Kangaroo dogs— Black and white cockatoos—Vegetable productions—Mr, O'Brien’s farm—Herds of catthke—Bush life—Proceed towards the Murrumbidgee river—A bush track— Romantic country—Arrive on the banks of the Murrumbidyee— Cross the river—Swamp oaks, and other trees—Remarkable caves — Return to Yas—Superstitious ceremonies— Crystal used in the cure of diseases—Mede of eniplay-

CONTENTS. Xl

Chapter X

Leave Yas Plains for Sydney— Mr. Shelley's farm— Splendid new road_Mr. Barber’s farm—Shoalhaven gullies—Interesting spot—Mr. Campbell's farm—Journey resumed— Settlement of Bong, Bong— Bargo Brush— Profusion of flowering shrubs—View from the summit of Mount Prudhoe—The cow pasture road—Varms of Mr. M‘Arthur, and Captain Coghill—Flowers—The white cedar—Government hospital at Liverpool —. ‘ ‘ ‘ . . 195

Chapter XI

Second Journey into the interior commenced—Land of roses—The grape-vine—Foreign grain—Missionary rewards—Bargo brush—Small species of Lobster—Another species— Snakes—Leeches—-Mr. Dutton’s farm—Proceed on the journey to Gudarigby—Native plants—Magnificent mountain view—Our repast—The laughing jackass—A spacious cavern—Its interior—Black swans and other

. . ‘ 208 birds . . :

Chapter XII

Native dogs—Their tenacity of life—Return to Yas Plains— The Australian raspberry— Native cherry-tree —The summer season—-Tree hoppers—Their clamour—Gannets— Country about the Tumat river—Bugolong—The Black range—A storm—Vicinity of rivers—Native blacks— Their costume and weapons—Wheat-fields— Destructive hirds—W inding course of the Murrumbidgee - 223i

X11 CONTENTS.

Chapter XIII

Devoted attachment of Women—Remarkable instance of this, exemplified in the tale of an Australian savage— Journey resumed—Botanical productions—The Munne-munne range—Luxuriant Plan—Mr. Warby’s farm—The bell bird—Junction of the Murrumbidgee and Tumat rivers—Native names of rivers--Soil—River cod—Aquatic towl—The Tumat country—Fertility of the plains —Assigned servants—A mountainous range—The Murrumbidgee Pine—Geological character of the vicinity—Mr. Rose's cattle station ‘ ‘ : , ; 247

Chapter XIV

Wooded hills—Base of the Bugong mountains—Multitudes of the Bugong moths—Timber trees and granite rocks— Snow mountains—Method of collecting the moths— Use of these insects—Crows—Height of the Bugong mountains—The aborigines—Dread of ridicule in the females—Native fine arts—Lyre-bird of the colonists — Destruction of kangaroos and emus—The station of Been —Sanguinary skirmishes—A fertile plain—Cattle paths — Shrubs on the banks of the Tumat ‘ : . 265

Chapter XV

Kangaroo hunt—Ferocity of that animal—Use of its tendons —The culinary parts—Haunts of the kangaroo —A death struggle— Dissection of a kangaroo—Preservation of lu-

CONTENTS. Xt nin tat—Ascent of trees in pursuit) of game—Parrots and cockatoos—The emu—The native poreupine— Species of ophthalmia, termed the blight — Leave the Tumat vountry—Banks of the Murrumbidgee — Aborigines— Water gum-tree—Kangaroo-rat—The fly-catcher—The satin bird—Sheep stations—Colonial industry - 288

Chapter XVI

locks of pelicans and grey parrots—Arrive at Jugiong— A busy scene—The harvest—Quails and Hawks—Mr. Ilume'’s farm—Domestic life among the settlers—Miss my way in the forest—Mr. Reddal’s farm—Disease called the Black Leg—Mr. Bradley's residence at Lansdowne Park—Drooping manna trees—Christmas festival—Mr. F. M‘Arthur’s farm—Aboriginal tribes—Native costume— Noisy revelry—Wild ducks and pigeons—Spiders . 310

Chapter XVII

Arrive at Wombat Brush-—Animals called Wombat—Parched country— Road-side houses —Colonial English—Column to the memory of La Perouse—Death of Le Receveur— Sydney police-oftice—The Bustard —Botanic garden—The aborigines—King Bungaree—The castor-oil shrub—Diseases of Australia—New Zealanders—Australian ladies— Prejudice against travellers from Botany Bay—Anecdote— A fishing excursion—Cephalopodous animals—Conclusion of the author's researches in this colony : . 9329

NIN CONTENTS,

Chapter XVIII

Leave Sydney — Rottenest Island — Colonial prospects — Voyage to Batavia—Prince’s Island—The Java coast—Anchor in Batavia roads—The river—Alligators—Streets of Batavia—M. Choulan’s tavern—Forests—Java ponies—A veterinary monkey—Public buildings—The traveller’s tree —Celebrated Javanese chief—Sketch of his life and actions—Exactions of the Dutch government—The orang-utan—Society in Batavia—Animals of Java—Doves— Dried specimen of the hippocampus. ‘ ; 346

Chapter XIX

Leave Batavia and anchor off Hoorn Island—Islands about the Bengal Passage—Gingiong roads—Lofty aspect of the land—The coast—The golden mountain—Island of Sumatra—Aspect of the country —The lover's leap—Village of Pedir—Ships of the Acheenese Rajah—Visit to the Rajah—Dense vegetation—Buffalos—Ba Assan trees— Hall of reception—Interview with his Highness—Commercial negociations — Curiosity of the natives — The Areka or Betel-nut—Flowering shrubs and plants—Riceplanting—Return to the ship—A prohibition . 375

Chapter XX

Visit from the young Rajah—Native weapons—Costume— ‘The “ trading minister” and his boy—Inspection of the ship by the natives—Population of the Pedir district—

CONTENTS, XV

Rambles on the coast—King Crabs-—Land crabs —Ova of fish—Soldier crabs —~Their food—The Rajal’s house— Cocoa-nut water—Habitations in the Rajah’s inclosure— The fort—The bazaar—Banks of the river-—Plants—Native fishing—Fruits—The country farther inland—Vegetation—The Eju Palm—A fine plain ; : 395

Chapter XXI

Country about Pedir—“ White Lions’—The rajah’s habits— A decision—Ornaments for the ear—Female curiosity — The rajah’s horses—War between the rajah of Acheen and the rajah of Trumong—A native’s account of the quarrel—Purchase of betel-nut—The Areka-nut—Trade in that article—Anecdote—A Chittagong brig—Dried fish — Beautiful appearance of the Golden Mountain—Assemblage of the mountains— Tornados—The fire king and his demons — Yamora— Burial-ground— Large tree — Small crabs—Game called Mein Achu—Leprosy-—Party of natives—The Viverra musanga—Applications for medicine— Rajah of Putu—His retinue—Object of his visit . 416

ERRATA.

Vou. I,

Page 43, line 23, add south before latitude.

— 345, — 10, for 15th of May, read 3rd of May.

Vor. IT.

Page 6, line 23, for Ibu, read Tabu. — 92, — 1, for were, read and.

— 109, — 19, place * after Deity, instead of after temple, — 179, — 18, for Ninpuan, read Ninquan. — 222, — 14, for branches, read leaves, — 329, — 8, jor canvas, read canoes.

331, — 21, for singular, read Singhalese.

WANDERINGS

IN

NEW SOUTH WALES,

Chapter I

Island of Porto Santo—Madeira—The Desertas Islands— Town of Funchal—The Physalia, or Portuguese man of war—Description of that animal—An experiment—Effects of the Physalia’s sting—Method of preserving the animal—Land in sight—Approach to the Cape Verd Islands—Islands of Mayo and St. Jago—Anchor at Porto Praya—The town—Famine—Novel method of Fishing— Tropical trees and other plants—Valley of St. Trinidad— The monkey bread-tree— Springs of water — Severe drought—Negro Huts—Plantations—The gigantic boabab-tree—Residence of Don F. Melo—The Orchilla weed —Date palms—Leave the island.

On the 15th of May 18382, the island of Porto

Santo, in latitude 35° 5’ north, longitude 16’ 5’

west, was seen bearing south-west, half-south, at

the distance of forty miles from the ship ‘‘ Bro-

thers,’ Captain Towns, bound to New South VOL. I. B ye MADEIRA.

Wales, eleven days having clapsed since leaving Plymouth, from whence we had taken our departure. The appearance of the island, when we had reached to within seven or eight miles of it, was generally barren, varied by an occasional verdant patch scattered over the rugged rocks, which terminated in steep cliffs to the water’s edge.

On the following morning at day-light, the dark towering land of Madeira* was _ visible, rising like a huge black mass from the blue water. By eight a. mM. we were in the passage between the south-east side of Madeira and the group of islands known as the Desertas, sailing, with a light and agreeable breeze, from the eastward, which enabled us to have an excellent view both of the former islands and Madeira; and as our progress seemed to be quicker than would have been expected from our gentle zephyrs, we were probably also aided by a current.t

* Madeira signifies, in the Portuguese language, “ woody ;" and the island was so named from the very wooded appearance it had on its discovery.

In summer, Horsburgh states that the north-east winds prevail, and a south-west current sets through the channel, between Madeira and the Desertas. The current along the south side of Madeira and the Desertas mostly sets to the leeward in strong gales; but at the conclusion of a gale, it sometimes changes suddenly, and sets contrary to the wind.

MADEIRA. 3

The passage between the Desertas and Madeira is considered to be about eleven miles across. The Desertas stretch nearly north-north-west and south-south-east, and may be five leagues in extent; they have an abrupt, barren appearance, with steep, rugged, perpendicular rocks descending to the sea; on the largest island there was some appearance of cultivation, and the tufa, or red volcanic ash, imparts that colour to several parts of the island; there is a high pyramidal rock, resembling a needle or pillar, situated about the north-west part of the group, which at a distance is like a ship under sail.

By eight a.m. the heat of the sun had dissipated the gloomy mist which had previously been pending over and concealing the beautiful features of the island of Madeira, and caused it to burst forth in all its luxuriance and beauty ; the northern part of the island had a very sombre, barren aspect, when compared with the fertility of the southern; the plantations, glowing in varied tints, interspersed with neat white villas and small villages, gave much animation and picturesque beauty to the scene.

Early in the morning is the time best caleulated to view the island clearly, as the sun, gradually emerging from the dense masses of clouds which have previously enveloped

B 2

4 MADEIRA.

the towering mountains, gilds their summits, and, gradually spreading its rays over the fertile declivities, enlivens and renders distinct the splendid prospect afforded to the voyager. As the sun, however, acquires a stronger power, its proximity to a wide expanse of waters soon causes a mist to arise by which the clearness of the view from the sea is much obstructed.

As we approached, the town of Funchal opened to our view, the white habitations rising like an amphitheatre, and the hills around, covered by the variegated tints of a luxuriant vegetation : the whole appearance of the island was such, as to be well calculated to excite the most agreeable sensations of delight at any time, but more especially after the eye has enjoyed for a time only the prospect of sea and sky.

As it was not our intention to touch at this island, in the course of the day we had passed and left it far in the distance. We spoke off the island one of Don Pedro's blockading squadron ; it was a brig mounting eighteen guns, filled with such a motley crew as one may expect to see in a piratical craft. The spokesman informed us that Don Pedro was with Admiral Sartorius, in a large ship off the north side of the island : we then parted ; they wishing us ‘‘ un bon voyage,” and we, in return, hoped they might obtain

THE PHYSALIA, 0”

abundance of prize money, but which we hardly supposed would ever be realized.

There are various objects well calculated to excite interest to a naturalist during a long voyage, and to furnish both amusement and instruction. The splendid Physalia, or ‘* Portuguese man of war,’’* is often seen floating by tlie ship; the inflated, or bladder portion of this molluscous animal, glowing in delicate crimson tints, floats upon the waves, whilst the long tentacule of a deep purple colour extend beneath, as snares to capture its prey. It is oftentimes amusing to see persons eager to secure the gaudy prize; but they find, by painful experience, that, like many other beautiful objects of the creation, they possess hidden torments; for no sooner have they grasped the tinted and curious animal, than, encircling its long filiform appendages over the hands and fingers of its capturer, it inflicts such pungent pain by means of an acrid fluid discharged from them, as to cause him to drop the prize, and attend to the smarting occasioned by it.

This beautiful molluscous animal inhabits the

* They are called “ Guinea Ships” by the old navigators, from their floating like a vessel on the water, and from having very probably been first seen in great numbers about the coast and gulf of Guinea,

(} THE PHYSALIA.

tropical seas, and is also seen in high latitudes during the summer months* of the year. When first removed from the water, it excites the admiration of the spectators by the elegant and vivid colours with which it is adorned. These tints, however, are as evanescent as they are brilliant; and soon after this animal is taken from its native element, the crest sinks; the bright crimson, green, and purple tints lose their brilliancy, and the beauty which had previously excited so much admiration fades, and at last totally vanishes. There are a number of species of the genus ;f but the one most commonly seen is the Physalia pelagica of Lamarck, (Holothuria physahs of Linn.) They are known to our seamen as the ‘‘ Portuguese men of war,” and

* Mr. John Fuge, of Plymouth, informed me that he captured a specimen of the Physalia pelagica, in the Catwater, (Plymouth Sound,) a few years since, in the month of August; it was floating upon the surface of the water, and living when caught; he placed it in a glass globe of sea water, and preserved it for three weeks. The only motion he observed in the animal, was an occasional contraction and elongation of the beaked end of the bladder portion of the animal, and the tentaculze were also drawn up and thrust forward.

+ Physalis tuberculosa, P. megalista, P. elongata, and P, pelagica, are the species given by Lamarck, (Sur les Animaux sans Vertébres, tom, ii. p. 478.)

THE PHYSALIA. 7 galere or frégate among the French, from having some resemblance to a sinall vessel resting tranquilly on the surface of the water during a calm, at which time they are more readily discerned than during strong breezes: they have also been confounded by many persons unacquainted with natural history with the Nautilus.

The figure of this species is somewhat ovate ; the upper portion resembles an inflated bladder, rounded at one extremity, and with a beak-like termination at the other. On the summit or back is a crest or ridge, slightly elevated, sulcated, and fringed at the edges: the whole of this part of the animal is of a light blue, with occasional streaks of delicate sea-green, and tinged with brilliant crimson : this portion of the animal is filled with air, and, although I have heard it frequently asserted that the animal has the voluntary power of collapsing the bladder on the approach of tempestuous, or inflating it on a return of fine weather, yet I do not credit the remark, considering it is more probably a seamans tale than the result of a naturalist’s observation. On examination, no apparatus is found hy which such an effect could be produced ; and if it actually possesses such a power, why is it not exercised in every moment of peril !—for, when we approach the animal to capture it, or s THE PHYSALIA.

when it is taken from the water, no such change occurs; the bladder still remains inflated, and can be preserved thus distended either in a dried state or by placing it in alcohol. During strong breezes, | have seen them floating on the waves; but, from the ship passing at that time rapidly through the water, they are then more rarely observed. I have also seen them thrown in tempestuous weather on the beach at New South Wales, the bladder portion of the animal still remaining inflated. From these, and other reasons which might be adduced, the assertion cannot be considered as the result of actual observation. Situated at the under portion of the animal is a mass of tentacule, some short and thick, others long, filiform, and extending to several yards in length: these seem to consist of a chain of globules, filled with an extremely acrid fluid: in colour, they are of a beautiful purple, with an admixture of crimson ; and they are covered by a glutinous substance, having a peculiar odour. The inflated membrane is probably intended to keep the animal buoyant on the water, by which it is readily enabled to extend itslong tentaculee insearch of prey, or it may be designed as a locomotive agent, aiding the animal in its progress over the ‘* vast hosom of the ocean,” —thus serving the purpose

Its STING. )

of a sail. It is said that the appearance of thie Physalia near to the sea-coast is the indication of an approaching tempest.”

Having captured a very fine specimen of this animal on a former voyage in latitude 9° 0’ south, and longitude 12° 59’ west, and being aware of the pungent property residing in the tentacule, | was desirous of trying its effects on myself, for the purpose of ascertaining from personal experience the constitutional irritative effects resulting from it. On taking hold of the animal it raised its tentacule, and stung me on the second and ring fingers. The sensation was

* On the 5th of April, 1834, in latitude 29° 17’ nerth, and longitude 42" 57' west, temperature of the atmosphere 68° to 72°, I caught in my towing net a very fine specimen of Physalis pelagica, adorned with the usual beautiful tints, but not so vivid as I have usually seen them. The specimen was the largest I had before witnessed. During the month of April, 1834, 1 observed specimens ofthis mollusca as far north as latitude 58°” 32° north, and longitude 34° 30° west. The lowest range of the thermometer being 58°, and highest 72° In March, 1831, I had seen them as far north as the latitude of the Azores or Western Islands. Often when we had very strong westerly winds, with a heavy sea running at the time, I saw them; yet not, to use a nautical expression, “ furling sail” and sinking ; this was sufficient to prove the absurdity of the opinion that they collapse and sink during stormy breezes. I have frequently seen them capsized by a wave, but almost instantly after regain their natural position.

LO EFFECTS OF THE STING.

similar at first to that produced by the nettle ; but before a few minutes had elapsed, a violent aching pain succeeded, affecting more severely the joints of the fingers, the stinging sensation at the same time continuing at the part first touched by the acrid fluid. On cold water being applied, with the intention of removing or lessening the pain, it was found rather to increase than diminish the effects. The irritation resulting from the poisonous fluid emitted by the animal extended upwards, increasing in extent and severity, (apparently acting along the course of the nerves,) and in the space of a quarter of an hour, the effect in the fore-arm (more particularly felt at the inner part) was very violent, and at the elbow-joint still more so, It may be worthy of remark, that when the joints became affected the pain always increased. It became at last almost unbearable, and was much heightened on the affected arm being moved ; the pulse of that arm was also much accelerated, and an unnatural heat was felt over its whole surface. The pain extended to the shoulderjoint; and on the pectoral muscle becoming attacked by the same painful sensation, an oppression of breathing was occasioned, which we find similarly produced by rheumatism, when it attacks that muscle; and it proved yery dis-

EFFECTS OF THE STING. 1]

tressing during the time it remained. Thie continuance of the pain was very severe for nearly half an hour, after which it gradually abated, but the after effects were felt during the remainder of the day in a slight degree of numbness and increased temperature of the arm.

About two hours after I had been stung, | perceived that a vesicle had arisen on the spot ; and when children have been stung, I observed that numerous small vesicles arose, similar to those produced by the nettle. The intensity of the effects produced depends on the size and consequent power of the animal; and after it has been for some time removed from the water, it is found that the stinging property has diminished, This irritative property, unattended, however, by any of the constitutional effects, remains for a long time in the tentacule, even after they have been removed from the animal ; for on touching a handkerchief some weeks after it had been used in wiping off some portions of the tentacule, the stinging property was found to have remained, although it had lost that virulent quality, which produced on a recent application such violent constitutional irritation.

This irritative secretion does not, however, exist solely in this species of mollusea ; several of the meduse have similar properties, which

12 STINGING PLANT.

may perhaps be considered as both offensive and defensive ; and it has been, and no doubt correctly, supposed to be given to these animals as a means of procuring their food, the benumbing principle existing in the tentacule rendering their prey when touched unable to escape. For what purpose this acrid property is found existing in the vegetable kingdom, it is dificult to decide, and all that has yet been said on the subject may be considered as merely hypothetical. For instance, at the island of Singapore there is a remarkable species of the order Fuci, usually found growing in isolated patches upon coral banks. Finlayson thus mentions it: ‘t It is pinnated, plumose, elegant, about a foot and a half in length, and of a whitish colour. It is endued with a property of stinging like nettles; the sensation produced is more acute and more penetrating, more instantaneous, but somewhat more permanent. The hand is scarcely brought into contact with it, before the wound is inflicted. A small corrugated granular bag, filled with a transparent fluid, would seem to be the organ by which it produces this effect. These are no sooner touched than they discharge the fluid they contain. The plant soon loses this power after being removed from the water.” This plant sccms, therefore, to possess an offensive

PRESERVATION OF THE PHYSALIA, 13 or defensive property analogous to that of the Physalia, but tor what purpose it would be difhcult to form an opinion.

The usual method adopted for the preservation of this curious and beautiful mollusea is by placing it in spirits; the form is thus well preserved ; but its vivid tints, the subject of so much admiration, are totally lost, As it is with the beautiful but evanescent colour of flowers, no method has been discovered by which their natural brillianey can be preserved, and it is impossible to retain that peculiar brightness given only by life and health. I have preserved the animal by detaching the tentacule from the bladder ; (on account of their being too soft and perishable to enable them to be dried, en masse, with any chance of success; their form only being preserved well in spirits ;) then permitting the air to escape from the bladder, dried, pressed, and afterwards gummed on paper, it produces a good lateral view of the form of this mollusea; the colours being afterwards artificially renewed by the pencil, and the tentacule underneath drawn and coloured, the tout ensemble conveys an idea of the brilliant appearance of the animal, as far as can be produced by art. I have also kept the’ animal with the bladder inflated, dried it in that state, and, by

14 LAND IN SIGIIT.

afterwards colouring it, the appearance produced is very excellent; but, it is only by repeated trials that the best and most accurate methods of preserving objects of natural history can be discovered—the greatest difficulty existing, being that of preserving them accurately in their natural appearance.

We had the N.E. trade in lat. 28° N. and long. 18° 11’ W. and at three p.m. of the 25th made the ‘‘ Northern Saddle Hill,” (N.W. hill,) on the island of Sal, (Cape Verd group, ) bearing S. E. about six leagues distant.

The announcement of ‘land in sight,” and the delightful sensations produced by it, can only be appreciated by those who have for some length of time been tossed about on the ‘* deep, deep sea,” for many a weary day, with nothing but sea and sky to gaze upon. All hasten on deck as soon as the land is stated to be visible ; at first its rather indistinct form, as it rises from the horizon, does not excite so much interest; but, on a nearer approach, the variously tinted strata of the lofty mountains become visible, and plantations, trees, shrubs, and neat habitations cheer the eye; and, on landing, a profusion of the floral beauties of the vegetable kingdom, with butterflies vieing with them in splendour of tints, or several species of the coleoptera tribe

ISLANDS OF MAYO AND ST. JAGO, 15 decked in golden armour, meet the eye. But the approach to the Cape Verd islands does not possess these beauties in any profusion—barren voleanic mountains, contrasted occasionally only by a few others of a verdant character are seen instead ; even these become an agreeable prospect, bemg a change from the monotony of a ship, but a departure from them, after a few days’ sojourn, is attended with but little if any regret.

On the 26th, at daylight, we sailed with a pleasant breeze between the island of Mayo and that of St. Jago; the former distant about ten, the latter about eighteen miles; the western side of Mayo had a very sterile appearance ; there was not a tree or speck of verdure to be seen. The lofty mountain of St. Antonio, on the island of St. Jago, was visible; its declivities verdant, but the peaked summit was for the most part hidden by clouds. As we coasted along the latter island, the feature of the coast was very barren, although it was occasionally relieved by a small verdant valley, diversified by some miserable huts and a few stunted cocoa-nut trees, In the afternoon we anchored at Porto Praya,* about a quarter of a mile distant from the shore.

* « Praya” signifies, in the Portuguese language, “a beach or shore.”

lt PORTO PRAYA.

After dinner we paid a visit to the shore ; the landing-place is very inconvenient, and often dangerous, from the surf, which at this time was fortunately not high. After landing we had to walk over a soft sandy road, varied only by large stones coming in contact with our feet, and assuring us of their presence by the pain they occasioned. Several miserable date palms and dusty plants of Aloe perfoliata (a few of the latter being in flower) grew by the road side. Then by a winding and steep ascent, covered by loose stones, we arrived at the town, which is built upon a table land of moderate elevation, and on this side of the approach there is a battery mounting twenty-one guns. From the descriptions I had previously perused, the town appears to have been much improved since they had been written, but still it has nothing of interest to recommend it; but the view of the bay and shipping from the elevated site is very pretty. The Plaza (in which the American consul resides, and where there isa small church, which as yet cannot boast of a steeple,) contains the best houses and stores, where almost any supplies of foreign manufacture can be purchased, but at exorbitant prices.