ci

I.
921
Hughes, Griffith, minister of St. Lacy's Parish,
Barbadoes. 1. Natural Hist. of Barbadoes, Lon., 1750, fol.
“Instead of the crude, irregular descriptions of this author,
the naturalist is to be punctual, exact, and express. . . . As to
his talents for natural history, it was an unlucky mistake in him
to suppose them such as could enable him to go through so ardu-
ous a task as the history of the products of a whole island, though
a very small one."--Lon. Month. Rev., July, 1750, 197–206.
See Rich's Bibl. Amer. Nova, i. 97.
2. Of a Zoophyton resembling the flower of the Mari-
gold; Phil. Trans., 1743.
Allibomo
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Τ Η Ε
NATURAL HISTORY
OF
B A R B A D O S.
DO
Ι Ν Τ Ε Ν Β Ο Ο Κ S.
IN
By the RevEREND
Mr. GRIFFITH HUGHES, A.M.
Rector of St. Lucy's Pariſh, in the ſaid Iſland, and F. R. S.
LONDON:
Printed for the AUTHOR;
And fold by moſt Bookſellers in Great Britain and Ireland. MDCCL.

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BY DIVINE PERMISSION,
Lord Archbiſhop of CANTERBURY,
THE FOLLOWING WORK IS,
WITH THE GREATEST DUTY AND RESPECT,
INSCRIBED BY
HIS GRACE'S MOST OBEDIENT
AND HUMBLE S ER V A N T,
G. Hughes.

AUCTA
II 2 CC. Se
CE
Eco-

AUTO
13013111
L I I
S.
T
T
OF THE
SUBSCRIBE RS.
Thoſe whoſe Names are marked thus *, are Subſcribers for
large Paper.
*
米米米米
​* HIS Moſt Chriffian Majesty.
His Royal Highneſs the Prince of Wales.
Her Royal Highneſs the Princeſs of Wales.
His Royal Highneſs the Duke of CUMBERLAND.
His Moft Serene Highneſs the Prince of Hesse.
* His Moft Serene Highneſs the Prince of Saxe-GOTHA.
* His Moft Serene Highneſs the Landgrave of Hesse-Cassel.
* His Moſt Serene Highneſs the Duke of ORLEANS.
*
H
A.
IS Grace the Duke of St. Albans.
His Grace the Archbiſhop of Armagh,
Lord Primate of all Ireland.
* His Excellency the Right Hon, the Earl of
Albemarle.
* Right Hon. the Earl of Abingdon.
* Right Hon. the Earl of Arran.
* Right Hon. the Earl of Ancram,
* Right Hon. Lord Anſon.
* Right Rev. the Lord Biſhop of St.
Afaph.
Hon. Sir Atwil Lake.
All-Souls College, Oxford.
Mr. Francis Abbyvan.
Thomas Adams, Eſq;
Mr. Jonathan Adams.
* Mr. James Adams,
Mr. James Adamſon.
Joſeph Addiſon.
Andrew Afflick, Eſq;
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Reynold Alleyne, Eſq;
Mr. James Alport.
* Mr. John Alfop:
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Henry Anderſon, Eſq;
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Hon. Thomas Applethwaite, two Books,
* Mrs. Archer.
Mr. Edward Archer, jun.
John Archer, jun.
William Arderen, F.R. S.
George Armſtrong, Eſq;
Mr. Samuel Armſtrong.
Mr.
a

A LIST of SUBSCRIBERS.
* Mr. William Atherly.
Henry Biſhop, Eſq;
* Sir John St. Aubyn, Bart.
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* Rev. Dr. Ayſcough, Clerk of the Cloſet Trimmingham Blackwell, Eſq;
to his Royal Highneſs the Prince of Mrs. Priſcilla Blackman.
Wales.
Jonathan Blenman, Eſq; Attorney General
B.
coin
of Barbados, three Books.
His Grace the Duke of Bedford.
* Mr. Robert Board.
* Right Hon. the Earl of Burlington, two
Mr. Robert Bend.
Books.
Charles Bolton.
Right Hon. the Earl Brooke.
John Bonnel, Eſq;
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* Mr. Booth.
* Right Hon. the Earl of Bleſſington.
Benjamin Boſtock.
* Right Hon. the Lord Viſcount Boling-
* Hon. William Boverie, Eſq;
broke.
Robert Bouchier, Eſq;
Right Hon, the Lord Vere Beauclerc, Baron Mr. Thomas Bourne.
of Hanworth.
* Mr. Thomas Bowen.
* Right Rev. Lord Biſhop of Bangor.
James Bowyer.
* His Excellency the Chevalier Bathget, his John Brace, Eſq;
Imperial Majeſty's Reſident at Venice. Edward Brace, Eſq;
* Right Rev. the Lord Biſhop of Briſtol.
Mr. Samuel Brace.
* Sir John Barnard, Knt. Alderman.
* John Brathwaite, Eſq;
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Mr. Robert Brathwaite, jun.
Richard Lovel Badcock,
* Mr. John Brewſter.
* Rev. Mr. Barnard, Rector of Bridgetown
* Mr. Thomas Brewſter.
in Barbados.
* Hon. George Bridges, Eſq;
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* Edward Barry, M. D.
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Seigneur de Brummer.
Edward Bartrum.
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Preſident Barwick.
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William Butcher.
* Rev. Dr. Bearcroft, Chaplain in Ordinary to
James Butcher.
bis Majeſty.
* Mr. Butterfield.
* Henry Bellingham, Eſq;
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Mr. George Bell, Surgeon, F.R.S.
tigua.
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Samuel Bedford.
bury, two Books.
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William Belgrave.
of the Royal Academy of Sciences in Paris.
Slingſby Bethel, Eſq; Alderman.
* Right Hon, the Earl of Cheſterfield.
* Rev. Thomas Berdmore, D.D.
Right Hon. the Lord Caſtlemaine.
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remberg.
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C.
*

A LIST of SUBSCRIBERS.
茶
​出
​Mr. Richard Calendar.
* David Crow, Eſq;
Archibald Campbell, Eſq;
Mr. Thomas Cruiſe. Gada
16
John Campbell, Eſq; of Red-Lion-ſtreet,
Holborn.
Archibald Carmichael, El
D.
Mr. John Carmady, jun.
* His Grace the Duke of Dorſet.
Hon. James Carter, Eſq;
* His Grace the Duke of Devonſhire, two
Mr. Foſter Carter.
Books.
Rev Mr. John Carter, A. M. two Books. Right Rev. the Lord Biſhop of St. Davids.
Mr. William Carter.
Right Rev. the Lord Biſhop of Derry.
Mr. Chilcot, Organiſt at Bath.
James Dawkins, Eſg; three Books.
Codrington Carington, E/7;
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Mr. John Dapwell.
John Caſſon.
* Sir James Daſhwood, Bart.
William Cattel, Surgeon, two Books. Henry Daſhwood, Elg;
* Rev. Mr. Cauthorne, A. M.
* Rev. Dr. Derham, Preſident of St. John's
Rev. Mr. Chamberlaine.
College, Oxford, four Books.
* Sir Charles Bagot Cheſter, Bart.
* Rev. Dr. Delany
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Theophilus Deſbı ifay, Eſq;
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Mr. John Clark, Bookfeller.
Ifaac Del-Peza.
Dr. John Clark.
Daniel Devine.
Mr. Samuel Clark.
Richard Deveney.
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Richard Dilling.
* Monſieur Clement.
Thomas Dipper.
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Mr. Benjamin Cleeve, Merchant.
Dr. John Douglas.
Abraham Chovet, Surgeon.
* Rev. Mr. Dowding, B. D.
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Mr. Purſer Downes.
Capt. William Cogan.
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Mrs. Elizabeth Drake.
* Mr. Laurence Cole.
* Thomas Drake, Eſq;
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* James Edward Colleton, Eſq;
Henry Drax, Ela;
Kam
* Rev. Mr. Collins,
Mr. Samuel Drayton.t nam
* Rev, Mr. Giles Collins.
John Drayton,
'
* Rev. Mr. William Collins.
Francis Drayton. asiat
* Mr. Peter Collinſon.
William Duffy, Eſq;
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Thomas Duke, Eſq;
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lege, Oxford.
John Dunbar.
Mr. Samuel Cooper, of Norwich.
Michael Duncan.
* Rev. Dr. Conybeare, Dean of Chriſ- Capt. Dunn.
Church, Oxford.
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* John Conyers, Ejq; of Corpus-Chrifli Col- Mr. Theophilus Dymond.
lege, Oxon.
Rev. Mr. Dyer.
* Mr. Mendez de Coſta.
Robert Dynwiddie, Eſg;
Richard Cowlam.
Rev. Mr. James Cox, Rector of Suneam
in Kent.
E.
Dr. William Cox.
* Right Rev, the Lord Biſhop of Ely.
Mr. William Coxal.
Right Rev. the Lord Biſhop of Exeter.
Mr. William Croft.
Mr. Richard Eaton,
Mr. John Crew, of Crew-Hall, Eſq;
Mr. Craten.
Mr.
*
2

A LIST of SUBSCRIBERS.
Mr. Eafton, Bookſeller in Saliſbury,
G.
* Matthew Eber, E9;
* His Grace the Duke of Grafton.
Mr. Samuel Eburne.
* Right Hon. the Lord Gowran.
Mr. Simon Edwards.
* Right Hon. the Lady Betty Germaine.
* Richard Edwards, Eq; Maſter in Chancery. Right Rev. the Lord Biſhop of Glouceſter.
Philip Edwards, El
His Excellency Henry Greenville, Governor
Mr. Edwards of the College of Phyſicians, of Barbados, &c. fix Books.
two Books.
Hon. John Gallop, Eſq;
* Rev. Mr. Edward Edwards, A. M.
Mr. Gammon.
Philip Edwards, Eſq;
Chriſtopher Gall, Eſq;
* Mr. Richard Edwards.
Eſtick Gall, Eſq;
Mr. Simon Edwards.
Mr. William Gall.
Rev. Mr. Robert Edwards, A. B.
Samuel Game.
Mr. Robert Edwards.
Dr. Joſeph Gamble.
* Mr. G. D. Ehret.
George Gaſcoigne, Eſq;
Anthony Eiver, Eſq;
* Mr. John Gaſcoigne.
Richard Eſtwick, Eſq;
* Hon. John Gibbons, Eſq; two Books.
Mr. Richard Rouſe Eftwick.
Hon. William Gibbons, Eſq; Speaker of
* Rev. Mr. Evans, A. M.
the Aſſembly at Barbados, two Books.
Rev. Mr. Ewyn.
Hon. Philip Gibbs, Eſq;
Philip Gibbs, jun. Elg:
F.
William Gibbs, Eſq;
* Rev. Dr. Fanſhaw, Regius Profeſor of Dr. John Gibbs.
Divinity at Oxford,
Mr. Jofeph Gibbs,
Mrs. Anne Farrell,
Rowland Gibſon.
Mr. John Farr.
Rev. Charles Gifford, A. M.
* Hon. Governor Fleming.
Mr. Thomas Gilks.
* Martin Folks, Eſq; P. R. S.
* Edward Gore, Eſq;
Hon. John Fairchild, Eſq;
* Mr. Henry Gorſely.
Mr. Joſeph Farley, two Books.
Richard Goſling, Eſq;
* Robert Firchurſon, Eſq; two Books.
Dr. Charles Goudy, Eſq;
Francis Find, jun. Eſq;
Mr. William Gough.
Thomas Finlay, Eſq;
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Mr. Fitzherbert.
Capt. Samuel Goulding,
Hon. Richard Fitzpatrick, EXg;
Mr. John Grant.
Mr. Fletcher.
* Charles Gray, Eſq;
William Fletcher.
Gray's Inn Library.
Thomas Forbes.
George Greame, Elg;
Rev. Mr. Foote, L. L. B.
* Rev. Dr. Greene, Fellow of St. John's
Francis Ford, jun. Eſq;
College, Oxford.
Capt. William Foſter, two Books.
Mr. William Green.
Rev. Mr. Reynold Foſter, A. M. two * John Grey, Eſq;
Books.
* Mrs. Elizabeth Grey.
Mr. Ingham Foſter,
Mr. Edmund Grey.
Mrs. Hannah Foſter.
Mr. Edward Grey.
* Rev. Mr. Fothergil, B. D.
Rev Mr. Walter Griffith, A.M. four
- Fothergil, M. D.
Books.
* Rev. Mr. Fothergil, A. M.
Mr. Samuel Griffin.
* Chriſtopher Freiſe, Eſq;
Robert Grilley, M. D.
John French, Eſq;
Edward Grove, Eſq; two Books,
* Tobias Frere, Eſq;
William Gulſton, Eſq;
Thomas Fox, Eſb;
Jonathan Franklin, Eſq;
H.
Mr. Michael Fortune.
* Right Hon, the Earl of Halifax.
William Fuller.
* Right Hon. the Earl of Harcourt.
***
* Right

A LIST of SUBSCRIBERS.
* Right Hon. the Counteſs of Huntington. Capt. Thomas Holland, two Books.
* Right Hon. the Lady Harcourt.
* Mr. Hollioake, Surgeon.
* Right Hon. the Lady Howe.
* Thomas Horne, Eſq;
Right Hon. Lord Efingham Howard.
Robert Hooper, Efq;
* Right Hon. and Rev. the Lord Biſhop of Mr. Thomas Hope.
Hereford.
* Rev. Dr. Horſeman.
* Hon, Sir Edward Hawke, K. B.
John Hótherſal, Eſq;
* Rev. Dr. Hales,
Rev. Mr. Richard Hotchkiſs, A. M. four
* Dr. Halliar, Profeffor of Botany at Got- Books.
tingen.
* Charles Grave Hudſon, Eſq; Gentleman
Halſey, Eſq;
Commoner of Edmund-Hall
, Oxon,
* Hon. Charles Hamilton, Efq;
* Rev. Obadiah Hughes, D. D. two Books.
Mr. Richard Hamilton, Surgeon.
Rev. Mr. Lewis Hughs, A. M.
* William Hamilton, Eſq;
Mr. Richard Hughes, Purſer of His Ma-
Capt. Patrick Hamilton, of Jamaica
jelly's Ship the Aſſurance, three Books.
* George Hannay, Eſq;
Mrs. Sufannah Hughes.
John Hannington, Ela;
Mr. John Hughs, Printer.
* Mrs. Hannington.
Hugo Phyſician in Ordinary to his
Mr. William Hall.
Majeſty at Hanover.
Richard Hall, Els
Hugo, Phyſician to the Houſhold.
Mr. Hugh Hall.
* Mrs. Hulſton.
Mr. Barnard Hall.
* Rev. Mr. Humphry Humphreys, A. B.
Rev. Mr. Hall, L.L. B.
* Rev. Dr. Hunt, Profeſor of Hebrew af
Mr. Richard Halſewood.
Oxford,
Henry Haffel, El
Richard Hunt, Eſq;
Rev. Mr. William Haggat.
* Rev. Mr. Hunter, A. M.
Mrs. Suſannah Haggat,
Hon. Samuel Huſbands, Eſq;
Mr. Samuel Hallam.
Richard Huſbands, Eſq;
John Harriſon, Eſq; two Books,
Mr. John Huſſey.
Cheney Hart, M. D.
Robert Hutchinſon.
Mr. Edward Harriſon.
John Hartford
T.
Ward Harris, Eſq;
* St. John's College Library, Oxford.
Mr. Thomas Harris.
St. John's College Library, Cambridge.
Mrs. Jane Harper.
Mr. Richard Jackman.
Mr. John Hartford.
William James.
George Hartle.
Miles James, Eſg
Mr. Henry Haſſel.
* Robert Janſien, Eſq;
John Hotherſal, Eſq;
Rev. Mr. Ibbetſon.
* John Hay, L. L. D. Fellow of St. John's Mr. Jeffries of Kingfton.
College, Oxford
Jeffries, Engraver to his Royal Highneſs
Capt. Henry.
the Prince of Wales.
Mr. William Henry.
Mr. George Jemmet.
Dr. John Herne.
Hen. Edmund Jenkins, Eſq;
* Sir William Heathcote.
William Jenkins, Ed
* Benjamin Heath, Elg:
Edward Ince, Elg;
* James Herbert, Eſq;
Mr. Thomas Ince.
* Thomas Heſketh, Eſq;
Dale Ingram, Surgeon.
John Hill, Eſq; Secretary to the Board of William Innys, Merchant.
Trade.
* Dr. Johnſon, Reſidentiary of St. Paul's,
* Thomas Hill, Eſq;
London.
Mr. Benjamin Hinds.
* Rev. Mr. Rowland Johnſon of Hempſtead,
* Rev. Dr. Holden, Preſident of the Eng-
A. M. two Books.
liſh Seminary at Paris.
* Mr. Richard Johnſon.
William Holder, Elg;
William Johnſon
Mr. Henry Evan Holder,
Col. John Jones, Eq;
John Allen Holder.
Benjamin Jones, E/
* Robert Holdford, Efq;
b
*
*
* Rev.

A LIST of SUBSCRIBERS.
* Rev. Mr. Lewis Jones, A. M. Rector of George Levine. Egy
Mowddwy.
Mr. William Levine.
* Rev. Mr. Jones.
Iſaac Levine, Eſq;
* Rev. Mr. Jones, A. M. of Elftree.
Rev. Mr. James Lewis.
* Rev. Mr. Jones of Jeſus Col. Oxford. A. M. John Lewis, Eſg; Agent Vi&tualler at Gi-
* Mr. Jones of Hempſtead.
braltar.
Joſeph Jordan, ſen. Eſq;
Mr. Samuel Lewis.
Mr. Jofeph Jordan. jun.
Temple Lewis, E9;
Hurdeſs Jordan, E/?;
John Liyte, Eſq;
* Sir William Irby, Bart.
Mr. Thomas Light.
Tothua Iremonger, E/93
Anthony Linch.
Edward Ironfide, Eſq;
* David Liſle, Eſq;
* Charles Long, Eſq;
K.
Mr. Charles Long
* Hon. Admiral Knowles.
Philip Lovewell.
* Rev. Dr. Kendrick.
Herman Louis.
* Mr. John Kendrick.
Charles Lowth.
James Keith.
Samuel Lloyd
* Mrs. Kennons, two Books.
Dr. Nathaniel Lloyd.
Henry Peter King, Eſq;
* Reu. Mr. Lloyd, B.D.
* Rev. Mr. Arnold King, A. M.
Dr. Thomas Lycott.
Rev. Mr. Richard King, A. M.
* Rev. Dr. Charles Lyttleton, Dean of Exeter,
* Jac. Theod. Klein, Reip. Ged. a fecretis Re- Right Hon. George Lyttleton, Eſq;
gia Societatis Londin. & Academia Sci.
entiarum Sodalis.
M.
Mr. Thomas Knights.
* Right Hon. Earl of Macclesfield.
Samuel Knights.
* Right Hon. Earl of Moreton.
* Francis Knowles; Elas
* Right Hon. Lord Maynard, two Books.
Right Hon. Lord Montfort.
L.
* Right Hon. Lord James Manners.
* His Grace the Duke af Leeds.
Right Rev. Lord Biſhop of Meath.
* Right Hon. Earl of Leiceſter.
* His Excellency
Mathews, Elg, Go-
Right Hon. Lady Luxborough.
vernor of Antigua.
* Right Rev. Lord Biſhop of London.
Afflick Mackleur, Eſq; two Books.
* Right Rev. Lord Biſhop of Lincoln.
Mancumara, M. D. at Barbados,
* Right Rev, the late Biſhop of Litchfield. Magdalene College Library.
* Right Rev. Lord Biſhop of Landaff. * Francis M-Mahon, Eſq;
Mr. Lafartie.
Samuel Mapp, Eſq;
* Sir Bibye Lake, Bart. in
Thomas Mapp, Eſq
* Thomas Lake, Eja;
* Dr. Martin, Dean of Worceſter,
Mr. Samuel Lake.
Mr. James Maſcol.
* Hon. Lady Lambert.
Benjamin Maſſie.
Mr. Alexander Lampley. S.
* Mrs. Maflie.
John Lane, Elgi
Mr. John Maſhal.
Rev. Mr. Langford, A. M.
William Maffline:
Rev. Mr. Larkham, Fellote of Corpus M. Matty, M. D.
Chriſti College, Oxon.
Mr. John Mayhew.
Mr. John Lawſon.
Hon. William Maynard, Eſq; two Books.
Joſeph Laycock.
John Maynard, El9;
Samuel Leach.
Jonas Maynard, Eſq;
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Mr. Mayntown, of Gray's Inn.
John Leary.
* Richard Mead, M. D.
Capt. John Leatherhead.
Benjamin Mellowes, Eſq; two Books,
Mr. Matthew Lee.
* Moſes Mendez, Eſq;
James Lee.
Mr. William Meyer, Bookſeller.
Henry Leſlie, Eſq;
Richard Meyrick, M. D.
Mr. Bowman Leſlie.
* Owen Meyrick, Efq;
Thomas Leflie, Elg:
* Humn-
*

A LIST of SU B'SCRIBER S.
**
* *
* Humphrey Mildmay, Eſq;
Right Rev. Lord Biſhop of Oxford,
John Millington, Eſq;
* Hon. Lieutenant-General James Oglethorpe,
* Rev. Dr. Mills.
Eg;
Mr. John Middleton.
* Sir Chaloner Ogle, Knt.
ano!
Francis Miller, Eſq;
* Rowland Oliver, Eſq;
isano
Mr. Joſeph Mills,
Oriel College Library.
Timothy Miller.
* Robert Oſborne, Eſq;
tohto rok
Elias Mivielle, Eſg;
Samuel Olborne, Eſq;
o no
* Robert Mitchell, Eſq;
Mr. James Oſborne, of Alban-Hall.
John Moleſworth, Elaz Gentleman-Com- James Oſborne, Eſq;
moner of Baliol College, Oxon.
Mr. Thomas Oſborne, of Gray's-Inn, Book-
Rev. Mr. Moore, Curate of St. Sepulchre's. feller, fix Books,
Daniel Moor, Eſq;
John Oſtraham.
Humphry Moſtyn, Elg:
* Corbet Owen, Eſq;
William Moll, Eſq;
Hugh Owen, M, D.
Mr. Jofeph Moll.
* Richard Owen, Eſq;
John Monroe, M. D.
Humphrey Owen, B. D. of Jeſus College,
Mr. John Mottley.
Oxon.
Rev. Mr. Edward Morgan, A. M.
* Rev. Mr. Owen Owen, A. M.
* Rev. Mr. Thomas Morgan, A. M. of Mr. John Oxley.
Cheltenham, two Books.
Edward Oxnard.
* Samuel Morgan, Eſq;
book
Mr. Lewis Morris.
Jaſper Morris, Eſq;
P.
Rev. Mr. Kenneth Morriſon,
* His Grace the Duke of Portland.
Mr. Mountford, Bookfeller at Worcester. * Her Grace the Dutchefs of Portland.
James Mount.
Right Hon. Counteſs of Pomfret.
Right Rev. Lord Biſhop of Peterborough.
N.
* Right Hon. Henry Pelham, Eſq;
* His Grace the Duke of Norfolk.
* Francis Paddie, Eq;
* His Grace the Duke of Newcaſtle.
Mr. Samuel Palmer.
Rigbt Hon. the Earl of Northampton. * Rev. Dr. Pardo Principal of Jesus College,
Right Hon. the Earl of Northumberland. Oxon.
Right Rev Lord Biſhop of Norwich. * James Parſons, M. D.
* James Naſh, Eſq;
* Richard Parrot, Eſq;
* Hon. John Needham, Eſq;
Mr. Edward Clark Pariſh, Merchant.
* Mr. Turbeville Needham.
Parrot, Surgeon.
Samuel Newman.
Samuel Parry, Attorney at Law.
New College Library.
William Paterſon, Eſq;
* Rev. Dr. Newton.
Thomas Patridge, Eſq;
John Newton, Ejas
Mr. Eyre Payne.
Mr. Nathaniel Newton.
John Payne, two Books, and his
Mrs. Newton; Bookfeller, at Mancheſ- Thomas Abel Payne.
Thomas Payne.
Mr. William Nibs, jun.
* Mrs. Pearſon.
Benjamin Nicholls.
John Pennant, Eſq;
Rev. Dr. Nicholls, Chaplain to the Right Henry Pennant, Ele;
Rev. Lord Biſhop of London.
Dr. John Penny
Mr. William Nicholls.
Rev Mr. Jonathan Perkins.
Mordecai Nunes.
Rev. Mr. Richard Perry, A. M. Student of
William Nut,
Chriſt Church, Oxon.
Samuel Nurſe
Mr. Samuel Perry.
William Perry, Eſq;
0.
William Peterſon, Eſa;
Rigkt Hon. Earl of Orrery.
Mr. William Peters,
*
*
*
ter.
第
​* Revo

A LIST of SUBSCRIBERS.
* Rev. Dr. Pickering, Vicar of St. Sepul- Thomas Rouſe, Eſq;
chre's.
Hillary Rowe, Eſq; two Books,
John Pickering, Eſq;
Mr. James Royſtone, Merchant.
Joſeph Pickering, Elg;
Philip Rudder.
* Rev. Mr. Pearce, Ă. M. Vicar of Tilling-
David Rudder, Eſq;
ham in Effex.
S.
Mr. Thomas Pierce, jun.
Right Hon. Earl of Sandwich.
William Pierce.
* Right Hon. Counteſs of Sandwich.
Conrade Pile, Eſq;
* Right Hon. Counteſs of Sunderland.
Mr. Daniel Pindar.
Right Hon. Earl of Shaftſbury.
* Philadelphia Library.
Right Rev. Lord Biſhop of Saliſbury.
Mr. George Philips.
Hon. Andrew Stone, Eſg; Commiſioner of
John Philips.
Trade and Plantations.
* William Phelps, Eſq
Mr. John Salman.
Mr. Thomas Plumſtead.
William Salmon.
Mrs. Mary-Anne Popple.
* Hon. Richard Salter, Eſq;
Mr. Powel, Apothecary.
Hon. William Sandiford, Eſqz two Books.
Mys. Anne Poyer.
Mr. John Sandiford.
John Poyer, Eſq;
Williain Sealy, Eſa;
Henry Pratten, Eſq;
Mr. James Scott.
Capt. John Prentice.
Dr. James Sedgwick.
Mr. William Preſcod.
Rev. Mr. Seers, A. Mi
James Prideaux, Ely
John Sericold, Elq;
Mr. John Pridee.
John Sharp, Eſq;
Thomas Pridee.
* Rev. Dr. Shaw, Principal of Edmund-hall
Francis Proines.
Oxon.
Samuel Pyet.
James Sheppard, Elg
a
* Rev. Mr. Shipley, A. M.
Queen's College Library, Oxon.
* Rev. Mr. Shire, A. M.
R.
Mr. Philip Simons.
* His Grace the Duke of Rutland.
William Shurland.
* Right Hon. Earl of Radnor.
Charles Shurland.
Right Hon. Lord Romney.
Reynold Skeet, Eſq;
Right Reverend Lord Biſhop of Ro- * Rev. Dr: Skerret.
cheſter.
然
​* Sir Hans Sloane, Bart.
Dr. John Raven.
Mr. Slaughter; of Newgate-ſtreet.
Thomas Revell, Ela;
* Rev. Thomas Smith, D.D.
Capt. James Rawlins.
Tenniſon Smith, Eſq;
Thomas Reeve, Eſq;
Richard Smith, Merchant, Eſq; two Books.
Mr. John Reeves.
Edward Smyth, M. D.
Rev. Mr. John Reynolds, A. M.
Edward Smith, Eſq;
Nicholas Rice, Eſq;
Mr. Samuel Smith.
Mr. Joſeph Rider.
Henry Smith
George Rider.
Henry Snock, Elg:
Meſſrs. John and James Rivington.
Mr. John Southward.
* Sir Thomas Robinſon, Knt.
Mr. Thomas Speck.
James Rogers, M. D.
Joſeph Sponſhall
.
Joſeph Roleſtone, Eſq;
* Thomas Stack, M. D.
Rev. Mr. Romaine, A. M. Lecturer of Thomas Stevenſon, Eſq;
Št. Dunſtan.
Mr. Roger Stevens.
* Rev. Mr. Roman, B. D.
* Rev. Mr. Stennet.
Rev. Mr. Patrick Roſe, A. M.
Mr. James Streaker,
Mr. William Rofs.
George Stretch.
Rev. Mr. Thomas Rotherham, A. M. two George Streate.
Books.
Demmock Streate.
Rev. Mr. John Rotherham, A, B.
Benjamin Stoute
Hon. Samuel Rouſe, Eſq; four Books.
William Sturge, Eſq;
Reo.

A LIST of SUBSCRIBERS.
*
Rev. Dr. Stukeley.
Mr. Peter Walker.
John Sutton, Eſq; of Jamaica:
* Rev. Mr. William Warburton, Chaplaist
Samuel Francis Swinden, Eſq;
to His Royal Highneſs the Prince of
* Mr. Symons.
Wales.
Afton Warner, Elas
T.
Mr. Richard Warner, of Lincoln's Inn.
* Right Hon. Earl of Tilney.
Thomas Warner, Eſq; of Antigua.
* His Excellency Edward Trelawney, Gover- William Warren, Eſq;
nor of Jamaica.
Robert Warren, Eſq;
Mr. Fimington Tatem.
Thomas Waterman, Eſq;
James Taylor
Mr. William Wats.
Joſeph Taylor.
Watſon.
Joſeph Terril
, Eſq; two Books.
William Wayles.
Mr. William Terril.
Thomas Weales.
Douding Thornhill.
Henry Webb; El
William Thorne,
Mr. Joſhua Webſter, Surgeonia
Thomas Thorneton, Eſq;
Hon. Ralph Weeks, Eſq;
Mr. Samuel Tavers.
Roger Weeks, Eſq;
* Dr. Chriſtophorus Jacobus Trew, at Nu-
Mr. Nathaniel Weeks.
renberg
Peter Weſtern.
Mr. John Tucker.
Robert Weſton, Eſq;
* Rev. Mr. Joſiah Tucker, A.M.
Rev. Mr. Joſeph Wharton, A. M. two Books:
Mr. John Tull.
Mr. Dennis Wharton.
Thomas Tunckes, Eſq; two Books,
John White, Eſq;
Mr. Nicholas Turner.
Mr. Samuel Whiteman.
Cholmondley Turner, Ela
William Whitaker,
Mercbant, in
* The Library of St. Thomas's Hoſpital,
Dolphin Court Tower Hill.
Mr. George Thomas.
Thomas Whitaker, Eſq;
Mr. Thomas Thomſon.
Mr. William Whitehead.
Touchitt, Merchant.
Wheeler.
* Edward Tymewell, Eſq;
John Wheeler.
Thomas Wheeler.
Rev. Mr. Whitford:
* Right Hon. the Counteſs of Uxbridge.
Mr. John Wickham.
* William Vaughan, Eſg;
Nicolas Wilcox, fen. Eſq; two Books.
Thomas Vaughan, Eſq;
* Mr. Thomas Willbraham.
Mr. Stumford Vanhulp.
Rev. Mr. James Williams, A. M. of Jeſus
* Edward Vernon, Eſq;
College, Oxon.
Mr. James Virtue.
* Rev. Mr. John Williams, M. A. of
Twickenham.
W.
Mr. Richard Williams.
* Right Hon. Lord Viſcount Windſor.
Alexander Williams.
Right Reu. Lord Bifhop of Wincheſter.
David Williams,
* Right Rev. Lord Biſhop of Worceſter.
Hugh Williams, Elg:
* Right Hon. Lord Chief Juſtice Willes.
Mr. Daniel Williams.
* Walter Wade of Liſbon, M. D.
Hugh Williams.
Robert Wadefon, Eſq; two Books.
William Windham, Ely;
John Waite, Eſq;
* Rev. Peter Wingfield, M. A.
Eyre Walcott, Eſq;
Edward Winſlow, Eſq; two Books.
Thomas Walcott, Eſq;
Thomas Withers, Eſq;
Mr. Samuel Walcott.
Robert Wrightfón, Eſg of Culwork itt
Mr. Charles Waller.
Yorkſhire.
Antony Waldron.
Rev. Mr. Nathaniel Wright, A. M.
Abel Walker, Eſq; two Books:
William Wollaſton, Eſq;
Hon. George Walker, Eſq;
Rev. Mr. Dudley Woodidge, two Books.
Mr. Jofeph Walker.
Mrs. Ruth Woodhidge.
William Walker, Eſq
Mr. Thomas Woolford.
Mr.

A LIST of SUBSCRIBERS.
R
ag
Mr. John Worrel.
* Hon. Philip York, Eſq;
William Worrel.
* Hon. Col. York.
Francis Woodward, M. D.
Hon. Charles York.
* Richard Woodward, L. B.
Young, Eſq; from Antigua.
* Rev. Hugh Wyne, D. D. Chaplain in Or- Rev. Mr. Richard Younger, A. M.
dinary to his Majeſty.
Philip Yeoman, Elg: ;
* Sir John Wynne, Bart.
Mr. Thomas Yard.
Rev. Mr. William Wynne, A. M.
* M. Yonſtall, Eſq; of Wycliffe.
Y
* His Grace the Lord Archbiſhop of York.
SUBSCRIBERS from VIRGIN I A.
Ight Hon. Thomas, Lord Fairfax,
Col. George Lee.
Hon. William Fairfax.
Maj. William Dangerfield,
Hon. John Robinſon, Eſq; Preſident of Maj. Andrew Monroe.
the Council.
Maj. Peter Wayener.
Hon. William Newton.
Thomas Nelſon, Ela;
Hon. and Rev. William Dawſon, D. D James Reid, Eſq;
one of bis Majelly's moſt Hon. Council, and Beverley Whiting, Efq;
Preſident of the College of William and Mr. John Buſheron.
Mary.
George Webb.
Col. Charles Carter,
Stephen Dewey.
Col. Carter Burwell.
Soon
Edward Pendleton.
erot
Col. Preſſley Thornton.
James Pomer.
Col. William Fitz-Hugh,
Lumford Lomax.
Col. Joſhua Fry.
* Techarner Degraffenreid.
Col. William Beverley.
John Lee.
Col. Lunden Carter.
Curtis, jun.
Col. Richard Blund.
William Kennar.
Col. George Braxtòn.
John Mercer
Col. Lewis Burwell.
E R R Α Τ Α.
p Age 1.1.12. for greateſt
Breadth 13. 3-qis read 14 and Furlongs: Page 52.for Swallows readSallows, Ibid. line 7-for
Yeagh read Yew. Page 136. dele the Deſcription of Turk’s Head. Page 139. line 18. for expands itſelf hori-
ontally read expanding itſelf horizontally. Page 146. for Bee-wood Tree read Beef-wood Tree. Ibid, dele. Fuſtic
Tree. Page 164. for Buombo read Bumbo
. Page 170. line 21. for reddiſh, thick and fucculent. Page 180. line
.
.
12. dele red before Veins. Püge 182. line 22. for fort read ſpecies. Page 186. dele Cochineal. Page 208, line 20.
for browniſh read brown. Page 209. line 11. for browniſh read brown. 210 line 8. for high read long. Ibid l. 33.
for high read in height. Ibid. line 36, for browniſh read brown. Page 216, line 9. for roundiſh Pods read round Pods.
Ibid. line 10. for thoug hſomewhat read though ſomewhat. Ibid. line 18. after that Time add from their being
planted. Page 220. for Anteyoa read Antegua. Page 221. dele Wild Penny-royal. Ibid. line 15. dele the after by.
Ibid. line 20. dele and roundiſh. Page 222. line 11. for are longiſh read are about five Inches long, narrow and ſharp
pointed. Ibid. line 23. after Colt's Foot add and the Colour. Page 223. line 23, after leaves add ſomewhat ſimilar.
Idid. lines 33 and 34. for three Inches thick read two Inches thick near the Earth. Page 224. line 8. for Abundance
I .
read a great Number.. Page 226. line 16. for many leaved Flowers read roſaceous Flowers
. Page 236. line 33. for
Stalk read main Stalk. Page. 237. line 8. for Skill read Knowledge. Page 253. line 15. for coral Sea-weed read the
ftiff Sea-weed. Ibid. line 20 dele Head after Brown. Ibid. inſtead of rather Seed, read what are here called Seed.
Page 255, for purpliſh Sea Moſs, read purple Sea Moſs. Ibid. line 30. for purpliſh Colour read purple. Page 258.
line 3. after Reſemblance to it add in Shape. Page 261. line 15. after reality add of. Page 262. line 3. for it often
read it ſome Times. Ibid. line 14. for about the Roots of the great Feelers read where the Feelers take their Riſe. Ib.
line 3. after Sea add this. Ibid. after Shoals add or fnch ſhallow Places. Ibid. line 28. for which they caft, read
which theydo. Page 266. line 8. for but oftener read and often Graneries near the Sea-fide. Ibid. line 4. for twenty
Pounds read ten Pounds. Page 268. line 19. for Fancifulneſs read Fancy. Page 273, for Vergil, read Virgil ; fór
creditable, ead credible. Page 227. line 22. for browniſh read brown. Page 278, itne 5. for blackiſh read black
Spots. Ibid. line 11. for Concha Veneris Alba read the Rice Shell. Page 280, line 32. dele by which I ſuppoſe Nou-
riſhment is convey'd to the Fiſh. Page 297. line 39. for langid read languid. Page 298 Plate 24 hould be marked
Plate 26. Negroes, their Numbers, Index for Page 2. read Page 14. For Plate 11. 352. read Plate II. 152.
A D DENDA The Wild CANE.
D
THIS grows to about fifteen Feet high. Its Flags reſemble to thoſe of the Reeds in England, and the Body is gene-
rally thicker than a Walking-cane, and ſtrong; the young Canes at about two or three Inches growth are made
into Pickles. Plate 10 *, being the Defcription of the Bay Berry Tree, is to be placed oppoſite to Page 145.
ROSE-SHELLS.
TH
HESE are of two Sorts, the white, and thoſe tinged with a Maiden's-bluſh ; the latter are very rare to be met
-
with, but the former are in great Plenty on moſt of our fandy Bays.
Theſe, with a Species of the ſmall black Buccinum Kind, and another Species of very ſmall Shells of a pale green,
and often called Pea-ſhells, are with great Affiduity, gathered and ſent to England: With the firſt Kind the Ladies form
a lively Repreſentation of Roſes ; the fecond ſerve to imitate the Seed and Seed-veffels in ſuppoſed full-blown Sun-
flowers, and the third are of no leſs Service to repreſent thoſe ſmall Granulations common to the thrummy Diſqus of
fome, as well as the Summits of other apetalous Flowers.
;
a

THE
WE
C O N T E N T S
C Ν Τ Ε Ν Τ S
T
T
a
C
BOOK I. Page 1
Ι
REATS of the Air, Soil, and Climate. The Reſidence of Indians for
merly in the Illand prov'd. The conſtitutional Difference of the Inha-
bitants of hot and cold Climates examined after a new and phyſical Man-
ner. Hurricanes, their Force and Effects ; eſpecially that in Barbados, in the Year
1665. compar’d with the moſt remarkable Storms deſcrib'd by antient Authors; and
probable Conjectures offer'd, that all Hurricanes, if of long Continuance, begin in
variable Climates.
BOOK II. Page 31.
.
Treats of the Caufe, Nature, and Cure of the Diſeaſes peculiar to that, and the neigh-
bouring Weſt - India Iſlands. The Qualities of the Waters, whether of Springs, Rivers,
Wells or Ponds. Foſſils, and ſubterraneous Caves. The unequal Force of the De-
luge near the Equator, and in variable Climates, prov'd, and accounted for. The
Nature of bituminous Foſſils examined, with a Confutation, from their Qualities and
Situation of a late great Critic's Hypotheſis ; viz. ' That the Deſtruction of Sodom
• and Gomorrah was not ſupernatural, but occafion'd in a natural Way by ſeveral
• Veins of Bitumen taking Fire.'
BOOK III.
III. Page 61.
Du
Treats of Land Animals, Quadrupedes, Volatiles, Reptiles, and Inſects.
BOOK IV, Page 97.
Treats of Vegetables; and begins with a Botanical Deſcription, as well as a Phyſical
Inquiry into the Nature and Qualities of Trees; Shrubs, and Plants; hitherto known
in the Iſland, being about Four hundred in Number; and concludes with thoſe of the
Nuciferous Kind.
Pomiferous
BOOK V. Page 121.)
Bacciferous
B OOK VI.
VI. Page 167. Treats of the Trees, Shrubs,
Kind.
BO O K VII. Page 174.
Pruniferous
and Plants of the
BOOK VIII. Page 188.
Siliquoſe, and
- Anomalous
100
wa
Among other remarkable Plants, that call’d the Agnus Scythicus is particularly dea
ſcribed: Likewiſe an Inquiry into the Qualities of the Cane-Plant, as well as a very eaſy
Method propos’d to prevent the Miſtakes frequently committed in fermenting Cane-Juice;
&c. for the Diſtillation of 'Rum, by which means a well-proportion'd Mulfa will re-
gularly ferment: An Inquiry into the Cauſe of that Diſtemper in Canes, called the
Bleft; with a probable and cheap Method of deſtroying it propos’d.
BOOK IX. Page 251.
Treats of the Shores of the Iſland, with the Shells, particularly the Murex ; to-
gether with a Deſcription of ſeveral exanguious Tribes of Animals found thereon, eſpe-
cially the Animal-Flowers; the pale Yellow, the dark Purple ſpotted with Black, and
the Green. Theſe new-diſcover'd ſurpriſing Claſſes of Beings, which appear in the
Shape of Flowers, were unknown to all former Authors of Natural Hiſtory.
BOOK X. Page 299.
"Treats of the Sea-Fiſhes, and ſeveral marine Productions; eſpecially ſuch as have not
been at all, or imperfectly, deſcribed by other Authors: With a probable Account
of the different Sea-Currents round this, and the neighbouring Iſlands.
A U T H O RS
09

A U THORS Quoted.
Page
M.
A
9, 18
15, 18
D.
258
Q.
A.
Page
Riſtotle
24, 257
Athenæus
271, 274
Manilius
276
B.
Maundrel
50, 57
Boerhaave
291
Dr. Mead
32
C.
Milton 19, 26, 76, 86, 261, 300
Julius Cæfar
5. (note 6.)
0.
Cicero
Ovid
P.
Derham
69
Petiver
Diodorus Siculus
26 Pindar
9
F.
Piſo
12, 25, 36 (note 37)
Dr. Freind
36 (note 6) | Pliny 74, 92, 269, 270, 273, 274
G.
Plautus
16 (note 20)
Glover
24, 56
Galen
33
Quintus Curtius
76
H.
R.
Dr. Halley
5
Ray
Hoffman
Rondeletius
271
Herodotus
9, 13
Rohault
Hippocrates
S.
32
Homer
2, 23, 71
Seneca
Horace 9, 12, 18, (note 24.) 113, Dr. Shaw
276, 280, 310
T.
Hunt
P. 9 (note 12.)
Dr. Toune
35
I.
V.
Ifidore
17, (note 22.) 270 Voffius
270
Julius Pollux
272
Virgil II, 27, (note 30.) 51, 56, 57,
L.
58, 59, 81
Le Clerc
51
Polydore Virgil
273
Lift. Hiſt, Conchyl.
275, ib. & 278
Lucretius
269 Dr. Warren
34, 37
Lucilius
280 Willoughby
69
86, 291
46
280
27
W.
TEXTS of SCRIPTURE Cited or Illuſtrated.
G
Page
2
16
52, 53
46
Enefis X. 26
J Gen. xiii, 8
Gen. xiii. 10
Gen, xxvi. 20
Gen. xxix. 12
Deut. xi. 10, 11, 12
Numb. v. 18
Numb. xiii. 24
2 Kings v. 27
Numb. xxi, 18
7 M N Oh
888524
Page
28
51
27
27
71
73
27
26
27
Job i. 19
Job viii. 11
Job xxvi. 14
Pſalm xviii. 10, II
Pſalm lxviii. 13
Pſalm civ.
Pſalm cxiv. 3
Iſaiah v. 30
Iſaiah xl. 12, 15
16
20
15
40
45

TUD
Τ Η Ε
PRE FACE
F
А СЕ
(C
0
a
ATURAL Philoſophy flouriſhed firſt in the Eaſt.
It was in great Perfection among the Allyrians,
Chaldæans, and Egyptians ; and, if their Knowlege
of it had been faithfully conveyed to Pofterity, we
ON
might have expected, that the next Age of Learn-
ing in Greece would have been able to have made
greater Progreſs in that noble Science.
* “ But, alas! here Philoſophy was forced to put
“ on a poetical Dreſs, adorned by the Poets, its
« Patrons, with Fables, and enlivened with extravagant Fancies. Nor
“ was Athens itſelf proof againſt fo prevailing a Corruption.”
This was the State of every Branch of Philoſophy in Greece; nor did
this Study meet with much better Succeſs in the first Part of the ſucceed-
ing Roman Empire. “For while this was in its Infancy, during the Three
« firſt Ages, which were ſpent in conquering Italy; Strictneſs of Man-
and the Art of War, were their chief Study, and continued to be
« ſo, till they were Maſters of the Eaſt.” Then Oratory became their
fo
Darling. Upon the Declenſion of the Roman Empire, the Darkneſs of
Ignorance, that enſued thro' many ſucceſſive Ages, ſpread like Elijah's
Cloud, and, in a Darkneſs, like that of Egypt, enveloped the ſmall Re-
mains of Learning in almoſt a total Eclipſe.
Nor did the Philoſophical Part of it revive, or ſhew the leaſt Spark of
its native Brightneſs, till Galileo in Italy, and the great Bacon in England,
became its Patrons.
A
It
* Sprat's Hiſtory of the Royal Society,
(0
ners,
.
.

pe
P R E F A C E.
9
It was about this Time that Natural Hiſtory, as well as every Branch
of Experimental Philofophy, became the Study of great Men in different
Countries, in England eſpecially, and ſome time afterwards in France,
under the Protection of that great Patron of Literature Lewis the XIVth.
whoſe Princely Favours fought for, and encouraged, Men of Learning,
not in France only, but in the moſt diſtant Countries.
« But of late Years its greateſt Promoters have been the Royal Society
« in England, and the Academy of Sciences in France : By their means
chiefly, has the World received more uſeful Diſcoveries and Improve-
ments in one Century, than it had done for many Ages Lefore.”
“ If they go on with the fame unwearied Diligence and Succeſs for one
“ Century more, what Depths of Nature will not be explored ? What
“ Treaſures of Knowlege will not be diſplayed ?”
"But tho' many Branches of this excellent Study have, of late Years,
been ſo laudably cultivated, to the Glory of God, and the Good of
Mankind ; yet we have Cauſe to lament, that our Purſuits of this Nature
are ſtill deficient.
The ſeveral ingenious and learned Diſcoveries of Malpighi
, Grew,
Ray, Derham, and Hales (among many others that might be added),
tho' excellent in their Kind, are yet but ſo many well-proportioned Limbs
of an unfiniſhed Piece.
Other Sciences and Arts owe their Perfection, not only to the Capacity
of the great Men who ſtudied them, but likewiſe to the confined Nature
of the Subjects treated of.
But as to Natural Hiſtory, ſo many are the Species of Animals, Plants,
and Foſſils, which are yearly diſcovered, that we may juſtly ſay with
Pliny, Multum adhuc refiat operis
, multumq; reſtabit ; nec ulli nato post
mille ſæcula præcluditur occaſio aliquid adjiciendi. And tho' the Study of
ſo extenſive a Subject te attended with ſome Difficulty, yet will it prove
no leſs pleaſing than uſeful.
In other Hiſtorics we meet with, at leaſt, a great Mixture of Pain
with our Pleaſure. If in Biography we are firſt charmed with the
great Talents and amiable Character of Cæfar, whilſt in the true Intereſt
of his Country; ſhall we not be grieved to find, that his Ambition, at
laft, proved fatal to many Thouſands of his Fellow-Citizens and Coun-
trymen ? If we are pleaſed with the Life and Actions of Epaminondas ;
as the fatal Cataſtrophe of his laſt unhappy Period draws on, can any
Degrée of Chearfulneſs check the riſing Sigh, or ſtop the falling Tear?
When from Biography we purſue Mankind through the general Hi-
ſtory of Nations, we ſhall be ſhocked with monſtrous Examples of
Wickedneſs, får overbalancing the few ſucceſsful Inſtances of diſintereſted
Virtue.
In

P R E F A C Ε.
mu
а.
In one Age we ſee Epictetus baniſhed, and the venerable Seneca
doomed to Death, whilft Domitian and Nero are covered with Purple.
In another Period, injured Majeſty bows the Neck to relentleſs Ty-
ranny.
amba
If, from this unamiable Stream of hiſtoric Truth, we explore its
branching Rivulets, and ſeek for Pleaſure in our Reſearches into the An-
tiquity of Nations ; this Study, tho' always harmleſs, and ſometimes
;
uſeful ; yet, after an irkſome and tedious Purſuit, thro' Paths rendered
obſcure and dark by Length of Time, or Ignorance, or made almoſt im-
pervious by Superſtition, after a Life ſpent in ſuch Inquiries, perhaps the
ultimate Reſult will be, how preciſely to determine the Day and Year,
that memorable Æra, which gave Birth to a Nimrod, who conquered ſome
ſmall Province, or built fome little City, and reigned its Tyrant ; or per-
haps the Period of our Labours will cloſe with the diminutive Diſcovery
how to fix the original Meaning of fome obſcure Sentence, or even an
obſolete Word.
vidibus
Whereas, in purſuing the Study of Nature, and meditating upon the
exact Harmony fo viſible in the Works of the Creation, we are fure to
meet with untainted Pleaſures; not ſuch as proceed from the Tranſports
of an heated Imagination, or a violent Paſſion, but Pleaſures, like that of
Health, ftill and ſerene.
20 bao
The Accompliſhments we acquire by many other Studies, may, by
ſoothing our Vanity, occaſionally miſlead us, and likewiſe byafs human
Nature with a ſtrong Propenſity towards ſome favourite Prepoſſeſſion of
the Will.
121 do
Thus the Oratory of Cicero, indued with every Power to pleaſe
to raiſe or calm the various Paſſions in the human Breaſt
Endowment, when employed in the Cauſe of Virtue !) ---- But (ſuch, alas !
is the Inſtability and Imperfection of human Nature) this very Talent,
which gave him Pre-eminence above other Men, became fubfervient to
indulge a Weakneſs, which we muſt at once condemn and pity. To
living Cæfar, the Orator paid the pleaſing Tribute of Adulation and
Praiſe: ---But, when dead, loaded him with Reproaches. Hon
If we deſcend to many other Branches of Study, and polite Literature
(eſpecially in the preſent Age), we ſhall find, that theſe Embelliſhments
too often tend only to inſpire us with a fanfied Superiority over others, and
ferve, at beſt, but to ſet forth and enliven ſome particular Occaſion or
Period of Life. Their Amuſements, to make uſe of a great Writer's
Simile, are like a Fountain, which, on ſome gaudy Days, ſpouts forth a
frothy Stream, but remains dry all the reſt of the Year.”
But ſuch are the Subjects of our Inquiries in Natural Philoſophy, that
they are as large, and as laſting, as the Univerſe, full of inexhauſtible
* Lord Viſcount Bolingbroke.
Variety
a noble
(C*
>

IV
P R E F A C. E.
Variety, worthy (next the ſacred Oracles) of the Attention of him, whom
God hath placed at the Head of this lower World.
By contemplating theſe Subjects, we are gradually led from Things
viſible, to the Knowlege of him who is inviſible. Here we fee innume-
rable Inſtances of Harmony, Beauty, and Order, not to be imitated by the
moſt laborious Endeavours of any human Art or Contrivance.
Thoſe delighted with the Vegetable Creation may, each returning
Spring, not only be pleaſed with their Profuſion of Sweets, and of ſuch
beautiful Colours, as excel even a Solomon in all his Glory; but likewiſe
our Inquiries may now be as boundleſs as the Creation; no forbidden
Tree checks our Curioſity ; but, with Solomon, we may explore their Se-
crets, from the lofty Cedar to the humble Hyſſop, ſpringing from the
Wall.
When by theſe, and ſuch-like Inquiries, we find in every thing a wiſe,
good, and uſeful Deſign, it will afford us Pleaſures, purer and ſuperior
to thoſe which the fanguine Glory of Arms, boundleſs Ambition, or fa-
tiated Avarice, can give. It will inſpire us with Sentiments moſt pleaſing,
as moſt ſuitable, to that divine Image the Almighty has pleaſed to ſtamp
of himſelf upon the human Mind.
“* What room can there be for low little Things in Minds ſo uſefully
" and ſo nobly employed? What dark and melancholy Paffions can over-
« ſhadow his Heart, whoſe Senſes are conſtantly entertained with fo
many various Productions ?” The leaſt good Effect attending theſe
Purſuits will be an innocent Joy.
"What Anger, Envy, Hatred, or Revenge, can long torment his Breaſt,
« whom not only the nobleſt objects, but even every Infect, every Blade
" of Grafs, or Grain of Sand, can divert?” To whom the Return of
every Seaſon ſuggeſts a Circle of the moſt innocent Amuſements.
From theſe Inquiries, he will learn the infinite Diſtance between his
great Creator and himſelf. « This will teach him to worſhip that Wif-
dom by which all Things are ſo eaſily ſuſtained, and will lead him to
“ direct his Praiſes aright.
There is not the ſmalleſt Part of this Globe left without evident Sig-
natures of God's Goodneſs. If this little Spot we are treating of, pro-
duces not the Sapphire, the Carbuncle, Topaz, or Ruby, we are not
wanting, however, in the more truly valuable Productions of Nature,
which are chiefly ſubſervient to the Neceſſities and Conveniencies of Life ;
and even our moſt barren Hills are not unſerviceable : If their high
Summits want their grateful Verdure ; if out of their Sides we cannot
dig Braſs ; yet it is to theſe, under Providence, we owe the former and
the
* Sprat's Hiſtory of the Royal Society,
е
>>

P R E F A V
A
C E.
pro-
the latter Rain, by intercepting ſeveral Clouds, and watry Vapours, that
would otherwiſe fly over us.
It is from the sides of theſe Hills and Mountains that the living Streams
deſcend, ſo grateful and refreſhing to Men and Beafts in hot Climates. It
is likewiſe to their friendly Shades, that we owe the Growth of ſeveral
valuable Plants, whoſe delicate Texture could not bear the long-continued
piercing Rays of the Sun.
But, among other providential Bleſſings, the Conſtancy of the Trade-
Winds is not the leaſt valuable: Without this, all other Conveniencies,
ſuch as Pleaſantneſs of Situation, Richneſs of Soil, and ſeaſonable Weather,
would be of no Service; ſince the Return of each Day, now, by the
Breezes of this Wind, made cool and grateful, would, without this
vidential Allotment, be inſufferable through Heat : The tender Plant
would loſe its grateful Verdure, fade, wither, and die.
It may perhaps be ſaid by ſome Readers, that theſe, and fuch Re-
flections, are, too often interſperſed through the following Work; and
that it would be fufficient barely to treat of the Nature and Qualities of
the Subjects in a Philoſophical Light, without drawing any Concluſions
from them, though they evidently point out the Wiſdom, Power, and
Goodneſs of God, in the Make, Nature, and Uſe of each Individual.
The Anſwer to ſuch is eaſy: That the original and true Uſe of Philo-
ſophy was to render Mankind good as well as learned; by raiſing their
Thoughts from Things viſible, to the inviſible Author of all Perfection.
Shall Galen, a Heathen Philoſopher, break out into Raptures of Admi-
ration, upon the Diſcovery of ſo many Marks of infinite Wiſdom in the
Formation of the Eye ? And, ſhall Chriſtians be blamed for taking notice
of ſuch Inſtances of God's Wiſdom in other parts of the Creation ?
Philoſophy, when rightly applied, is of great Uſe, even in a religious
View : It was this that taught Pythagoras Integrity of Manners, and Au-
ſterity of Life.
This made Empedocles prefer a quiet private Life to the Splendor of a
Crown, with all its lucrative Advantages.
This taught Socrates to die as free from Haughtineſs as Weakneſs; “and
“ the moſt beautiful Lineaments, in the Character of Cato, are owing to
" this excellent Science.”
Here the great Bacon experienced more exalted Pleaſures than in the
Sunſhine of a Court. It was this that not only corrected the paſt Inad-
vertencies of his Life, unto which an infatuated Attachment to Grandeur
had miſled him, but likewiſe recalled his great Talents from meaner Pur-
fuits to their proper Objects ---To explore the hidden Secrets of Nature :
And, by making Experience and Reaſon go hand in hand, he not only
exploded
a

vi
P R É F A C E.
а
exploded thoſe groundleſs dogmatical Opinions, which Length of Time
had rendered venerable to Ages of Ignorance ; but likewiſe, by number-
leſs Experiments, both fought and diſcovered ſeveral valuable Truths
which, like rich Ore, had been long hid under Rubbiſh.
Future Diſcoveries will, no doubt, in ſo inquiſitive an Age as this,
bring likewiſe to Light many Secrets of Nature, which even ſtill lie hid
in Obſcurity : : But, in order to be ſucceſsful in ſuch Attempts; as the
Harveſt is large, and the Labourers few, every Aſſiſtance ought to be em-
braced, even from Men of no extraordinary Talents : Theſe, like Hewers
of Wood, and Drawers of Water, may be ſerviceable. It may be, per-
haps, neceſſary to premiſe, that we are not to expect the moſt exact
Performance of this kind to be in every Part equally engaging. The
hiſtorical Deſcription of a Country, like its natural Appearance, muſt
needs be attended with Variety. And as, in travelling over it, we muſt
climb high rocky Hills, and paſs through dreary Deſarts
, as well as open
Lawns, and flowery Meads ; ſo the Reader muſt not always expect to be
entertained with beautiful Images, and a Loftineſs of Style. In Variety
of Subjects, this muſt alter with the Nature of the Things to be deſcribed.
For Inſtance : A pompous Stile and Language would ill fit a bare
Narration of Facts, or the Deſcription of a grovelling Plant. Upon the
Whole, that Stile or Method of Writing (as a great Orator hath obſerved)
is beſt, which repreſents the Subject in Words moſt expreſſive of their
Nature and Qualities.
As I have been obliged, in the Courſe of the following Treatiſe, to
differ in Opinion from ſeveral Authors, I have endeavoured to do it
without fuperciliouſly condemning them, or, I hope, even leſſening that
Benevolence which we owe to one another; and which is the fureſt Foun-
dation of ſocial Happineſs.
The Miſtakes of many Authors, who have treated of Places not per-
fectly known to them, are almoſt unavoidable; and will be always ſo,
whilſt they receive their Informations from Men, who have neither a
Capacity to diſcern, Judgment to repreſent Things in their proper Light;
nor are ingenuous enough to relate nothing but Truth.
The Miſtakes, therefore, of fuch Authors, are by no means the Object
of Ridicule : Juſtice, Good-nature, and Candour, ought to be always
inſeparable from human Kind; eſpecially when we preſume to fit as
Judges upon other Mens Works ; left we ſhould rafhly pronounce that a
Crime, which, at moſt, was but the Effect of too great a Share of Cre-
dulity: A Misfortune, which Men of the greateſt Veracity themſelves
have been often led into.
.
.
Thus

p R E F A CE.
vii
a
be
Thus the great Boerhaave, depending upon the Information of others,
hath been induced to believe the Barbados Green Tar (an evident bitu-
minous Foffil) to be an Exſudation from a Vegetable.bin
No Faults, therefore, of this Kind, are, juſtly ſpeaking, proper Ob-
jects of Cenſure, but thoſe which Men wilfully commit, and, by pre-
tended uſeful Diſcoveries, impoſe upon the Public: Theſe, like falſe
Lights, or erroneous Land-marks, are of an heinous Nature ; riſe into
Crimes ; and tecome gradually of a deeper Dye, as their Impoſitions
upon Mankind are more or leſs of ill Conſequence.
Nor are thoſe Men excufable, who (tho' in Things indifferent) love to
dwell upon the Marvelous; and either ſurpriſingly aggrandize or dimi-
niſh the Subjects they treat of, juſt as it beſt ſuits with their Fancy. Here
the Vanity of being thought fuperior to thoſe who went before them, as
well as more learned than their Neighbours, hath a great Share. But the
ſhort-lived Portion of all ſuch, is a flaſhy temporary Glare of Applauſe ;
which, like Lightning, whilft it fhines, deſtroys. In purſuing Fame,
they fly from Verácity, its beſt and fureſt Pillar ; and, without which,
no Character can be truly valuable.
How far I have myſelf obſerved theſe Rules, and avoided theſe Faults,
muſt be left to the Public to determine ; as well as with what Succeſs I
have, upon the Whole, through untrodden Paths, purfued my Subject.
,
And, as this, in its different Branches, required Variety of Reading, as
well as Talents peculiarly adapted to each, the learned and candid Reader
will look upon any little Inaccuracy as almoſt unavoidable, and there-
fore excuſable.
DO olare
Dorte 1000
This I can with Truth ſay, that I have not repreſented one ſingle
Fact, which I did not either ſee myſelf, or had from Perſons of known
Veracity. And, as to the Arguments offered to ſupport any ſpecula-
tive Part of the Work, theſe muſt ſtand or fall by their own intrinſic
Worth.
а.
TUITE
THE

E R R Α Τ Α.
PA
AGE 6. Line I. for inbabited read inhabited. In Note (8) for hign r, bigh. p. 36. I. 1. for Leucoplematia 1. Leucophlegmatia.
P. 67. in
the Note, for Barbades r. Barbados. p. 89. 1. 26. after fometimes dele a great deal longer. p. 116. 1. 27. dele equal before Knowlege.
p. 118. l. 22. for Ten Pints r. Ten Pounds. p. 135. dele very prickly. p. 142. 1. 10. dele baving never an odd one at the End, and after
ſmall add unequal. p. 143. 1. 32. dele they, and add with.
p. 145. after Bay-berry add Plate X *. p. 146. 1. 14. for Bee-wood ,
Beef-wood. 1. 30. dyeing dele e. p. 159. I. 14. for its white Flowers 1, the Flowers which are wbite. p. 166. 1. 2. r. its Leaves which
are auriculated. 1. 4. dele as it were into Ears. p. 170. 1. 34. for Capſule r. Capſula. p. 171. I. 33. for Kitifonia r. Kitifonia. p. 176.
1. 12. for Loopholes r. Locopboles, p. 181. 1. 3. for Popo r. Papaw. p. 186. dele the Deſcription of the Cochineal.
p. 192. 1. 13. after
Appearance 1. bot inſtead of ſultry. 1. 14. after ſultry add they are then moſt generally produced. p. 202. 1. 28. for on the Main s. on the Continent
of America.
p. 205. 1. 32. for all over the Iſland r. in moſt Parts of the Iſland. p. 212. 1. 35. for Capſula r, Capſula. p. 214. 1. 4. for
oppoſite to the Stalk r. oppoſite to the main Stalk. p. 218. 1. 21. for red Leaves read red Petals. p. 223. 1. 19. for Popo r. Papaw. p. 224.
1.15. for ſhort time r. ſome time, P. 242. 1. 19. after with r, likewiſe. p. 249. 1. 29. for Melaſſes r. Molaffes. 1. 36. after but add not ſo.
1. 39. for Melaſės r. Molaſſes. p. 250. 1. 11. for Meleſſes r. Molaſſes. p. 252. 1. 35. for capillarious r. capillaceous.
p. 255. 1. 11. for
peculiarly r. peculiar to it. p. 260. dele Plate X. Fig. 4. p. 263. 1. 29. dele when laft. p. 267. 1. 30. after but add by.
1. 15. after Toe add and Toe Nail. p. 280. 1. 17. for Echinier. Echini.
p. 285. 1.
15. for Couzy r, Coury, P. 290. 1. 27. dele Plate XVII.
P. 302. do 24. after guarded add with Shees, po 306. 1. 28. for Slippineſs s. Slipperineſso 1. 36, for Slippineſs 1, Slipperinefsa
The Bay-Berry Tree delineated in Plate 10. marked thus * is to be Paged 145. Plate 24. for Page 298. read 2800 Plate 11. for Page
352, read Page 152. The Sea-Eggs mentioned in Page 279. and 280. and ſaid to be in Plate 26. Fig, I. Fig. 2. as well as the Plate Fiſh,
or the flat Sea-Egg mentioned in Page 280. and 281. and ſaid to be in Plate 28. Fig. 3. Fig. 4. are to be found in Pla te 24. Page 280, Page
280. line 20. dele not after were. Page 9. line 40. for auctiores read acutiores. In the Addendag Page 2. line 27. for eaals, read gadace.
for πορφυριG, read πορφυρες.
The Reader' is deſired likewiſe to conſult the Errata at the End of the Liſt of Subſcribers.
P. 280,
Fig. 7.
The following Names did not come in Time to be inſerted in the General LIST.
.
Henry Bellingham, Efq; Large Paper Edward Mears, Merchant, Small Paper.
Edward Barry, M. D. Large Paper. Edward Meade, Eſq; Small Paper.
Thomas Litton, Eſq; Large Paper. Mr. Cooper, Small Paper.
Faithful Forteſcue, Eſq; Large Paper. ]


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LIX
59
2


A Proſpect of Bridgee-Town in the Iland of Barbadoes.
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SHOITO OF
Inand of BARBADOS.
1619039
The Extene
of thellando
1
13 Min.
59:02
3
3
4
-
HE greateſt Extent of this Iſland is from Lat.
I3 : 10
To Latitude
13 : 23
Difference
T
From Longitude Weſt from London - 58:49
To Longitude
Difference of Longitude oo : 12 :
Its greateſt Length from Goulding's Green, in St.
Lucy's Pariſh, to Ananias Point, in the Pariſh of
Chriſt Church, is ----
20: Stat. Miles.
Its greateſt Breadth from Kirtrige's Point, in St. Philip's Pariſh, to a
Point near Mr. Peyne's, in St. James's Pariſh, is - - - 13 : Stat. Miles.
The Circumference of the whole Iſland, from ſome of the ſurrounding
principal Points, is
- 54: Stat. Miles.
3
Its firſt Appearance from the Sea to the Eaſtward, is ſomewhat hilly to
the South-weſt, and North-weſt more level. Its Surface generally appears
covered with a grateful Verdure, which, variegated with lofty (1) Trees,
and large Buildings, affords many different, and thoſe
different, and thoſe very beautiful Pro-
ſpects. The higheſt Part of the Iſland is a rocky Cliff, in the Eſtate of
Francis Vaughan, Eſq; whoſe perpendicular Altitude is 915 Feet, the ho-
rizontal Baſe being taken from High-water Mark.
B
Among
(1) By lofty Trees, we are to underſtand thoſe chiefly which are planted near Dwelling-houſes, generally
more for Ornament than Uſe. As for large Timber-trees, fo neceſſary to make and repair the Sugar-Mills,
and other larger Buildings, we are obliged to bring theſe, at a great Expence, chiefly from the Iſands of
St. Lucia and Tobago.
4

2
Book I.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
.
Barbadas.
their Situa-
tion, Nature,
Among many uncertain Conjectures, thoſe who derive the Name given
to this Iſland, from the Portugueſe Language, are moſt properly in the
Right; for, as they were the firſt Diſcoverers of the Weft-India Iſands (if
not of America in general), it is not unreaſonable to ſuppoſe, that they might
give this, and the neighbouring Iſlands, a Name analogous to ſomething re-
markable in their firſt Appearance; and nothing of this kind could be
more ſurpriſing to Europeans, than to ſee the Shores ſhaded with a kind of
Fig-trees
, differing from all other Trees in the manner of their Growth ;
for, from their Branches hang innumerable ſmall Filaments growing down-
wards, till they touch the Earth, and then take Root. Theſe Thread-like
Reſemblances have been called by the Engliſh, from the firſt Settlement of
the Iſland to this Time, the Beards of the Fig-trees : And in all Probabi-
lity the Portugueſe might originally have the ſame Notion of their Reſem-
blance, and from thence called this, and the neighbouring Iſlands, con-
Why called junctly, Las Barbadas, i. e. the Bearded Iſlands ; for Coufa Barbada in that
Language fignifieth any thing bearded. And, when this Iſland came to
be inhabited by the Engliſh, it retained the general Name given originally
to the Whole ; whilſt the neighbouring Iſlands, fince ſettled, were, for
The origi- Diſtinction-ſake, obliged to be called by different Names. If we conſult
nal Names the moſt antient Hiſtories, divine or human, we ſhall find, that the Ety-
expreffive of mology of the original Names given to Places and Things hath, in general,
a relative Meaning, expreſſive of their Nature, Qualities, or Situation.
or Quality Thus, as early as the Time of Moſes, when the Spies, who had been
to view the Land of Canaan, had brought from thence a Bunch of Grapes,
ſo large, that they bare it between Two, when the Iſraelites got Poffeffion
of the Country, they called the Valley by the Name of bows in Memory
of the Bunch of Grapes ; for fo the Hebrew Word Eſbcol ſignifieth.
An unhealthy Part of Arabia was called by the Hebrews haiN Hatſar-
maveth, and by the Arabians ögogues, Hadramaut, i. e. the Gate or En-
trance of Death. And in Geneſis it is ſaid, that the Herdſmen of Gerar
did ſtrive with Iſaac's Herdſmen, ſaying, The Water is ours : And he called
the Name of the Well pwy Ezek, i. e. Contention, becauſe they ſtrove with
him. Innumerable are the Inſtances which might be produced from ſeve-
ral Languages, eſpecially from the Celtic and Greek, to prove that ſeveral
Words in thoſe Languages are adapted to repreſent and be expreſſive of
the Subjects treated of.
The Works of Homer are full of Inſtances of this Kind; and, among
many
others that might be produced, the original Celtæ called the Sun
Titan ; a Name evidently derived from Ti, a Houſe, and Tan, Fire ; which
is very ſignificant of the Notion moft Eaſtern Nations had of that Planet.
If what hath been obſerved of ſimilar Inſtances and Examples have
any Weight, we may, from Parity of Reaſon, be ſatisfied with the pre-
ſent Etymology of the Name given to this Iſland, and proceed to obſerve,
that the Atmoſphere is, in general, ſerene and clear, feldom cloudy; and
from a total Abſence of Hail, Froſt, or Snow, it is never liable to thoſe
many and ſudden Viciſſitudes, no leſs common than prejudicial in variable
Climates,

Book I. iſland of BARBADOS.
B
3
ed for
а.
offered to
prove, that
Climates, either to the Southward, or to the Northward, of the Tropics.
And ſuch is the Serenity and Clearneſs of the Atmoſphere, that the Air The Clear.-
is, in general, very healthy: But what chiefly conduces to its Purity, is rity of the
the Regularity of the Trade-Winds, which, ſeldom varying throughout the air account-
Year, further from the Eaſt, than to the Eaſt-north-eaſt, and confe-
quently paſſing over a vaſt Tract of Water of about 3127 Miles (for about
that Diſtance from us, is the neareſt Point of (2) Land on the oppoſite
Shore), or were it only even what lies betwixt the Tropic and our Lati-
tude, it muſt neceffarily blow upon the Iſland in cool refreſhing Gales.
It is likewiſe no ſmall Advantage, or rather Happineſs, that we have
neither Bogs nor Marſhes, to ftagnate our Waters, which, being exhaled
into Vapours, might be pernicious ; nor large Foreſts of Trees, which not
only prevent the Winds in their Paſſage, but likewiſe generate moiſt Air,
cauſed by the great Quantity of Vapours which perſpire through their
Leaves, as well as from the ſhaded moiſt Soil: By this means the Inha-
bitants are free from the Fever and Ague, fo common to the Inhabitants
of uncultivated Inands.
As it cannot be foreign to my Subject, I beg Leave to offer a few pro- Arguments
bable Conjectures, to prove that the Current of the Deluge, between the
Tropics, ran from Eaſt to Weſt. One Argument that may be offered to the Current
prove this, is the fhattered Condition of the Eaſtward Side of that Chain luge, be-
of Hills and Clifts, which are as Barriers to this Iſland, from Cuckold's tween the
Point, to a Place called Conſet's Bay; for, as they face the Eaſt, their torn from Eaft to
State, in that Part alone, and no-where elſe, ſhews, that they not only,
by their Situation, firſt ſtemmed, but, as they were higher than any
other
Part of the Iſland, they wholly bore the repeated Percuſſions of the Cur-
rent in the gradual Aſcent of the Deluge, as well as, during the Conti-
nuance thereof, the Force of the Tides, until they were intirely over-
whelmed ; and even then, the higher they were, the nearer their Sum-
mits would be to the Surface; therefore the greater Arch of a Circle they
would deſcribe; and conſequently, they would be more violently preſſed
and torn by the Water, than Places nearer to the Centre.
This is evidently ſeen from the boiſterous Surface of the Sea in a
Storm, whoſe Violence often waſhes, or rather tears off large Pieces of
Rocks, whilſt, at the fame time, the tendereft Sea Plant, at any confider-
able Depth, is not diſturbed.
From hence we may obſerve, that by how much the lower the level
Land, and the Valleys were, than the Tops of the Hills, by ſo much leſs
they were diſturbed; and conſequently, upon the Decreaſe of the Deluge,
the ſooner, and in greater Quantity, would the Dregs and Sediment
(which trailed gently along an even Bottom) ſubſide and ſettle : And
from hence, in part, proceed the different Degrees of Fertility in the Soils
of Hills and Valleys (3). Another Argument, that the Current of the In-
Weſt.
a
undation,
(2) Portaventura in Africa.
(3) The very deep Soil of moſt fertile low Countries, ſuch as
Egypt, may be, in all Probability, primarily owing to the ſubſided Fæces of the Deluge.

4
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book I.
a
ز
undation, in the Time of the Deluge, ran, as above deſcribed, is the
coping Figure of the Iſland, from Eaſt to Weſt; for, if we narrowly and
attentively view the ſeveral gradual Deſcents of ſo many continued Ridges
of Rocks, like Caſcades, declining precipitately to the Weſtward (for In-
ſtance, that long Chain of Hills, from Mount Gilboa, in St. Lucia's Pariſh,
to the Black Rock, in St. Michael's Pariſh), we cannot well otherwiſe con-
clude, from the deep Soil, on the Eaſtward of theſe, where the Land is
level ; and from the ragged, and bare-waſh'd Surface, to the Weſt; but
that the latter was thus torn by the Violence of the Waters falling over them;
and the former, the Effect of the ſubſided Sediment, upon the Decreaſe
of the Deluge. The Want of ſuch a Bed of Rocks, from Black Rock to
St. Anne's Caſtle, cauſed that Chaſm which opens to the Sea thro' Bridge
I cwn, oppoſite to the Valley of St. George's. What further confirms me
in my Opinion, and brings what I have firſt offer d, as conjectural, to a
greater Degree of Certainty, is the Obſervation I made upon the ruinous
Tops of moſt of the lofty Mountains in North America, as well as in
England. In thoſe Northern variable Climates, Nature felt the univer-
fal Shock promiſcuouſly on every Point of the Compaſs ; whereas our
Hills and Clifts, which extend along the Eaſt Side of the Iſland, diſco-
ver no Indications, on the Weſtern Sides, of any Violence receiv’d, but
what was naturally occafion'd, by the falling off of the Waters, upon the
Decreaſe of the Deluge. The Courſe of ſo many deep Chaſms, or abrupt
Fiffures in the Earth (call’d here Gullies) always running from Eaſt to Weſt,
is likewiſe an additional, and even an unanſwerable Argument in favour
of what hath been urg’d upon this Head : And, that theſe were origi-
nally the Effect of the Deluge, tho' ſince much inlarg’d by repeated
Torrents, will evidently appear by viewing the oppoſite Sides of thoſe
deep Chaſms in the Earth, where are to be ſeen large Pieces of Rocks,
that appear to have been once intire, but afterwards forcibly torn aſun-
der: And as theſe divided Rocks are often to be found near the Heads
or Beginnings of theſe Gullies, where the greateſt Stream of collected
Rain-water, even in the greateſt Flood, is too ſmall and weak to be the
Cauſe of ſo violent a Separation; therefore we may, with great Reaſon,
conclude, that this Diſunion, and torn State, was effected by the Current
of the (4) Deluge ; and that its regular Courſe, to the Weſtward, between
the Tropics, was but the natural Conſequence of an (5) Eaſterly Trade-
Wind, which guided and byaſs’d its Courſe to that Point. Former
vers of the Deſcriptions of this Iſland begin with barely mentioning its Diſco-
Wit- India very by the Portugueſe, and the Settlement of the Engliſh there,
in the Reign of King James the Firſt, in the Year 1625, without
quele; and, the leaſt Inquiry, whether it had been ever before inhabited, and by
the Engliſh. whom. It is, indeed, ſaid, that ſome of the firſt Diſcoverers of this
The Diſco-
Inands by
the Portu-
Iſland
inhabited by
(4) This Opinion was confirm'd to me by the concurrent Conjecture of Dr. Warren, a very ingenious
Phyſician, late of this Iſland.
(5) The Cauſe and Nature of Trade-Winds are excellently explained by the great Dr. Halley.

Book I. Iſland of BARBAD O S.
5
Iſland, found no Inhabitants upon their Arrival. However, we ought
not to conclude too haſtily, that there never were any, until what is
offered to prove the contrary, be fully conſidered. I was, indeed, once
partly inclined to that Opinion, induced to it from the Remoteneſs of
this, from the whole Cluſter of Iſlands, viz. St. Lucia, Dominico, Mary-
galant, Guardaloup, St. Chriſtopher's, Antigua, and St. Vincent ; which
laft, tho' neareſt, is about one hundred Miles diftant. And as moſt
of theſe are in Sight of one another, they are more convenient for mu-
tual Commerce in Time of Peace, and Embarkation in Time of War.
And what gives ſeveral of theſe the Advantage over this Iſland, with re-
gard to an Indian Settlement, is their far greater Number of open Bays
and Rivers, ſtored with Tortoiſes, and almoſt an incredible Plenty of
Fiſh.
But as we have late Inſtances of their coming hither from
St. Vincent's, in their ſmall Canoes, or Perriawgers, even for their Plea-
fure, I concluded, that they might formerly, more probably, come for
their Intereſt; eſpecially at certain Seaſons of the Year, when the Fish-
ing, or Game, in the other Iſlands, grew either ſcanty or ſhy, by being
too often diſturbed.
Theſe probable Conjectures, upon a farther Inquiry, were corrobo-
rated by the Suffrage of many aged Perſons ; ſeveral of whom were be-
tween eighty and ninety Years old, who, not only agreed in their re-
ceived Tradition, that there were Indians formerly in this Iſland, but like-
wiſe ſome of them added farther, that their frequent Arrival to, or De-
parture from it, was always in the Wane of the Moon, for the Benefit of
light Nights ; and that when a Difference aroſe between them and
the Engliſh, the Indians retired to their Faſtneſſes in the Woods; and
that in their Way down to their Canoes, they would artfully hide them-
ſelves with Coverings of green Boughs, to elude the Search of the Engliſh.
Now, fince the Parents of theſe aged Perſons, who give this Account,
might be old enough to be Eye-witneſſes of theſe Things ; ſuch, and ſo
early a Teſtimony, where they had no apparent Inducement to deviate
from the Truth, muft, at leaſt, be allow'd to carry with it the uſual
Weight and Credit in ſuch Caſes, till theſe Conjectures, ſtrengthened by
Tradition, and confirm'd by apparent Facts, grow to ſuch a Degree of
Certainty, as to leave every Doubt inexcuſable.
The Method I ſhall take to prove their former (6) Reſidence in this
Illand (which to Pofterity may be ſerviceable) will be to make it appear,
Firſt, That there are ſeveral Places, in this Iſland, called, to this Day,
after their Names. Secondly, That in theſe very Places, there are daily dug
up
ſuch Marks of their former Reſidence, as were peculiar to Indians.
Thirdly, I ſhall compare theſe ſeveral Evidences with thoſe confeſſedly fa-
tisfactory ones, in almoſt parallel Caſes. I ſhall begin, by obſerving, that
С
the
a
(6) I am countenanced, in this ſeeming Digreſſion from the Subject, by many Greek and Roman Au-
I
thors ; eſpecially by the Example of Julius Cæſar, who, in his Commentaries, carefully traces the Origin,
as well as deſcribes the Manners and Cuſtoms, of the different Nations whoſe Countries he treats of.

6
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book I.
The former
this
proved.
call-
ed.
the Indians, who inbabited this Iſland, could, in all Probability (by reaſon
of the great Diſtance from the Continent), be no others than Colonies from
ſome of the Leeward Iſlands, moſt probably from St. Vincent's, St. Lu-
cia, or Tobago. From either of theſe, according to their Situation, with
reſpect to Barbados, as well as with regard to a ſafe Harbour, they muſt
Reſidence of probably land to the Weſt or Weſt-ſouth-weſt of this Iſland. Accord-
indians in ingly, as Carliſle (7) Bay is the largeſt and moſt commodious Harbour, it
is natural to ſuppoſe, that they landed here, and made the adjacent Part
of the Iſland their Place of Reſidence. This is evidently confirmed by
the Buttings and Boundings of ſeveral Tenements near this Bay; which,
in
very
old Deeds, are ſaid to terminate at or within a certain Diſtance
from the Indian Bridge; from which the great Number of Houſes built
Bridge Town about this convenient Place, came ſoon afterwards to be called Bridge
Town. The above-mention'd Bridge was placed over that Part of the
Creek, or narrow Neck of the Bay, which divides Major Gidney
Clerk's Houſe from Colonel John Fairchild's
. The Neceſſity that the
Indians, reſiding on the North ſide of the Creek, were under to make a
Bridge (which in all Likelihood conſiſted of no more than a few Trees,
fell’d down, and laid acroſs this Creek), will appear, when we conſider,
that their beſt, and almoſt only Supply of freſh Water, was on the South
fide of it, at a Place now call’d Hannington's Spring.
The next ſmall Rivulet running to the Sea to the Leeward of Bridge
Town is at preſent, as well as in many old Deeds, call’d Indian River. It
was likewiſe at this place that ſome Indians, from St. Vincent's, landed, in
or about the Year 1738. And as Indians are remarkably nice in chuſing a
dry healthy Situation, this, with ſo few or no Footſteps of their long Abode
here, gave me room to believe, that they kept moving along the Sea Shore
ſo long as they met with convenient fishing (8) Bays: And as the laſt of
theſe, of any Note, to the Leeward of the Inland, is Six Mens Bay, and
Rider's Bay, let us but allow theſe to be then, as they are at preſent, as
well ſtored with Fiſh as any other, and we ſhall foon fix their Reſidence,
for a while at leaſt, in this convenient Place; for theſe Indians (as ſhall
be preſently ſhewed) were but ill provided with Tools to fell Timber.
This, join'd to their great Indolence, cauſed them to ſearch (eſpecially in
wet Seaſons) for their natural ſheltering Place, the firſt convenient Cave;
and, as there is a very commodious one in the Side of a neighbouring
Hill, called to this Day the Indian Caſtle, and almoſt in a direct Line
The Refi- from Six Mens Bay, and not above a Mile and an half off, in a pleaſant
Indians fur- Part of the Country, it is more than probable (eſpecially as there was
a
а.
ther proved.
no
(7) This Harbour is call’d Carliſle Bay, from a Royal Grant of this Iſland to the Earl of Carliſle. The
adjacent Town, call?d Bridge Town, conſiſts of about twelve hundred Houſes, all built of either Stone,
Brick, or Timber. The other chief Towns are Speight’s Town, Auſtin's Town, and the Hole Town.
(8) As the Bays, near the Hole Town, were well ſtored with Fiſh, this ſeemed to be their ſecond Settle-
ment from Indian River : But as it was neceſſary, in ſtormy Weather, to provide a Shelter higher up in the
Country, I found ſeveral Remains of their Abode, under the Shelter of an high Cliff, in the Eſtate of
Samuel Barwick, Eſq; deceaſed. We are likewiſe informed by Tradition, that five Indian Women, upon
Promiſe of good Uſage from the Engliſh, upon the Deſertion of the reſt of the Indians, lived and died in
that Place ; and, about two Miles from hence, there is a Tract of Land called Indian Wood, or Indian Town.


Fig.1
Plate 1. Pay
Fig
. 11
0
Fig.m
Fig.v.
Fig.za
QUI
SERA
SERA
V
To Martin Folks Enga
This Plate is moli kumbity Inferibel
Breſident of theRoyal Society,
/
humblyinferibel

Book I.
Iſland of BARBADOS.
7
diſcovered.
no other ſo near, and fo convenient), that they ſhould pitch upon this,
being upon ſeveral Accounts very commodious ; for, as the Mouth of it
faced the Weſt, and, being under the Shelter of an Hill, was fecured
from the Wind and Rain, and even from Danger by Hurricanes, and
as the Entrance to it is ſo ſteep and narrow, that, upon Occafion, one
Man
may
defend himſelf againſt an hundred, it may be juſtly called
their Caſtle. But what made this place more complete (and affords, I
think, an undoubted Proof of their Reſidence here), is an adjoining clayey
Bottom, where they dug a Pond or Reſervoir to hold Rain-water;
which Place is, and hath been, ſince the Memory of the oldeſt Neigh-
bours alive, call d the Indian Pond. With Part of the Clay (9), which
they dug out, they made their Earthen-ware, ſuch as Pots and Pans ;
and, like the Idolaters of old, out of the fame Materials they made to
themſelves Gods, and worſhiped them. Among ſeveral broken Frag-
ments of Idols, ſaid to be dug up in this Place, I ſaw the Head of one, Indian Idols
which alone weighed above fixty Pounds Weight. This, before it was
broken off, ſtood upon an oval Pedeſtal above three Feet in Height; and
is deſcrib’d in Plate 1. Fig. 1.
The Heads of all others that came
within my Obſervation, were very ſmall: One of theſe (which is deſcribed
in Plate I. Fig. 2.) exceeds not in Weight fifteen Ounces; and all, that
I have hitherto ſeen, are of Clay burnt. Theſe lefſer Idols were, in all
Probability, their Penates ; made ſmall for the Eafe and Conveniency
of being carried with them, in their ſeveral Journeys; as the larger Sort
were perhaps deſigned for ſome ſtated Places of Worſhip,
The laſt Proof of their Reſidence in this place, is a great Number of
their Stone Hatchets and Chiſſels, that are here dug up: Theſe are re-
preſented in Plate 1. Fig. 3. 4. and 5. The Uſe of theſe (10) Hatchets IndianHatch-
and Chiffels was in all Likelihood to cut down Timber, to make Huts, ets and Chif-
where they had not the Conveniency of Caves; as well as with the Help vered.
of Fire to fell fome of the largeſt Kind, to make Canoes. Theſe, I
imagine, after they were roughly ſquared, were half-burnt with live Coals;
and then, with their ſcooping Chiffels, they, by Degrees, made them hol-
low.
Having proved their Reſidence in this Place, it will not be ſurpriſing
to thoſe, who know the roving Diſpoſition of Indians, to find, that they
moved under the Shelter of the Hills, and almoſt always at equal Di-
ſtance from the Sea, till they came to a large convenient Cave, under an
Hill, called Mount Gilboa, in the Eſtate of Colonel John Pickering ;
where I found ſeveral of their broken Images, Pipes, Hatchets, and
Chiſſels. And, though this, and the before-mentioned Cave, were for
ſeveral
(9) By the great Number of the Remains of Indian Pot-kilns, in this Iſland, and the known Scarcity of
Clay in many, if not in all of the Leeward Iſlands, I make no doubt, but they were ſupplied with
Earthen-ware from hence.
(10) Some of the Hatchets, and a great Number of the Chiſſels, eſpecially the ſcooping ones, are made
of the moſt fubſtantial Inſide Part of a Conch-ſhell; others, of the hardeſt common Stones ; and a few, of
;
the cutting Sort of a Stone of an opake greeniſh Colour, variegated with ſeveral white Veins, ſomewhat
reſembling the Spleen-ſtone. Vide Plate I. Fig. 5.
a

8
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book I.
Town.
ſeveral Reaſons very convenient; yet there was one. eſſential Happineſs
.
wanting ; for, upon very heavy Rains, the Water in theſe artificial Ponds,
being diſturbed, became muddy: And, as their greateſt native Luxury
(if it may now-a-days be ſo called) was to drink of the pureſt Stream,
it was natural and cuſtomary for them to ramble in Search of Spring-
Water, which at a little Diſtance from hence they found in the Eſtate
of Edward Bonnet, Eſq; Here they ſettled, near a ſmall perennial Spring,
which is the only one for ſeveral Miles round it. The Situation of this
Place afforded another additional Conveniency, being, by the Goodneſs of
the Soil, very proper to produce Yams, Plantain, and Banana Trees; but
as there was no Cave to afford Shelter, they were obliged to cut down
Timber to build Huts ; and from thence, in all Probability, it comes,
that there are found, about this place of their Reſidence, ſo many Frag-
ments of broken Hatchets, Chiſſels, and Pots. There are not only near
this Place, but likewiſe at Maycock's Bay (11), Joan's Hole, Cluff's Bay,
and near Scotland Church, as well as in other Places, many Tokens of
their former Abode. To this may be added, that there is a Tradition
in a Family of Negroes, belonging to Thomas Tunckes, Eſq; the An-
ceſtors of which Family came over with the firſt Negroes that ever
came hither from Guiney, that before the Country was cleared from
An Indian Woods, there was an Indian Town near a Pond, in his Eftate, in the
Pariſh of St. Michael's, which Reſervoir to this Day is called the Indian Pond;
and, when theſe Indians could not for a long time be brought into
Subjection by the Whites, the laſt Attempt was ſo vigorous, that it obliged
all the Indian Inhabitants of the Town to make their Eſcape in their
Canoes to the neighbouring Iſlands; which they all did, except one
Woman, and her Son a young Lad. The latter foon afterwards making
his Eſcape alſo, his Mother, in a ſhort time, pined to Death. Several
Earthen Veſſels, of different Sizes, have been dug up near the above-
mentioned Pond, within theſe thirty Years laſt paſt: Theſe were ge-
nerally of a globular Figure, of a Slate Colour, but very brittle other-
wiſe, far ſurpaſſing the Earthen-ware made here by Negroes, in Thinneſs,
Smoothneſs, and Beauty.
Let us now fum up theſe Teſtimonies, and put the Certainty of what
I have offered on this Head, upon the Authority of theſe Proofs. As
for the firſt Proof, that there are ſeveral Places in this Iſland called after
their Names ; this, tho' the leaſt, carries with it a Degree of Conviction,
which cannot be well gainſaid ; for, who will pretend to diſpute
(without being led into the ſeveral Particulars of the Hiſtory of the
Times) whether the Celtæ did not formerly poſſeſs and inhabit that Part
of France, called Armorica, when he finds the moſt antient Churches,
and notable Places, retain their Celtic Names to this Day ? Or, what
Sceptic would be hardy enough to diſpute, whether the Urns dug up
in England were not originally depoſited there by the Romans ? Such
Indian
Earthen-
ware.
ܪ
a moral
(11) There is near this Bay a very convenient Cave for Shelter in ſtormy Weather.

Book I. Iſand of BARBADOS.
و
a moral Certainty commands the Affent of every unprejudiced Perſon.
The ſeveral Places in this Iſland called and ſuppoſed to be Indian Set-
tlements, confirmed by early Tradition, and further corroborated by
the Diſcovery of ſeveral rude Idols, Hatchets, and other Tools, dug
up in theſe Places, different in Shape and Subſtance from thoſe uſed
by every civilized Nation, and peculiar (after the Uſe of Iron was
found by the more civilized) to Indians only; theſe Things (I ſay)
being conſidered, and impartially ſuffered to have their proper Weight;
there will, I believe, be very little occaſion to multiply or add
any further Arguments, to prove that Indians formerly refided (for at
leaſt certain Seaſons of the Year) in this Iſland.
The Reſidence of Indians being proved, it may be expected, that we
inquire into the Diſpoſition of the preſent Inhabitants. Of theſe it may The preſene
.
be juſtly ſaid, that they are generous and hoſpitable, firmly attached in of Barbados.
their Principles to the preſent happy Eſtabliſhment, in Church and State.
The Men have a natural, as well as, by the frequent Uſe of Arms, acquired Their Cha-
Bravery; with no ſmall Share of uſeful Learning, and Knowlege in Trade.
The Women, in general, are very agreeable ; and ſeveral of them might
any-where paſs for Beauties. There are many Inſtances of their prudent
Behaviour and Oeconomy, greatly aſſiſting to improve a moderate, and
retrieve a broken Fortune.
I muſt here beg leave to endeavour (a Thing hitherto unattempted)
to aſcertain ſome reaſonable Cauſe of that general Obſervation, that the
Inhabitants of hot Countries are of a more volatile and lively Diſpoſition,
and more iraſcible in general, than the Inhabitants of the Northern Part
of the World. The former is evidently apparent from the more fublime
Compoſitions of almoſt all Eaſtern Authors, their lively Imaginations (as a
learned (12) Critic hath obſerved) tranſporting them, with incredibleWarmth.
and Activity, from one Thing to another ; and thereby cauſing them to
overlook thoſe Rules of Method and Connexion, that are obſerved by
Europeans of a cooler and more regular Fancy. Inſtances of this we
have in the Works of Pindar, and throughout the whole Book of Job.
Nor is it with me a Doubt, whether different Climates may not cauſe a
conſtitutional Difference. Herodotus, as well as Cicero, was of this
Opinion. The latter ſays, Videmus quam varia funt terrarum genera
aliæ quæ acuta ingenia gignant, aliæ quæ retuſa : quæ omnia
fiunt ex cæli varietate
, & ex diſparili adſpiratione terrarum. CICERO de
Div. No. 79.
Idem de Fato, No. 7. Inter locorum naturas quantum interfit videmus ;
alios eſſe falubres, alios peſtilentes
Athenis tenue cælum, ex quo auctiores etiam putantur Attici: craſım
Thebis ; itaque pingues Thebani.
And Horace, ſpeaking of the Works of a dull Author, ſays,
Beotum in craſſo jurares aere natum.
Hor. Lib. II. Ep. I. 244,
D
But,
(12) Vide Doctor Hunt's Explanation of Job, Chap. vii. Ver. 22. 23.
I
a
е
a

IO
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book 1
tutional Dif-
ants of hot
and cold
Climates
examined in
phyſical
Manner.
But, without laying any Streſs upon the above Inſtances, it will not be
very difficult to explain, in ſome meaſure, the Reaſon of ſo viſible a con-
ſtitutional Difference in the Inhabitants of hot and cold Climates.
The conſti- As (13) Heat in the former rarefies and increaſes the Velocity of the
ference of Fluids, conſequently the Particles of Blood, thus expanded, meeting in
the Inhabit- their Circulation (even in the minuteſt Veſſels) no Obſtacle from the
external Preffure of Cold, nor any Languidneſs by immoderate Heat, it
follows, that as Health conſiſts in an equal Motion of the Fluids, and Re-
a new and fiſtance of the Solids, ſuch an even Temperament of the Air muſt
a
be more friendly to, and productive of, Health and Chearfulneſs, than in
Climates where often, by ſevere cold Weather, the Globules of Blood
loſe in a great meaſure their Motion, eſpecially towards the Extremities
of the Body, where at ſuch times they cohere in Maſſes too large to paſs
freely through the minute capillary Veſſels. When this Harmony be-
tween the Solids and Fluids is diſconcerted, then ariſes, as Experience
teaches us, a ſudden Senſe of Pain, which cannot be removed till the
Blood is, as it were, thawed by Heat, and ſo recovers its uninterrupted
Motion : And tho' we know not certainly how to define what the Ani-
mal Spirits are ; yet; on Suppoſition that they are the moſt refined and
active Particles of the Blood, as they are with great Reaſon thought to
be, their pleaſing, or painful, Influence on the Body mult, in a great
meaſure, depend upon the regular or irregular Motion of their original
conſtituent Fluid, the Blood: Now, when this is checked in its Circula-
tion, either by a ſudden Preffure of an heavy Atmoſphere, or the Varia-
a
bleneſs of the Winds from warm to cold; the Animal Spirits, which be-
fore were agreeably diffuſed through the whole Body, by theſe ſudden
Interruptions in the Blood, their original Source, likewiſe become un-
able to perform their Functions ; for, when Nature is impeded in any of
her Operations neceſſary to our Well-being, whether natural, vital, or
animal, that mutual and inſeparable Connexion between the Mind and
the Body will appear ſo viſibły, that if the latter be affected with Pain,
the neceſſary Conſequence of Obſtructions in the Fluids, the former foon
loſes that Chearfulneſs which is naturally leſs interrupted, and may
better preſerved, in Climates obnoxious to no ſudden Viciſſitudes of Wea-
ther, from moiſt to dry, from hot to cold; for an even Temperature of
the Air is beſt adapted to ſupport the (14) Body in that State which is
requiſite
be
(13) It may perhaps be ſaid, that as Heat increaſes ſenſible, and diminiſhes inſenſible Perſpiration, it
will render the Blood, in hot Climates, more viſcid, and conſequently its Circulation more languid :
This, in general, may be true, eſpecially of thoſe who are daily expoſed to hard Labour, and conſequently
ſweat much: But, with regard to the white Inhabitants of this Inand, this ſuppoſed Viſcidity is not ſo great;
or, if it were, it is more than counterbalanced by the daily Uſe of a great Quantity of Diluters of every
kind, viz. Water, and weak Punch made very acid with Lime or Lemon Juice. The ſame Argument
will be of Force, with regard to the Inhabitants of any other hot Climate, under equal Circumſtances.
(14) This is evidently proved by the great Number of decayed Conſtitutions in variable Climates,
who, whilſt expoſed to the Viciſſitudes of the different Seaſons of the Year, are in daily Expectation of
making their Exit; but, when once bed-ridden, have lived many Years : And will any one fay, that their
Lives, under Providence, were not prolonged by being always kept in an equal Degree of Heat and
Cold, in a cloſe Room, and a warm Bed ? However, it muſt be owned, that warm Climates have their
Inconveniencies; they are very improper for thoſe Conſtitutions which require much bodily Exerciſe ; for
it

Book I.
Iſland of BARBADOS.
II
requiſite to the due Exertion of the Animal Oeconomy, and conſe-
quently, in ſome meaſure, of the rational Faculty.
Nor is the ſudden Alteration, upon the Change of Wind and Weather,
peculiar to the human Conſtitution alone ; for other Animals feel the
Viciſſitudes of the Weather, eſpecially in variable Climates. This is a
Remark as early as the Time of Virgil
, which appears by the following
Lines :
Ubi tempeſtas & cæli mobilis humor
Mutavere vias, &© Jupiter humidus Auſtris
Denſat, erant que rara modo; & quæ denſa, relaxat.
Vertuntur Species animorum, & peétora motus
Nunc alios, alios, dum nubila ventus agebat,
Concipiunt. Hinc ille avium concentus in agris,
Et lætæ pecudes, & ovantes gutture corvi. GEO. I. 416.
But with the changeful Temper of the Skies,
As Rains condenſe, and Sunſhine rarefies ;
Bali
So turns the Species of their alter'd Minds,
Compos'd by Calms, and diſcompos’d by Winds.
From hence proceeds the Birds harmonious Voice :
From hence the Crow exults, and frisking Lambs rejoice.
Thus far have we briefly endeavoured to account, from the Nature of
the Climate, and the Mechaniſm of the human Body, for that volatile
Diſpoſition, ſo peculiar to the Inhabitants of hot Climates : That Iraſci-
bility of Temper, likewiſe, which is aſcribed to them, is, in a great mea-
fure, the natural Conſequence of the above-mentioned Diſpoſition ; for,
as Water that is already hot, will, with a little additional Heat, boil
over, fo when the Animal Spirits are in a high Flow, and the Will, by the
Propenſity of long-rooted Habits, unhappily aſſiſts, and is bent to gratify
fome favourite Paſſion, the Tranſition from a Degree of Sprightlineſs to
Iraſcibility is natural and eaſy.
If we purſue this Argument a little further, it will appear more con-
cluſive by reaſoning upon, and experimentally comparing the Correſpond-
ency between artificial and natural Heat, and their ſimilar Effects
upon
human Bodies.
This will, in ſome meaſure, anſwer to two different and oppoſite Cli-
mates : For Inſtance, If, in very cold Weather, the Inhabitants of far
Northern Countries drink ſuch a Quantity of ſtrong fpirituous Liquors, as
will cauſe a free Circulation to the Blood, before almoſt congealed with
Cold, they will affume a ſudden lively Chearfulneſs : Should they ſtill
а.
a
drink
it cannot be taken without Danger of being ſurfeited ; nor is it leſs improper to Perſons who labour under
any Degree of Phrenfy or Madneſs, whoſe periodical Fits, at the Full and Change of the Moon, return
here with greater Violence than in a cold Climate : Yet, tho' we enjoy, or may enjoy here, in general, by
a regular Conduct, a more chearful Scene of Life, free from the unequal Changes of Heat and Cold;
yet it muſt be owned, that we are, in a great meafure, Strangers to thoſe invigorating Starts of Livelineſs,
which the Animal Spirits diffuſe thro' the whole Body in moderate froſty Weather, and a clear Air, in
England.

I 2
Book I.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
а.
a
drink on, they then hurry on the Blood, from a free to a rapid Motion :
And if theſe are the natural Effects of ſpirituous Liquors in a very cold
Climate, what and how great muſt they be in the oppoſite Extreme ?
For the Velocity of the Blood, occaſioned by the Warmth of the Climate,
naturally attenuates and breaks the Coheſion of its Parts, hereby accele-
rating its Motion to ſuch a Degree, as to raiſe a more than ordinary Flow
of Animal Spirits: Theſe, in ſuch caſes (as Experience teaches us), are too
often, in moſt Conſtitutions, accompanied with an uncontroulable Flow of
the iraſcible Paſſions of the Soul.
If we allow Horace to be a Judge of Nature, ſuch frequent Obſerva-
tions
upon
the Effect of ſtrong Drink might give him the Hint to cau-
tion us againſt the Exceſs of it :
Tres prohibet ſupra
Rixarum metuens tangere Gratia.
Hor. Lib. III. Ode 19.
It might likewiſe give Birth to that frequent Cuſtom of raiſing Courage
in common Soldiers, who often want nobler Motives to heroic Deeds, by
giving them ſtrong Liquors to heat their Blood immediately before an
Engagement, that, by the Aſſiſtance of ſuch a borrowed Flow of Animal
Spirits, they may be the more reſolute, and thoughtleſly ruſh into the Heat
of Battle, and there act with an Intrepidity ſuitable to ſuch dangerous
Circumſtances ; for, as the ſame Author elſewhere obſerves,
Quis poft vina gravem militiam, aut pauperiem crepat ?
Hor. Lib. I. Ode 18.
Who in his Cups can feel the Weight
Of Arms, or of a pinching State ?
Should the grave Behaviour of the Spaniards, compared with the Spright-
lineſs of the French, who live in a colder Climate, be brought as an Ar-
gument againſt what I have ſaid, it is eaſily anſwered ; for perhaps the
too grave Behaviour of the one, and the too volatile Diſpoſition of the
other, may not be intirely conſtitutional to either; for the one may be
partly the Effect of cultivated Levity, as the rigid Deportment of the
other in Part the Improvement of an affected Gravity.
But, however this may be, another very natural and very convincing
Reaſon why the Inhabitants of ſome of the very hot Parts of Spain are
more liable to te penſive, melancholy, and revengeful, than others,
is, that the ſcorching Heat of the Sun is there of long Continuance :
And as Heat, in general, produces that Diſpoſition which is called bili-
ous, it increaſes the oily Parts of the Blood, and renders them lighter,
and more moveable, by leffening their Tenacity: Then the other conſti-
tuent Parts become more piquant, and the Salts they contain are more
active, in proportion as the blunting Oil is attenuated.
The

Book I. Ifand of BARBADOS.
13
a
The greater the Heat, the longer it is continued, the more obvious
will its Effects be ; Livelineſs and Activity will be remarkable where this
Diſpoſition is moderate, as it is in the Weſt-India Iſlands, which enjoy
the Benefit of the Trade-Winds, and moiſt Vapours; but where ſuch
Breezes are wanting, long-continued Heat, ſuch as they feel in Spain, is
capable of abſorbing every thin Fluid ; and, conſequently, ſuch a Diſpo-
ſition of the Juices inclines to Penſiveneſs, Reſerve, and often deliberate
Revenge.
Add to this what I before hinted at, with regard to the Weſt-Indies,
that Habits, eſpecially ſuch as have been early indulged to our depraved
Nature, have a great Share in forming our future Conduct in Life.
This leads me to obſerve, that Children, in theſe Weſt-India Iſlands,
are, from their Infancy, waited upon by Numbers of Slaves, who, in
their moſt unwarrantable Conduct (unhappy for both!), are obliged to pay
them unlimited Obedience ; and as, in theſe tender Years, their natural
Appetites are ſtronger than their Reaſon, when they have thus their
favourite Paſſions nouriſhed with ſuch indulgent Care, it is no Wonder,
that by Degrees they acquire (unleſs happily prevented, or corrected, by
the good Examples of Parents, or Education) an overfond and felf-fuf-
ficient Opinion of their own Abilities, and ſo become impatient, as well
as regardleſs, of the Advice of others.
And, as this is a Matter of fact, unhappily verified by numberleſs
Inſtances, it is not ſurpriſing, if, in Minds thus early indulged in the Gra-
tification of their Appetites, and too often undiſciplined by the Reſtraints
of Education, we ſometimes find the iraſcible Paſſion domineering, and
inſolently triumphing, over Reaſon: Nor can ſuch an Influence be wor-
thy of Surprize, when we conſider, that Habits and Cuſtoms leave deep
Traces, and laſting Impreſſions, upon the more ſolid Structure of the
human Frame.
A notorious Inſtance of this kind is mentioned by Herodotus, who ſays,
that, paſſing by Pelufium, where there had been fought, many Years paſt,
a bloody Battle between the Perſians and the Egyptians, the Skulls of the
Slain, on each side, being ſtill in different Heaps ; he found, upon Trial,
that a ſtrong Blow could not eaſily break thoſe of the Egyptians, whereas
thoſe of the Perſians, by the conſtant Warmth of their Turbants, ſcarce
ever feeling the Variety of the Seaſons, were ſo very tender, that they
did not reſiſt the leaſt Blow.
From hence Herodotus (15) juſtly attributes the Hardneſs of the Egyp-
tians Skulls to the Habit of that Nation, whoſe Cuſtom it was to ſhave
their
E
(15) Θώυμα δε μέγα άδον πυθόμενο ωρα η επιχωρίων ή γαρ όσεων περικεχυμων χωρίς εκατέρων και αν τη
μάχη ταύτη πεσόντων (χωρίς μη τυ Περσέων εκβο τα οξέα, ά έχωρίδη και αρχας, ετέρωθι δε Αίγυπτίων)
αιμ ήJ' Περσέων κεφαλαί εισι αθενέες έτω, ώςε, ο θέλεις ψήφω μόνη βαλέειν, διαβεβεαν εις α δε σ' Αίγυπτίων τω
δή τι μαυραι, ως μόγις αν λίθω παισας διαρρήξειας αίτιον δε τότε τόδε έλεγον (και εμε γ' αυτέέως έπειθον) ότι
Αιγύπτιοι μ αυτίκα από παιδίων αρξάμνοι, ξυρεύνlαι τας κεφάλας, και προς τ ήλιον παχύνειαι το οσέον τώυτό δε
σετο τα μη φαλάκρες αιτιόν όξιΑίγυπτίων γδάν τις ελαχίσες ιδοιο φαλακρές πάντων ανθρώπων τίτoισι μ δη τατο
όξι αίτιον ιχυρgς φορέειν τας κεφαλάς: τοισι δε Πέρσησι ότι ασθενέας φορέασι, αίτιον τόδ's: σκιήτροφέυσι δξ αρχής,
winxs Tiepos Te copsavles. Herod. Thalia, Cap. XII. Edit. Gale.

14
2 The Natural Hiſtory of the Book 1
ber of Ne-
groes in the
Inand.
Their dif-
ferent na-
tries.
their Heads often; and, by expoſing them to the different Viciſſitudes of
Wind and Weather, their Skulls grew to an extreme Hardneſs.
The former Indians, and the preſent Engliſh Inhabitants, being confi-
dered, it will not be here improper to take ſome Notice of the Nature
and Diſpoſition of our Negroes, or black Inhabitants, employed in culti-
The Num- vating our Land: Theſe are between Sixty-five and Seventy thouſand, tho?
formerly we had a greater Number : Yet we are obliged, in order to keep
up a neceſſary Number, to have a yearly Supply from Africa.
The hard Labour, and often the Want of Neceffaries, which theſe
unhappy Creatures are obliged to undergo, deſtroy a greater Number
than are bred up here: Theſe new Slaves are chiefly brought from the
Kingdoms of (16) Coromantee, Angola, (17) Whiddaw, Ebo, and Anamabw.
tive Coun- The firſt of theſe, in general, are looked upon to be the beſt for Labour,
teing, in ſome meaſure, inured to it in their own Country.
We have had likewiſe formerly ſome Slaves brought hither from the
Illand of Madagaſcar : Theſe differ ſomething from the Africans in the
Colour of their Skins, being not of a Coal-black, but ſomewhat inclined
to the Tawny; yet ſtill a Degree blacker than the Indians.
It hath perplexed the Learned to find out ſome natural Cauſe of the
Negroes Complexion, ſo remarkably differing from the reſt of Mankind.
Some have endeavoured to account for it, from the intenſe Heat of
Negroes
the Sun in theſe and fuch-like hot Climates : But this is ſo far from being
proved to true, that I have always obſerved, that the Hair of thoſe who are ex-
owing to the poſed to the Sun's Heat, turns from a true black, to a brown reddiſh
Colour. As to the Blackneſs of the Negroes Skin, this reaches no deeper
than the outward Cutis ; for, when this peels off by being ſcalded, or by
any other Accident, the Part ever after remains white.
Neither can the extraordinary Curling of their Hair be owing to the
Heat of the Sun; for the (18) Indians have always lank Hair, tho' gene-
rally expoſed to its Heat.
Ás to the Stature and Make of Negroes, excepting that a greater
Number of them have their Noſes ſhorter, and Lips thicker, than the
Whites, I never could find out any extraordinary Difference : They are
generally ſtrait-limb’d, which is occaſioned, in ſome meaſure, by their
not lacing with Bandages their Children when young, according to the
a
The black
Colour of
Heat of the Colour.
Sun,
Shape and
Negroes.
too
a
(16) This Nation of Negroes, above all others, deprecate the divine Vengeance when it thunders.
(17) The Whiddaw and Angola Negroes are generally circumciſed.
(18) The Indians, tho' they reſemble Mulattoes in Colour, yet they are a diſtinct Race, and far from
deriving their Origin from a Mixture between a white Man and a black Woman ; for ſuch a Mixture, which
are called Mulattoes, hath always very curled Hair, the Indians always lank and ſtrong. A Mulatto Woman
cohabiting with a black Man, and the Children of theſe with Blacks likewiſe, their Deſcendents, in three or
four Generations, will gradually loſe their Copper-colour Complexion, and Length of Hair ; the former
being almoſt abforbed in the natural Blackneſs of the Negro Hue, and the latter loſes its borrowed Length,
becoming weak, ſhort, curled, and woolly : Likewiſe, on the contrary, if a Mulatto Woman is married
to a white Man, and their Children continue to marry white People, their Complexion will be ſo far bleached
in about ſix or ſeven Generations, as to terminate in what we call in England a Nut-brown Complexion. A
few Generations further will loſe all Diſtinctions in Colour, and the Quality of their Hair ; fo that the Whites,
the Indians, and the Blacks, differ not accidentally, but originally and really : And therefore, as thoſe
Men who pretend to account for the Origin of the Blacks, or Indians, bring neither Proof nor Authority
to ſtrengthen their Opinions, theſe muſt be looked upon at belt but uncertain Conjectures.

Book I.
Iſland of BARBADOS.
15
too uſual Cuſtom of a few of the white Inhabitants here, as well as the
almoſt univerſal Cuſtom in moſt Northern Countries, which not only
prevents the free Circulation of the Blood, but is often the Cauſe of unna-
tural Diſtortions of the Body.
The Negroes in general are very tenaciouſly addicted to the Rites, Negroes
Ceremonies, and Superſtitions of their own Countries, particularly in diendly ad-
,
ſtrongly
their Plays, Dances, Muſic, Marriages, and Burials (19). And even the Rites
ſuch as are born and bred up here, cannot be intirely weaned from theſe monies of
Cuſtoms : They ſtand much in Awe of ſuch as paſs for Obeah(20) Negroes,
theſe being a ſort of Phyſicians and Conjurers, who can, as they believe,
to
and Cere-
their native
Countries.
not
a
a
(19) There are but few Negroes who believe that they die a natural Death, but rather that they are
fafcinated, or bewitched. The Bearers, in carrying the Corpſe of ſuch a one to the Grave, when they
come oppoſite to, or in Sight of the Houſe of the Perſon who is ſuppoſed to have bewitched the Deceafed,
pretend to ſtagger, and ſay, that the Corpſe is unwilling, and will not permit them to carry it to the
Grave, until it is fuffered to ſtop near, or oppoſite to, that Houſe : After this is complied with for a few
Minutes, the Corpſe is, as they think, appeaſed, and then the Bearers, without Difficulty, carry it to the
Grave. If likewiſe, in digging a Grave, they find a Stone which they cannot eaſily get out, they imme-
diately conclude, that the Deceaſed is unwilling to be buried there; therefore they dig elſewhere, until
they find a Place more propitious to the ſuppoſed Inclination of the Dead. Moſt young People fing and
dance, and make a loud Noiſe with Rattles, as they attend the Corpfe to its Interrment : Some Days after,
eſpecially on their Feaſts, they ſtrew at Night ſome of the dreſſed Victuals upon the Graves of their
deceaſed Parents, Relations, or Friends. Something like this Cuſtom was obſerved by the Romans, in their
Feaſts called Silicernia, at which Times there was a Repaſt prepared for the Dead, at leaſt in Honour of
them, and laid on their Graves. This appears from the following Words of Ovid de Faftis, Lib. II.
5332
&c.
Et honor & tumulis. Animas placate paternas,
Parvaq; in extinétas munera ferte pyras.
Parva petunt manes.
Pietas pro divite grata eſt
Munere. Non avidos Styx habet ima Deos.
Tegula projectis ſatis eſt velata coronis ;
Et ſparſæ fruges, parcaq; mica ſalis.
}
a
Tombs have their Honours too ; our Parents crave
Some ſlender Preſent to adorn the Grave. mobilov
Slender the Preſent, which to Ghoſts we owe :
Theſe Pow'rs obſerve not what we give, but how:
No greedy Souls diſturb the Seats below.
orton
They only ask a Tile with Garlands crown'd,
And Fruit, and Salt to ſprinkle on the Ground.
bator
(20) Theſe Obeah Negroes get a good Livelihood by the Folly and Ignorance of the reſt of the Negroes.
I ſhall here inſert one Inſtance of their pretended Method of curing the Sick, which was performed upon
a Negro Woman ; who, being troubled with Rheumatic Pains, was perſuaded by one of theſe Obeah
Doctors, that ſhe was bewitched, and that theſe Pains were owing to ſeveral Pieces of Glaſs, ruſty Nails,
and Splinters of ſharp Stones, that were lodged in the different Parts of her Body ; adding, that it was
in his Power, if paid for it, to cure her, by extracting theſe from her through her Navel. Upon the
Payment of the ftipulated Præmium, he produced his Magical Apparatus, being two Earthen Baſons, a
Handful of different kinds of Leaves, and a Piece of Soap. In one of theſe Bafons he made a ſtrong
Lather, in the other he put the bruiſed Herbs ; then clapping theſe with one Hand to the Navel, and
pouring the Suds by Degrees upon them, he ſtroked the Parts moſt affected with the other Hand, always
ending towards the Navel : In a ſhort time after, thruſting his Finger and Thumb into the Cataplaſm of
Herbs, he produced ſeveral Pieces of broken Glaſs, Nails, and Splinters of Stones (which he had before
artfully conveyed among the bruiſed Herbs). As ſuch a great Number extracted, was looked upon as an
extraordinary Inſtance of the Doctor's great Skill, he unluckily demanded a farther Reward than what was
ftipulated : But as the Woman's Husband was one of thoſe very few, who had no Faith in ſuch pretended
Cures, being accidentally knowing in ſome of their Secrets, inſtead of an additional Reward, he made
him by Threats refund the Money he had already received, bidding him, if he was a Conjurer, find
out by his Art ſome Means of getting it again reſtored to him.
Their Method of clearing themſelves from imputed Crimes hath a near Affinity to the bitter Water
uſed among the fetus. In the latter Cafe, the Prieſt took ſome of the Duft of the floor of the Taberna-
cle; and, mixing it with Water, he gave it to the Woman fuſpected of defiling her Husband's Bed, ſaying
unto her, If thou haſt gone afide to Uncleanneſs with another, inſtead of thy Husband; then this Water,
that cauſeth the Curſe, ſhall go into thy Bowels to make thy Belly to ſwell, and thy Thigh to rot: And the
Woman ſhall ſay, Amen, Amen. In like manner, the Negroes take a Piece of Earth from the Grave of their
neareſt Relations, or Parents, if it can be had ; if not, from any other Grave. This being mingled with
Water,
3

16
another. The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book I.
ties;
not only faſcinate them, but cure them when they are bewitched by others.
Their 8u- And if once a Negro believes, that he is bewitched, the Notion is ſo ſtrongly
riveted in his Mind, that, Medicines ſeldom availing, he uſually lingers
till (21) Death puts an End to his Fears.
The Capacities of their Minds in the common Affairs of Life are but
little inferior, if at all, to thoſe of the Europeans. If they fail in ſome
Arts, it may be owing more to their Want of Education, and the De-
preſſion of their Spirits by Slavery, than to any Want of natural Abili-
for an higher Degree of improved Knowlege in any Occupation
would not much alter their Condition for the better.
That Slavery not only depreſſes, but almoſt brutalizes human Nature,
is evident from the low and abject State of the preſent Grecians, when
compared with their learned and glorious Anceſtors.
Our Slaves, in their Mirth and Diverſions, differ according to the ſeve-
ral Cuſtoms of ſo many Nations intermixed : However, all agree in this
Their Cu- one univerſal Cuſtom of adorning their Bodies, by wearing Strings of
Beads of various Colours, intermixed ſometimes by the richer fort of
Strings of Houſe Negroes with Pieces of Money. Theſe Beads are in great Num-
Beads round
bers twined round their Arms, Necks, and Legs. This Cuſtom is not
and Arms. peculiar to the Inhabitants of Africa ; for we find it by the moſt antient
Account to be common in all Eaſtern Nations, eſpecially among the
Jewiſh Women, as early as the Patriarchal Age : And their Fondneſs for
theſé Ornaments came at laſt to ſo great Exceſs, that we find it among
the Crimes reproved by the Prophet Iſaiah,
That they were likewiſe in Uſe among the Greeks, is evident from a
Piece of Painting of above Seventeen hundred Years old, now in the
curious Collection of Dr. Mead, where the Graces are repreſented in a
Dance, having their Legs adorned with Bracelets.
Theſe Slaves, in ſome of their rude Dances to (22) Muſic ſtill ruder,
ufe Geſticulations very unſeemly and wanton ; at other times, they have
Այս է։
ftom of
wearing
their Legs
a fort
Water, they drink it, imprecating the divine Vengenace to inflict an immediate Puniſhment upon them;
but in particular, that the Water and mingled Grave-duft which they have drank (if they are guilty of
the Crime) may cauſe them to ſwell, and their Bellies to burſt. Moſt of them are ſo firmly perſuaded, that
it will have this Effect upon the Guilty, that few, if any (provided they are conſcious of the imputed
Crime), will put the Proof of their Innocency upon the Experiment. This Cuſtom, with the Uſe of Brace-
lets, and the Circumciſion of ſome Nations of Negroes, are the almoſt only Inſtances of this kind, wherein
I find that theſe Inhabitants of Africa agree with the former Jews, except that they likewiſe, in ſaluting their
Friends and Acquaintance, often call them by the Name of Brothers : This ſeems to be analogous to the
Cuſtom of the antient "Jews, who included Conſanguinity, as well as Fraternity, in that Relation. We are
Brethren, ſays Abraham to Lot; whereas he was only his Nephew. So Jacob told Rachel, that he was her
Father's Brother. The wearing of Ear-rings among the richeſt of the Negroes, is likewiſe agreeable
to the Cuſtoms of ſome of the antient Jews and Carthaginians : The former we find breaking their Ear-
rings to make the molten Calf : and Plautus, in his Play called Pænulum, taking notice of ſome Car-
thaginian Slaves, fays, that their Hands ſhould be without Fingers; one would think, becauſe they wore their
Rings in their Ears
(21) When theſe Negroes die a natural Death, or eſpecially when they deſtroy themſelves, they believe
that they ſhall return to their own Country. It would be too groſs to believe, that they expect to be reſtored
and to live there in their mortal Bodies : Therefore we muſt conclude, that they have ſome Notion of the
Immortality of the Soul ; and what they mean by their own Country is, that they ſhall, after this Life,
enjoy the Company of their Friends and Relations in another World.
(22) The Inſtruments they generally make uſe of in their Dances, are a Banjau, a Gambay, and a
Drum, which they likewiſe call a Pump. The latter is made of an hollow Trunk of a Tree, about two
Feet high, and about a Foot in Diameter, the Dimenſions of the Whole, more or leſs. This is covered
over

Book I. Ifand of BARBADOS.
17
ſidered.
а.
a fort of Pyrrhic, or a Martial Dance, in which their Bodies are ſtrongly
agitated by skipping, leaping, and turning round.
Since I have made this Digreſſion to treat of the Manners and Cuſtoms
of theſe Negroes, it may perhaps be expected, that I ſhould conſider the
ſeveral Arguments for and againſt making our Fellow-creatures Slaves.
But, without engaging in a Controverfy foreign to my Deſign ; If we
agree
with the Civilians of the moſt poliſhed and learned Nations, Slavery con-
they are of Opinion, that the Power of making Slaves is, and hath
been, a natural Conſequence of Captivity in War. As to the Slavery of
theſe African Negroes, this Hardſhip is not ſo unſupportable to them; for
they are very little better than Slaves in their own Country.
However, I will not preſume to determine how defenſible this Cuſtom
may be under a Chriſtian Diſpenſation ; but thus far may be ſaid, in
favour of it, that by the beſt Accounts we have from the Coaſt of
Guiney, antecedent to our purchaſing any Slaves, the ſeveral different
Nations were fo very favage and barbarous, that they were at continual
Wars with one another, and the greateſt Mercy that was ſhewn to the
Conquered was to be put to ſudden Death. Hence the Trees along the
Sea-Coaſts were daily to be ſeen horribly adorned with the Limbs and
Heads of their vanquiſhed Enemies.
Upon the Truth of this Suppoſition, proved by repeated credible At-
teſtations, that theſe African Nations were, and are, ſo inexorable to their
Captives taken in War, will it not, with the fevereſt Caſuiſt againſt the
Purchaſe of Slaves, be of ſome Weight to conſider, that if they are bought,
and tranſported into Chriſtian Settlements (without laying any Streſs upon
taking away by this Means the Guilt of Murder from their Conquerors,
or the Benefit that ariſes to Mankind from their Labour), at leaſt a few,
among many Thouſands imported, may probably come to a better know-
lege of their Duty to God and Man.
I barely mention this Argument, and leave it to ſtand or fall by its own
Weight: Though to bring theſe in general to the Knowlege of the Chri-
ſtian Religion, is undoubtedly a great and good Deſign, in Intention
laudable, and in Speculation eafy ; yet I believe, for Reaſons too tedi-
ous to be mentioned, that the Difficulties attending it are, and I am
afraid ever will be, unſurmountable.
The only Happineſs, even in Temporals, that theſe poor Creatures meet
with, is when they fall into the Hands of Maſters influenced by the Prin-
ciples of Humanity, and the Fear of God : By theſe they are treated
(though often their ill Behaviour deſerves the contrary) with great Lenity.
So true is the Saying of the Poet, in the moſt literal Senſe :
а.
F
-- Ingenuas
over with a Goat's or Sheep's Skin. Ifidore, in his Origines, deſcribes the Symphonia to be hollow like,
,
a Drum, and covered with Leather, which was beaten, or played upon, with a Stick or Quill.
From hence we may conclude, that the laſt-mentioned Inſtrument, in Uſe among our Negroes, hath a
great Reſemblance, if it is not the ſame, with the Symphonia of the Antients ; for this Wej-India Inſtru-
ment is always played upon with a Stick, or the Fingers.
a

18
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book 1.
bob
buvote ------Ingenuas didiciſſe fideliter artes
met Emollit inores, nec finit eſſe feros.
Ovid. de Ponto, II. 9. 47.
go T'imbibe foft Arts, and yield to Learning's Sway,
Soon wears the Edge of Savageneſs away.
On the other hand, when they are ſo unfortunate as to have Owners
unpoliſhed in their Manners, and inſatiable of Riches (who, like the
Egyptian Tyrants, require Brick without Straw, or, more literally, exact
ſevere Labour from an hungry Belly, or a naked Back), they have ſcarce a
Gleam of Reſt from hard Toils, and heavy Stripes, but whilft Sleep, with
its ſhort Interval, eludes the painful Scene, which muſt again be renewed
with the returning Dawn.
Such Task-maſters ( 23) conſider not, that Compaſſion to the Miſera-
ble is a juſt Debt ; and that this humane Diſpoſition, as Cicero juſtly
obſerves, is not the Inſtitution of worldly Policy, is not the bare Ěffect
of any particular Cuſtom, but the univerſal Voice of Nature, whoſe
Dictates the Brave, the Generous, and the Good, in every Age, and in
every Nation, hear and obey : For, although God ſuffered the Children
of Iſrael to be made Slaves in Egypt, till ſuch wholſome Severity recalled
them to their Duty; yet he brought Plagues upon the Egyptians for their
Cruelty and Inhumanity towards them.
The obvious and natural Inference that we may and ought to draw
from ſo many complicated Scenes of Miſery, in the Condition of ſo
many Thouſands of our Fellow-creatures (who are continually liable to
the Inſults of the Imperious, and the Lufts of the Debauched, and whoſe
and their Childrens Childrens inceſſant Labour will never be at an
End, but with their Lives), is gratefully to acknowlege the Happineſs of
living where neither our Lives nor Fortunes are at the Mercy of any
tyrannical Oppreffor.
How happy, I ſay, are we, when compared with the ſeveral Nations
above-mentioned, whoſe Ignorance in all Knowlege about Religion is ſo
compared great, that, in their original native Country, their Adoration is often
other Na- paid to Crocodiles, Rivers, Snakes, and certain coloured Fowls !
Howſoever ridiculous the Cuſtom of the Egyptians may appear in
worſhiping Beetles and Crocodiles, yet there is ſome Shadow of Reaſon,
at leaſt of Excuſe, to be given for this their Extravagancy ; for, as the
Paſſion of Fear is almoſt univerſally predominant, as theſe Beetles came
ſome Years in great and numerous Swarms from Alyria into Egypt, and
own
Their Igno-
rance in
Religion
almoſt
tions.
(23) It ſeems by the following Paſſage from Horace, that the Treatment of the Romans of their Slaves
was not leſs ſevere, than that of the preſent Age ; for the Poet, putting Mena, Pompey's Freed-man, in
mind of his former Slavery, deſcribes him thus:
Ibericis peruſte funibus latus,
Et crura dura compede.
Hor. Epode 4.

Book I. Iſland of BARBADOS.
19
almoſt covered the face of the whole Land, and, like their kindred
Locuſts, devoured every green Thing; and as the Crocodiles proved
often very deſtructive to their Herds; the Egyptians therefore built Tem-
ples and Altars to theſe, and worſhiped them, in Hopes, that either they,
or the ſuppoſed Deity, who preſided over them, would be more propi-
tious, and leſs hurtful, to them for the future.
It was upon the ſame Principle that the polite Romans deified Fevers,
and dedicated Temples to them. But it is hard to conceive, that there
was any Good to be hoped, or Evil be dreaded, from an harmleſs black
Snake, which was one of the Objects of Worſhip among theſe Slaves, or
from a parti-coloured Fowl, which was never thought by any other
Nation to be even ominous, much leſs to have Qualities that would
render it, to a reaſonable Creature, the Object of divine Worſhip.
Here we ſee the Effect of unafſifted Reaſon; and that it cannot, to the
Bulk of Mankind, under fuch Circumſtances, be a ſufficient Guide to a
reaſonable Service towards God.
Indeed, ſuch a Religion is ſo void of improved Reaſon, and ſpecula-
tive Thinking, that it furpaſſeth the groffeſt Apoftafies of the Jews, in
their Imitation of the Egyptians, Syrians, and (24) Phænicians, ſo much
complained of by the Prophets Iſaiah and Ezekiel.
From the Diſpoſition and Manners of the Inhabitants, the next Thing The Nature
that will naturally fall under our Confideration, will be the Nature of the
Soil. This chiefly is black, in low deep Lands, in ſhallower Parts fome-
what reddiſh, on the Hills frequently of a whitiſh chalky marly Nature,
and, near the Sea, generally ſandy.
By fuch Variety, Providence hath wiſely adapted different Soils to the
different Nature of the ſeveral Kinds of Trees, Shrubs, and Plants.
Where
of the Soil.
tollage
De
(24) Theſe, among the many Apoſtaſies of the Iſraelites, mentioned by the Prophets, are elegantly de-
fcribed by the great and ingenious Mr. Milton, who, ſpeaking of the Egyptian and Syrian Idols, ſays,
For thoſe the Race of Iſrael oft for fook
Their living Strength, and unfrequented left
His righteous Altar, bowing lowly down
Woh
To beſtial Gods ; for which their Heads as low
Bow'd down in Battle, funk before the Spear
വാ വാ..
Of deſpicable Foes. With theſe in Troop
Came Aſhtoreth, whom the Phænicians call'd
Aftarte, 'Queen of Heav'n, with creſcent Horns ;
To whoſe bright Image nightly by the Moon
Sidonian Virgins paid their Vows and Songs :
In Sion, alſo, not unſung, where ſtood
Her Temple on th’offenſive Mountain built
By that uxorious King, whoſe Heart, tho' large,
Beguild by fair Idolatreſſes, fell
To Idols foul. Thammuz came next behind:
Whoſe annual Wound in Lebanon allur'd
Les
The Syrian Damſels to lament his Fate
In am'rous Ditties all a Summer's Day;
While ſmooth Adonis from his native Rock
Ran purple to the Sea, ſuppos’d with Blood
Of Thammuz yearly wounded : The Love-Tale
Infected Sion's Daughters with like Heat ;
Whoſe wanton Paffions in the ſacred Porch
Ezekiel ſaw, when, by the Viſion led,
His Eyes ſurvey'd the dark Idolatries
Of alienated Judah.
Paradiſe Loft, Lib. I. Ver. 432.

20
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book I.
.
Where the Soil is black, as it imbibes the Rays of the Sun, and
reflects few or none, there the circumambient Air is not near ſo hot as
where the Soil is fandy, or gravelly; for moſt, if not all Bodies, reflect
the ſolar Rays, in proportion to their reſpective Denſity and Smoothneſs;
ſo that by how much the more ſolid and poliſhed the Particles of a ſandy
or gravelly Soil are, than black Mould, by ſo much the more intenſe
will the Heat of their Reflexion be.
It is owing to theſe reflected Rays, and the Want of Moiſture, that the
Blades of Canes, as well as other Plants, are more apt to ſcorch in ſandy,
or gravelly, than in a black Soil : And, as the Fertility of this, as well
as others of the Weſt-India Iſlands, depends upon ſeaſonable Rains, the
long Chains of (25) Hills, interſperſed with deep Valleys, are therefore
providentially ſituated to the Eaſtward of ſome Parts of the Iſland, tó
intercept the Clouds and Vapours : For, if the Wind, at Eaſt, drives
,
before it even a thin ſcattered Cloud towards the Weſt, this, as long as it
is not augmented by adventitious Exhalations, will hover in the Air ; but
as ſoon as it comes oppoſite to, and as low as theſe Hills, the impelling
Force of the Wind at Eaſt, and the Reſiſtance of the now cloſe oppoſite
Hills will compel theſe thin watry Veficles to coaleſce and aſſociate into
Drops ; by which means this thick Collection of Water becomes ſo denſe,
that its Gravity is greater than the Strength of the Air in that Situation
can uphold, and it deſcends therefore in refreſhing Rain; but, when the
Collection of Vapours is not ſo great as to form Clouds, and if theſe are
not raiſed before the Cold of the Evening above the Height of the Hills
and Clifts, being then deſtitute of their chiefeſt Cauſe of Expanſion, I
mean the Heat of the Sun, they then are compreſſed, and deſcend in ſoft
Mifts upon the Earth ; yet in far greater Quantity, for the Reaſons above-
mentioned, upon the Sides of theſe reſiſting Hills to the Eaſtward. It is
partly from hence, and not intirely, as ſome imagine, from the ſuperior
Excellency of the Soil, that particular Parts of St. Joſeph's and St.
Andrew's Pariſhes yield a more certain, and often better Increaſe, than
moſt other parts of the Iſland.
This is ſo remarkably true in general, that it hath been obſerved, that
as long as the Wind blows oppoſite to one Side of the high Mountains,
near the Ganges, they have no Rain on the other Side, the Clouds being
intirely broken by the Reſiſtance of thoſe very high Hills. And, as the
Winds in and near England blow near half the Year from the Weſtward
Points, it muſt follow, that the Clouds and Vapours are, in a great mea-
ſure, carried that Way : If theſe, as in England, are in their Courſe inter-
cepted
ز
(25) That a long Chain of Hills is very ſerviceable to intercept the Clouds and Vapours, was known as
early as the Time of Moſes ; for, in his Deſcription of the Land of Canaan, he ſays to the Children of
Ifrael, The Land whither thou goeft in to poſſeſs it, is not as the Land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where
thou wateredſt thy Seed with thy Foot, as a Garden of Herbs ; i. e. In Egypt (as the learned Dr. Shaw, in his
Travels, obſerves) the Egyptians, for want of ſeaſonable Rains, were obliged to water their Grounds by
artificial Canals, which received the Waters upon the Overflowing of the Nile. But the Land whither ye go
to poſſeſs it, is a Land of Hills and Valleys, and drinketh Water of the Rain of Heaven ; a Land which the
Lord thy God careth for : The Eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it from the Beginning of the Year even unto
the End of the Year. Deut. xi. 10, 11, 12.

Book I. Iſland of BARBADOS.
21
to intercept
any
cepted by high Hills, they become more denſe, and conſequently break into
Rain or Miſt. If they meet with little or no Reſiſtance, many of theſe thin
ſcattering Clouds paſs over an open champaign Country. It is, I believe,
owing to this chiefly, that Picardy in France is leſs fupplied with Moiſture,
and conſequently wants that grateful Verdure fo remarkable in England.
That theſe Hills are ſerviceable in ſtopping the flying Clouds from High Lands
paſſing over the Iſland, is what is daily confirmed by Experience ; for
that Part of the Iſland called The Thickets, in St. Philip's Parish, being Clouds.
low Land, and having no Hills, nor high Clifts to the Eaſtward, to make
Reſiſtance to theſe Clouds, is often ſcorched with great Drought,
when the middle and more hilly Parts of the Hand are repleniſhed with
Rain.
It muſt not from hence be concluded, that ſuch Countries are intirely
deſtitute of Rain, becauſe they have no Hills or Clifts to the Eaſtward,
I mention theſe only as Helps, to prevent fome low Clouds and Vapours
from paſſing over them; for, if the general Cauſe of the Deſcent of Rain
was the Reſiſtance made by the Hills and Mountains, there would be
little or no Rain at a great Diſtance from Land, which we are ſure
there is.
It will likewiſe perhaps be ſurpriſing to thoſe unacquainted with the
Nature of the Soil of ſome Parts of this Iſland, to hear, that in the moſt
hilly, which is called Scotland, conſiderable Quantities of Land ſhould
run away (as it is here termed), and become Part of a neighbouring Eftate.
Sometimes large Pieces of Ground planted with Canes, and even The Soil in
Land with Plantain and Banana Trees growing upon it, have flid down rainy fears
to the Valleys from the Sides of the Hills. This happens in very rainy ſlides from
Seaſons ; for, as the Soil upon theſe Hills is commonly not above Eight the Hills to
Nine Inches deep, and of an oozy and ſoapy Nature underneath, it the Valleys
eaſily ſeparates from the next immediate Subſtratum, which is of a ſlip-
pery Chalk, flat Stones, or looſe Gravel.
When the Soil ſlides in large Pieces, its Motion is leſs violent, than
when it is confined in narrow Chaſms in the Meeting of two Hills, eſpe-
cially if the Situation be very ſteep ; for there the Collection of Water
being conſiderable and heavy, inſtead of gliding ſoftly between the two
Strata, it breaks out in different Places at once, and then runs down the
Precipice a mingled Torrent of Earth and Water.
A remarkable Inſtance of this kind happened fome Years ago in St.
Andrew's Pariſh, where a large Garden, the Soil of a Potato-Garden,
with its growing Produce, flid from the Side of a neighbouring Hill, and
richly covered the next Neighbour's Land, ſituated in the Vale below.
Another Inſtance, ſimilar to this, happened at an Eſtate, now in the
Poſſeſſion of the Reverend Mr. Reynold Foſter, where the greateſt Part of
a poor Tenant's Land, with all its Produce growing upon it, firſt cracked,
and then ſlid over the Clifts into the Sea ; but during the long Continu-
ance of the fame Rain, in a few Hours afterwards, the adjoining Land of
G
Mr.
fons often
the Sides of
а.
a

22
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book I.
be gueſ-
Mr. Foſter, being then planted with Canes, came tumbling down, and
richly ſupplied the Place of the Soil ſo lately waſhed off, and there re-
mained.
The Violence with which the Land moves at ſuch times, may
ſed at likewiſe from the following Inſtance : A Cabbage-tree, of about
Thirty Feet high, moved Roots, Soil, and all, ſeveral Feet from the Place
where it grew; it moved in an upright Poſture, and remained ſo upon
the Settlement of the Soil, and continues to this Day to grow and flouriſh.
This Tree is to be ſeen at Banana Hole, an Eſtate in St. Joſeph's Pariſh,
belonging to Mrs. Warren, at the Black Rock.
However fertile theſe hot Climates are, if refreſhed with feaſonable
Dews and Rains, and with the warm enlivening Rays of the Sun; yet it
will ſcarce appear credible, at leaſt to the Northern Inhabitants of the
World (where the Vegetable Creation languiſhes for near half the Year ;
and, when the Sun ſheds its benign Influence, is comparatively weak and
faint), that in an Iſland, containing not above 106470 Acres of Land,
there ſhould ever have been near 70,000 black, and 30,000 white Inha-
bitants ; though at this Time, indeed, as I have obſerved before, the
Number is not quite ſo confiderable.
What I ſhall add will ſtill appear more incredible (though upon good
Fertility of
the Land. Grounds I affirm it); That if all the Valleys, and other places ſhaded
from the Wind, were to be planted with Plantain, Banana, and Caſſado
Trees, and the open level Land with Yams, Potatoes, Eddoes, Corn and
,
Pulſe (eſpecially Pigeon-peas), and a fufficient Number of Cattle was
kept to provide Manure, this ſmall Iſland alone, without any foreign
Aſſiſtance, would, in ſeaſonable Years, produce a Sufficiency of ſuch
Food to maintain more than the (26) Number of its preſent Inhabit-
The great
ants.
The nume-
rous Armies
incredi-
ble.
From hence we may learn not to wonder at, nor disbelieve what is ſaid
of the Chil- in Scripture of the Fertility of the Holy Land, and the numerous Armies
dren of Israel brought into the Field by the Children of Iſrael
. Though their ſettled
Kingdom from Dan to Kadeſh, upon the Northern Boundaries of Arabia
Petræa, was not above One hundred and Twenty Miles long, and in Breadth,
from
a
(26) Romulus allowed every Roman but Two Acres of Land (which were much leſs than the Engliſh Mea-
fure) in even a Winter Country. How much more fruitful an Acre in this Iſland is, than Two about Rome,
will appear by the following Calculation : An Acre of Land deſigned for Yams hath generally three thouſand
one hundred Holes dug in it. This planted in the Beginning of July, with Five hundred Weight of ſmall
Yams, will come to their Maturity, and be fit to be dug up the latter End of December, or the
Beginning of January, and will yield Two Pounds and Three Quarters Weight of Yams from every Hole.
This is a Computation fo very ſmall, that the Inhabitants often dig Four, Five, or Six Pounds, more than what
I have mentioned: However, by this very low Calculation, an Acre thus planted (beſides the ſmall Yams or
Seedlings, equalling the Weight of what was planted) will produce a Sufficiency for Five Men a whole
Year, allowing each Man Four Pounds of this kind of Food a Day; ſo that Twenty-ſeven thouſand Acres
of the preſent beſt Cane Land, planted in Yams, would produce yearly a Sufficiency of this kind, at the
above Allowance, for One hundred and Thirty thouſand Men, which is above the Number of its preſent
Inhabitants. After the above-mentioned Quantity is ſubtracted from the Whole, there will remain Seventy-
nine thouſand Four hundred Acres, which (except what the Buildings, Orchards, and other Conveniencies
take up) may be planted, fome in Corn and Pulſe, and the reſt left for Paſturage, which Quantity will be
more than ſufficient to raiſe Cattle for Manure, and other Uſes : Beſides, there might be raiſed upon the
moſt barren Part a great Number of Sheep and Goats ; and the whole Land, that was planted in Yams,
would be open for other Proviſions, ſuch as Potatoes and Pulſe, for above Six Months in the Year.

Book I. Iſland of BARBADOS.
23
from the Mediterranean Sea to the Deſart on the Eaſt, about Eighty ; yet,
when Joab numbered the Children of Iſrael, they were found to be
Thirteen hundred thouſand fighting Men, beſides Women and Children.
The great Fertility, and prodigious Growth, of Vegetables in warm
Climates, when compared with the Northern Parts of the World, is
almoſt incredible; at leaſt, it will appear to be ſo to thoſe who are unac-
quainted with the Nature of Vegetation.
This will be made more evident, when we come to deſcribe the Plan-
tain-tree, and the great American Aloe; nor will it be lefs agreeably
ſurpriſing to find, that theſe hot Climates are far from being uninhabita-
ble ; for the Heat is daily cooled by the conſtant Breezes of Wind, which
at the Sun's firſt Riſing gently fan the Air, and increaſe in Strength in
proportion to the active Influence of the Sun's Heat, till towards Even-
ing, when the ſolar Heat is abated, theſe refreſhing Gales, generally ſpeak-
ing, die away.
The Conſtancy, Regularity, and Gentleneſs of the Wind, eſpecially in
what we call the Winter Months, the Serenity and Clearneſs of the Air,
the continued Verdure of Trees, diverſified with Variety of Objects of
Art and Nature, all terminating in and ſurrounded with the Sea, may
be compared, with ſome ſmall Allowance, to Homer's beautiful Deſcrip-
tion of the Plains of Memphis, near the Acherufian Lake.
Ου νιφελος, ότ' αρ χειμων πολυς, έτε πολ' όμβρο.
T'
'Αλλ' αιει Ζεφύροιο λιβυκνειούλας αήτας
'Ωκεανός ανίησιν αναψύχεις ανθρώπους.
Stern Winter ſmiles on that auſpicious Clime :
The Fields are florid with unfading Prime.
From the bleak Pole no Winds inclement blow;
Mold the round Hail, nor flake the fleecy Snow :
But from the breezy Deep the Blejš inhale
The fragrant Murmurs of the Weſtern Gale. РОРЕ.
The beautiful Proſpects from ſeveral Hills to the Vales below, eſpeci-
ally from the Top of a ſmall Hill, near the Honourable John Dottin's
Eſtate, from another in Batten’s Eſtate, and from Brigs's Hill, are not
perhaps inferior to that ſo celebrated Proſpect from the Top of Mount Tabor
towards the ſpacious Valley of Eſdraelon, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Nor ought we here to neglect the Deſcription of Hackleton's Clift,
where Nature at one View diſplays a great Variety of ſurpriſing Proſpects.
Here the high impending Rocks yield a dreary rueful Appearance : The
ſeveral deep Chaſms below, over which they project, are imbrowned with
the thick Foliage of lofty Trees. The adjacent ſteep Declivity is crouded
with irregular Precipices, and broken Rocks; the whole View terminating
in the tempeſtuous Sea, over whoſe craggy Shores the foaming Waves
inceſſantly break.---All ſolemnly awful, if not horrifying Scenes ! except
when the Eye is relieved by a Glimpſe, or ſometimes a full Sight, of the
neighbouring
a

24
Book I.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
a
neighbouring Plantations. To complete this uncommon Contraſt, a deep
rapid River runs through the Valleys at the Bottom of theſe Precipices;
which, tho' in the dry Seaſons it is almoſt without Water ; yet in the
rainy Months of June, July, and Auguſt, it often overflows its higheſt
Banks; and its then irreſiſtible Courſe may juſtly be ſaid to anſwer
Horace's Deſcription of the River Tiber in a Storm.
- Cetera Fluminis
Ritu feruntur, nunc medio alveo
Cum pace delabentis Etrufcum
In mare ; nunc lapides adeſos, ,
Stirpeſq; raptas, & pecus, & domos
Volventis una, non fine montium
Clamore, vicinæq; ſilvæ,
Cum fera diluvies quietos
Irritat amnes.
.
Like Tiber's ſmooth and glaſfy Face,
When gently rolling to the Main ;
Life ſometimes glides with a ſoft Pace,
Unvanquiſh'd with the Edge of Pain,
Like Tiber, oft 'tis in a Roar,
When his rough Billows laſh the Shore ;
Rocks, Trees, and Cattle, down are borne,
And Domes from their Foundation torn ;
Huge Mountains ſound, as well as Woods;
And all around the Plains are Floods.
a
As the above-mentioned ſtupendous Clifts are intirely impaſſable
for
many Miles, except by Three narrow Chaſms hewed through the
Rocks, where Ten Men can reſiſt a Hundred; this, with their Vicinity to
the Sea, reminds me of Mr. Glover's beautiful Deſcription of the Streights
of Thermopyla.
There the lofty Clifts
Of woody Oeta overlook the Paſs';
And far beyond, o'er half the Surge below,
Their borrid Umbrage caft.
LEONIDAS.
This Place is ſtill more melancholy, if we caſt our Eyes upon the
ſeveral Catacombs, which on our firſt Settlement in this Iſland were dug
out of the Rocks in the Side of this Clift, where lie the Remains of
thoſe, who, like the Patriarchs of old, procured to themſelves Places of
Reſt.
The Antients, eſpecially Ariſtotle, were of Opinion, that the Torrid
Zone was uninhabitable, by reaſon of its ſuppoſed great Heat ; but
when we conſider the almoſt conſtant Regularity of the Trade-Winds
and

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To the Honourable Thomas Burnet
One of the Justices of his Maj tie Court of common Pleas. .
This Paste is humbly Inscribdes &c
Fosters Store Toufe
ABrospect of Hackeltonis Cliff


Book I.
Ifand of BARBADOS.
25
proved to
be healthy
from the
Longevity
the Inhabit-
ants.
a
and Weather, and the quick Return of Night, with its moiſt Vapours,
we cannot be at a Loſs to conceive how theſe otherwiſe hot and ſultry
Regions, near the Equator, are by this Means rendered not only habi-
table, but pleaſant ; and, as the Inhabitants are not liable to ſudden The Illand
Changes from Heat to Cold, they not only enjoy a great Share of Health, Prewed his
but likewiſe live to an advanced old Age.
There are now alive (and moſt of them in a tolerable good State of of ſome of
Health) within Three Miles round, in a Country-place, Part in St. Lucy's
Pariſh, and Part in St. Peter's, Eleven Women, and One Man, whoſe Age,
added together, make a Thouſand and Five Years. We have likewiſe, in
the Iſland, Three Perſons, whoſe Ages, being added together, amount, by
the beſt Computation that can be made, to near Three hundred Years.
Piſo, in his Account of Brafil, fays, that ſeveral of the Natives there
live, fome to an Hundred, others to an Hundred and Fifty Years : Yet I
beg Leave to diffent, with regard to the Certainty of it, from that great
Man, however a Man of Veracity in other reſpects ; for neither the In-
dians
upon
the Continent of America (at leaſt the different Nations that
I knew), nor the native Negroes of Africa (as far as I could learn by the
moſt ſtrict Inquiry from ſuch of them as have been naturalized in theſe
Colonies), have any certain Method of reckoning their Years ; nor of
the latter is there one of an Hundred that can give you any tolerable room
to gueſs at their Age, unleſs ſomething very remarkable happened when
they were young, to leave a laſting Impreſſion upon their Minds.
When I examined a very old Perſon about her Age, all that ſhe could
remember was, that ſhe was a very luſty Girl when the great Hurricane
happened.
This indeed was an Æra remarkable enough; for of all Storms called Hurricanes,
Hurricanes, which, in Truth, are inexpreſſibly violent (though not fo fre- and Effects
quent in their Returns here, as it is imagined in Europe), that which
happened in Barbados, on the gift of Auguſt 1675. was not inferior, in
its deplorable Conſequence, to the Earthquake which happened at
Jamaica (27); for it left neither Houſe nor Tree ſtanding, except the
few that were ſheltered by ſome neighbouring Hill or Clift.
Some Hours before the Storm began, the Heaven was overcaſt with
thick Clouds, of a black reddiſh Hue; the Air calm, but fultry ; and the
more it loſt its expanfive Force (which before buoyed up the watry Par-
ticles in a diſperſed State), the cloſer the Clouds condenſed, and the
blacker they appeared.
The
their Force
а
C
H
(27) In the terrible Earthquake at Jamaica, which happened on the 7th of June 1692. the Sand in the
Streets moved in Heaps, like the Waves of the Sea ; then on a ſudden the Earth opened in ſeveral
Places, and ſwallowed in whole Rows of Houſes with their Inhabitants. The remaining few knew not
whither to fly; for Deſtruction was on every Side. As the Earth opened and cloſed with a very quick
Motion, ſeveral Hundreds of the Inhabitants were abſorbed alive ; others jammed in the cloſe Fiſſures,
ſome up to their Necks, ſome to their Waiſts ; and others had their Legs and Thighs broken in theſe Yawn-
ings of the Earth, which were ſo numerous, that a Gentleman reckoned above Two hundred open in a
very
ſhort time. The Sea was in ſuch ſtrong convulfive Motions, that in almoſt an Inſtant it receded back
near a Mile, and as quick returned to its former Bounds. A large Mountain, not far from Port Morant,
was quite ſwallowed up, and the Place where it ſtood is now become a large Lake of about Four Leagues
Vide Phil. Trans. Vol. II. p. 411.
over.

26
Book I.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The Afternoon, when the Violence of the Storm began, the Wind
,
was high and varying, almoſt in an Inſtant, to every (28) Point of the
Compaſs; but ſettled chiefly at North, being attended with dreadful
Rain, Thunder, and Lightning.
The Sea, where not guarded with high Clifts, overflowed its Banks,
in ſome Places, above an Hundred Yards.
The Day-light, while it laſted, as Milton expreſſes it,
Serv'd only to diſcover Sights of Woe;
for there was nothing to be ſeen but one rueful Spectacle of almoſt uni-
verſal Ruin.
If one looked in to the Land, Behold, Darkneſs, and Sorrow, and the
Light was darkened in the Heavens thereof
..
The Night, as it came on, was uſhered in with an almoſt continued
rumbling Noiſe in the Air, with the Increaſe of Wind, Rain, Thunder,
and Lightning ; eſpecially the latter, which now with redoubled Force,
darted not with its uſual ſhort-lived Flaſhes, but in rapid Flames, skim-
ming over the Surface of the Earth, as well as mounting to the
upper
Regions.
The next (29) Morning, when the Storm was abated, the whole Iſland
afforded a lively, but terrible, Idea of the Tenth Egyptian Plague of old ;
for there was ſcarce a Houſe but lamented one dead in it, or in general
ſomething equal, or worſe.
Several Families were intirely buried in the Ruins of their Houſes;
and there were few that eſcaped, but with the Loſs either of ſome Rela-
tion, Friend, or Acquaintance.
astea
Theſe,
(28) There was not an Houſe left in Speights Town, whoſe Roof was not blown off. Major Streate lived
above the Town, at an Eſtate, now in the Poffeffion of Mr. Andrew Derry, whoſe Roof being firſt blowed
off, the Violence of the Wind was ſo great, that he and his Bride, up one Pair of Stairs (being married
but that Evening), were carried from their Bed by the Force of the Wind, and thrown into a prickly
Pimploe-Hedge; in which uncomfortable Situation, they were both found next Morning, unable to aſſiſt
themſelves. Likewiſe one Humphry Waterman, then an Infant, was found as ſoon as the Storm was over,
with his Arm broken, and in that Condition ſucking his dead Mother, killed by the Lightning or Storm.
There are many Inſtances that might be given of the great and deſtructive Force of Storms ; eſpecially
that which happened in the Reign of Cambyſes, which was ſo violent, that it raiſed the Sand in the De-
fart between Egypt and Ethiopia, ſo as to cover and deſtroy a whole Army, conſiſting of Fifty thouſand
Men, which were intended againſt the Ethiopians.
In the above-mentioned Hurricane in this Iſland, there were Seventeen Perſons killed in one Houſe, in
that Part of the Iſland called Scotland. I have theſe Informations from creditable Perſons now alive in the
Iſand, and who were, at the time of the Hurricane, of ſufficient Age both to remember, and make their
Remarks on, the Violence of the Storm, and the Occurrences that then happened.
(29) It is here reported, that, during this Hurricane, one Mrs. Groome, a Midwife, in St. Philip's
Pariſh, living upon the Eſtate of Mr. Thomas Hardin, endeavouring to go from her Dwelling to an Out-
houſe, was ſnatched up by a Whirlwind, and carried through the Air to a great Diſtance from Home,
where ſhe was found many Hours afterwards graſping the Roots of a large Tree newly blown up.
Thoſe here, who believe this Relation, urge, in favour of their Belief, that there are many well-atteſted
Inſtances of as great Storms, which have been frequent at Rome, at Capua, at Lavinium, and ſeveral other
Places of Italy. See Diodorus Siculus, Vol. III. Lib. XII.
However, I leave the Reader at Liberty to judge for himſelf, whether ſuch an Inſtance is confiſtent with
Probability, and whether any ſimilar Inſtances, from good Authority, be brought to countenance, if not
confirm it ?

Book I.
Iſland of B A R BA 27
D
DO S.
Theſe, and fuch-like Storms, when compared with the moſt remark-
able ones, deſcribed by Heathen Authors, either in Proſe or Verſe (30),
are infinitely more furpriſing and dreadful; for, when the Almighty, in
theſe terrible Viſitations, rideth upon the Wings of the Winds, when he
,
maketh the Darkneſs bis Pavilion, then it may be ſaid without a Figure,
that he taketh up the Mountains in a Balance, and the great Deep as the
Drops of a Bucket : Not the Tops of Rhodope, or the Ceraunian Hills,
alone are torn ; it is not theſe alone that skip like Lambs, nor is it the
River Jordan only that flies back, but Hills upon Hills fink into Valleys,
and the Bottom of the great Deep uncovers, and ſtarts into Land, at his
angry Nod. The Foundations of the Earth ſhake, and the Pillars of
Heaven are aſtoniſhed, at his Rebuke. Lo! theſe are but Part of his
Ways. How little a Portion is beard of bim !
The fudden ſhifting of the Wind, in theſe and fuch-like Hurricanes, to
the ſeveral Points of the Compaſs, may be juſtly compared to Virgil's
beautiful Deſcription of a Storm, in the following Words :
bu
Ac venti, velut agmine facto,
Qua data porta, ruunt, & terras turbine perflant.
Incubuere mari, totumq; a ſedibus imis
Una Euruſq; Notuſq; ruunt, creberq; procellis
Africus ; & vaftos volvunt ad littora fluctus. Æn. I. 86.
The huddled and tumultuous Band of Winds
Sweeps o'er the Earth, and a wide Portal finds :
Then broods upon the Deep; and in their Turns
a
52
South, Eaſt, and Weſt, with eddying Fury burns : They
(30) As the moſt celebrated Deſcription of a Storm is that of Virgil's, it will not perhaps be improper
to inſert it in his own Words: G. I.
322.
Sæpe etiam immenfum coelo venit agmen aquarum,
Et foedam glomerant tempeftatem imbribus atris
Collectæ ex alto nubes : ruit arduus æther,
Et pluvià ingenti fata læta, boumq; labores
Diluit : implentur fola, & cava flumina creſcunt ი ა , როცა ბავშვს
Cum fonitu, fervetq; fretis ſpirantibus æquor.
=
Ipſe Pater, media nimborum in notte, corufca.
mailata de soins
Fulmina molitur dextra ; quo maxima motu
vities
Terra tremit ; fugêre feræ, & mortalia corda
Per gentes humilis ftravit pavor : Ille flagranti
Aut Atho, aut Rhodopen, aut alta Ceraunia telo
Dejicit : ingeminant Auſtri, & denfifimus imber :
Nunc nemora ingenti vento, nunc littora plangunt.
Oft from above deſcend a Troop of Floods :
Oft gather from the Deep the thick’ning Clouds ;
Down ruſh the Skies, and with impetuous Rain
Waſh out the Ox's Toil, and ſweep away the Grain.
The Dikes are fill'd; no Bounds the Torrent keep;
And with the breathing Surges boils the Deep.
Amidſt a Night of Clouds, his glitt'ring Fire,
And rattling Thunder, hurls th’eternal Sire.
Far ſhakes the Earth; Beaſts fly; and mortal Hearts
Pale Fear dejects : He, with refulgent Darts,
Or Rhodope, or Atho’s lofty Crown,
Or ſteep Ceraunia's Clifts, ſtrikes headlong down.
The Rains condenſe ; more furious Aufter roars :
Now with vaſt Winds the Woods, now laſhes he the Shores,

28
Book I.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
They rouſe the loweſt Waves, that ſlept before,
And heave huge Billows tow'rds the lab’ring Shore.
As theſe quick Tranſitions of the Wind to the ſeveral cardinal Points,
is a notorious Matter of Fact, with reſpect to Hurricanes, how inexcuſe-
able muſt thoſe be, who, without any Inquiry, ridicule the Deſcription of
a Storm in the Book of Job; becauſe the Author makes the Storm to affect
the Four Corners of the Houſe, as if it were at once! which indeed is no
leſs a true, than an elegant Deſcription, of fuch a Storm.
It is obſerved, that the Glare of Lightnings is, in general, more expanded
in theſe hot, than in Northern Climates. This is undoubtedly occafioned
.
by the greater Rarefaction of the Air near the Equator. However, in
Times of violent Hurricanes (if of any long Continuance), the Rapidity
of the Wind and Rain preſſes on, and forces a prodigious Quantity of heavy
Air in the room of the more rarefied, which is obliged to fly upwards,
and to give way: Then the Atmoſphere becomes as much condenſed,
during the Storm, as in any Northern Climate: And therefore the Light-
ning, being more cloſely preſſed by ſo thick a Medium, would appear, and
in reality be, more compact, than when lefs refifted by the common more
rarefied Air. It is chiefly owing to this, with a ſmall Allowance for the
Confternation and Fear that the Inhabitants were then poſſeſſed with, that
we can in ſome meaſure reaſonably account for their deſcribing the then
Lightnings to be ſo very uncommon to them, as to appear like ſo many
Wedges or Bolts of Fire in the Air.
I am of Opinion, that all Hurricanes begin in variable Climates; other-
wife we ſhould not in all Probability have here any ſuch Storms at all;
for as the Air is very much rarefied near the Equator, its Particles are at a
great Diſtance from one another, and conſequently act with a leſs Force
and Struggle, than when nearly compreſſed between a thicker Medium.
This (cæteris paribus) may be evidently ſeen by the great Power of Air
pent up in a Wind-Gun, which will force Leaden Bullets through an Half-
inch Deal-board ; ſo that where ever the Particles of Air are moſt compreſſed
together, there the greater will their Struggle be to expand, or dilate.
Hence all ſuch variable Climates will be more liable to Storms. We
may likewiſe add, that the nearer any of our Weſt-India Iſlands is to
the main Land, whoſe Mountains near the Shore are very high, if the
Storm blows upon the Iſland from the oppoſite Point; for Inſtance, If
it comes from the North-eaſt ; and the adjacent Continent, oppoſite to
that Point, riſes with very high Lands (the Storm meeting with this
Reſiſtance, and being ſtill violently preſſed againſt the sides of theſe
Hills); the remaining Particles of rarefied Air will, according to their
Nature, mount upward, leaving the lowermoſt ſtill more condenſed ;
and as every Particle of Air hath an elaſtic Quality, the greater the
Number is of theſe that are compreſſed together, their united Force
will
a

Book I.
Iſland of BARBADOS.
29
-
will with greater Power recoil ; ſo that the Storm, being thus ſtopped in
its Courſe, will more violently blow, as well as laſt longer.
Some ſlight Earthquakes have been likewiſe felt in this Iſland ; but
pro-
bably not ſo much here as in the neighbouring Iſlands of St. Vincent's
and St. Lucy's, where there are burning Mountains, that have at times
vomited Fire (tho' not of late Years); and where there is a great Quan-
tity of crude Brimſtone to be found in the Neighbourhood of their
Volcano's. The Hurricanes are much leſs frequent of late Years ; nor
hath there appeared any thing like one in this Iſland, ſince the Year
(31) 1731. which blew from the Eaſt and North-eaſt.
All the Ships were driven out of the Harbour ; but there was not
much Damage received, except on Shore, where ſeveral Houſes were
thrown down, and ſome large Trees torn up by the Roots.
From theſe loud ones, let us take a View of the more filent Strokes
of the Almighty's Hand, whereby he nevertheleſs aſſerts his Kingdom
over all the World, I mean the Diſeaſes peculiar to this and ſome neigh-
bouring Iſlands.
a
(31) The Violence of this Storm was ſuch, that it covered, near Bridge Town, a Shoal at a ſmall
Diſtance from the Land, oppoſite to Colonel Hilary Rowe’s and Mr. Waldron's Houſes, of near Two
hundred Yards long, Twenty broad, with a Bank of Stones Four Feet thick: Theſe adventitious Stones have
been ſince partly waſhed off by high Tides, and partly carried away for Ballaſt, or to be burnt into Lime
by the Inhabitants.
The End of the First Book.
I
THE

И О2
БОРА
от теата Елена
на
стандартни
авагітні
LED
shaq

A Proſpect of Bridge-Town in the land of Barbadoes.
决定​。
Q
NWU
1,.enghadam
THE
NATURAL HISTORY
OF THE
Iſland of BARBADOS. .
Β Ο Ο Κ Π.
.
Of the Diſeaſes peculiar to this and the neighbouring Iſands.
face
T is the Opinion of many great Men, that the
Almighty never ſhews his Power by infliating Dif-
eaſes, or even great Inconveniencies, peculiar to
any certain Part of the World, but at the ſame
time he diſplays forth his Goodneſs, in providing
ſome extraordinary Remedies. If Egypt is often
denied refreſhing (1) Rains, its Dews deſcend not
only, like thoſe of Hermon, upon the thirſty Plains,
but the wide-extended Nile alſo is commanded more plenteouſly to ſupply
that Bleſſing from his copious Urn. When he hath thus fertilized the
Earth, his Waters recede within their former Bounds, and return not again
till the ſtated Periods, to cover the Land ; ſo that if this part of the World
is ſometimes viſited with Fevers far more acute than any known in the
Northern Parts (the Plague excepted), I make no doubt but indulgent
Providence
(1) This muſt be underſtood chiefly of Upper Egypt.
JESS

32
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book II.
The Heat of
.
Providence hath provided Plants, Minerals, &c. in the fame Climate, which,
upon a thorough Search into their Qualities, are capable of affording not
only great Relief, but alſo moſt effectual and ſpecific Remedies.
That they are not already found, is rather an Argument, that we have
not been ſufficiently inquiſitive, than that there are no ſuch Plants endued
with theſe Virtues.
The ſeveral Diſcoveries that have enriched the Materia Medica plainly
the Climates ſhew, that the Virtues of Plants and Minerals are inexhauſtible. And
the Juices we may likewiſe obſerve, that the Heat of the Sun in theſe hot Climates
is ſo intenſe (eſpecially upon thoſe Plants which grow ſheltered from the
Wind), that it fublimates their Juices, Salts, and Spirits, to a far greater
Degree of Perfection, than a chemical Fire, by its inconftant Heat, can
poſſibly effect
Hence it is, that the moſt valuable Gums and Balſams are brought from
hot Climates. Witneſs that of Gilead and Peru.
It is obſerved by the ableſt Practitioners in Phyſic of this Iſland, that
Peripneumonies and Pleuriſies are almoſt the conſtant Attendants of the
Change of Wind, if of any Continuance, from the true Trade-Wind, eſpe-
cially to a ſultry South-weſt Wind.
The Difference of Purity between this and our Trade-Wind, is eaſily
diſcovered; for the South-weſt Wind blows from a very hot moiſt Part
of the Continent of America, which is not above 254 Miles diftant from
this Iſland : And as this is by far hotter than our uſual Air, it adds too
great a Relaxation to the Animal Syſtem.
This, with the different Degrees of Circulation in all the Juices (which
ftitutional ſuch a Difference in the Air muſt cauſe), gives Birth to various Diſeaſes :
to the Inha- Whereas the Trade-Wind, by its Frequency, or rather by its Conſtancy,
is not only conftitutional to the Inhabitants, but it is in itſelf
the other, becauſe it blows upon the Hand at Eaft-north-eaſt; and
as the neareſt Part of the Continent, upon that Point, is 31 27 Miles
from us, the Air muſt be far colder by paſſing over fo much more Water,
than the South-weſt Wind, and conſequently more wholſome.
The learned Dr. Mead, in his Treatiſe de Peſte, obferves, that it was
the Opinion of Hippocrates, that the Conſtitution of the Air that prece-
ded peſtilential Fevers, was mixed with great Heats, much Rains, and
Southerly Winds. And Galen takes notice, “that no other than a moiſt
“ Air brings the Plague.” Lucretius is of the fame Opinion, in his admira-
ble Deſcription of the Plague of Athens. “Theſe Diſeaſes, ſays he, either
“ come from the Air, or riſe from the Earth.”
The Trade-
Winds con-
.
.
purer than
a
9)
(C
tra
ame
Ubi putrorem humida na&ta eft,
Intempeſtivis pluviiſq; &© folibus itta.
LUCRET. Lib. VI. Ver. 1098.
In

Book II. Iſland of B A R B A D O S.
33
a
In or about the Year 1741. a great Number of Dogs ran mad; and
I obſerved, that the Temperament of the Air, for many Months before,
was very hot. In this Seaſon, a great Number of Cattle, being bit by theſe
Dogs, ran mad likewiſe.
I cannot here omit inſerting a very lucky unexpected Cure of a mad
Cow, belonging to Hurdiſs Yordan, Eſq; in St. Lucy's Pariſh. When
found to be mad, ſhe was confined; but as the uſual Symptoms, attend-
ing that terrible Diſtemper, appeared more and more, and ſhe growing
to extreme Madneſs, the Owner determined to deſtroy her ; but as ſhe
was a favourite Beaſt, her Doom was reſpited till he had tried the fol-
lowing Experiment.
Having thrown her down upon a Dunghil
, he directed his Slaves to
keep, by Force, her Mouth open, whilft he poured by Degrees down her
Throat a large Pailful of cold water. In a ſhort time after, ſhe began to
feed, and in about Twenty-four Hours drank Water as uſual, fully reco-
vered, and remained ſo.
As this is a Matter of fact, ſufficiently atteſted by that Gentleman, and
his Family, I make no Apology for inſerting it: Indeed I ſhould have been
inexcuſable, if I had omitted ſo extraordinary and ſurpriſing a Circum-
ſtance ; for who knows but indulgent Providence may at laſt point out
fome Remedy againſt ſo dreadful a Calamity, and that the fame Method
may be of Service towards the Cure of the human Species ?
It appears to me, at leaſt, probable ; for even Nature, in Inſtances not
intirely diſſimilar, points out ſomething like this: Thus, when the Stomach
is overloaded, it generally makes many Efforts to relieve itſelf by Vomits,
which, when aſſiſted by Art, prove often an effectual Remedy: And as
we find, that the miſerable Patient, when afflicted with this Diſorder, hath
an ardent Deſire of Water, though the Nature of the Diſtemper is ſuch,
that it will not permit him to drink; therefore, if, in this Caſe, a confider-
able Quantity of Water were forcibly poured down his Throat, perhaps it
would be of great Service; for as the Poiſon is of a very hot Nature,
which appears by the violent Thirſt it cauſes, it is more than probable,
that ſuch a Quantity of cold Water, mixing with the Virus, would, at
leaſt, abate its Force, till Sudorifics, or other Medicines, had time to
expel and throw off the Poiſon by Perſpiration, or otherwiſe : That ſome
Poiſons, of an hot Nature, act leſs vigorouſly in Cold, than when aſſiſted
with Heat, is evident, from the more dangerous Conſequence of the Bite
of Scorpions and Vipers in Italy, and elſewhere, in an hot Summer Seaſon,
than in moderate cold Weather.
As the Engliſh Phyſicians are no leſs remarkable for their Humanity,
than Skill and Judgment, it is to be wiſhed, that theſe ingenious Gentlemen
would (in Pity even to the dumb Creation, as well as to their Fellow-
Creatures) try this Experiment firſt on Beaſts; which if ſucceſsful, it
might likewiſe be of Service to the human Species, under ſuch deplorable
Circumſtances.
K
From
:
a
a
:

34
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book II.
The Belly-
ach, its
When they
From this ſeeming Digreſſion, let us return to obſerve, that the Dry Belly-
ach (ſo called from its affecting that part of the Body with great Coſtive-
neſs and Pain) was formerly much more frequent and fatal, than it hath
been of late. Diſtillers of Rum, and Boilers of Sugar, and Overſeers,
were chiefly ſubject to it; the firſt (who are generally of the
poorer
Sort), from immoderately drinking new hot Rum; the ſecond and third,
from taking Cold, after ſweating in hot Boiling-houſes, and drinking very
ſtrong Punch, or almoſt as ſtrong (2) Cowow, or (3) Mobby.
This Diſtemper is likewiſe ſaid to ariſe from Grief and Trouble of
Mind; and ſometimes it hath been thought to be epidemical.
After it hath for ſome Days afflicted the Patient with intolerable Pains
Symptoms. in the Belly, Coltiveneſs, with voiding little Urine, and that like Mum,
the Breath ſtinking very offenſively, the Pains are frequently tranſlated to
the Limbs, attended ſometimes with an intolerable Pricking and Burning
in the Feet; at other times, great Pains in the Stomach ariſe ; and then the
Patient hath Epileptic Fits, which often relieve the Pains, but weaken
and impair the Uſe of the Limbs.
When the Diſeaſe becomes inveterate, the Patients grow hoarſe, and
loſe their Voice, coveting Anodynes, and ſtrong Drink, to that Degree,
that the common Rum is much too weak; and they drink even Hungary
Water, or put red Pepper into Rum, to augment its Heat.
loſe the Uſe of their Limbs, they commonly have profuſe Sweats.
The Method of Cure formerly was to purge the Patients both with
Cathartics and Clyſters : From this Practice the unhappy Creatures were
ſubject to loſe the Uſe of their Limbs.
However, this prevailed until about the Year 1700. or ſomewhat be-
fore, when the Phyſicians began to make uſe of Anodynes with better
Succeſs; which hath been their way of proceeding ever ſince.
The preſent Their preſent Method of Cure is univerſally followed, being both ſafe
and eaſy, and the Patients run no Danger of either Life or Limbs : For,
as ſoon as Dr. Warren found, that it was a convulſive Conſtriction, ,
chiefly in the Ilion, he judged that Purges and ſharp Clyfters muſt
be attended with bad Succeſs, and Emetics, at leaſt, uſeleſs, if not
Dr. War. hurtful; from whence he concluded, that Anodynes mixed with Anti-
hyſterics would be the likelieſt Means of Relief : He therefore purſued
that Method, as neceſſary to be followed, for a few Days, till the
Pains of the Belly intirely ceaſed for the Space of Twenty-four Hours :
Then he concluded, that the ſpaſmodic Conſtrictions were over; at which
time he ordered ſome emollient Clyfter, and then gave a gentle Purge
of ſome of the bitter Pills, which generally perfected the Cure, only taking
ſome Anodyne for a few Nights ſucceſſively afterwards.
The bitter Pills are thought propereſt, becauſe the Bile in this Diſtem-
per
ſhews itſelf to be deficient in its due Secretion, or its Quality.
There
The former
Method of
Cure.
Method of
Cure.
thod of
Cure.
(2) A Drink made with the Scummings of the boiled Cane Juice, mixed with Water, and fermented ; and
then drank.
(3) Mobby is a Drink made with pounded Potatoes, and Water fermented with Sugar or Molaſſes.

Book II.
Iſland of BARBADOS.
35
among the
in
There are other Kinds of Colics, which often afflict the Inhabitants ;
likewiſe the Yellow-Jaundice, and Hyſteric Diſorders : But as theſe are
not peculiar to this Climate alone, it cannot be expected, that I ſhould enter
ſo far into the Province of the Phyſician, as to treat medicinally of them.
As Diarrhoeas, however, and Dyſenteries, make no ſmall Havock
poorer Inhabitants of the Iſland; and as the Cauſe and Me-
thod of Cure, in ſome meaſure, differ from the ſame Diftemper in North-
ern Climates, being partly conſtitutional ; they deſerve to be mentioned :
Nor can this be better done, than in the Words of Dr. Towne.
Fluxes are very common in the Weſt-Indies, but more eſpecially in Fluxes very
rainy Seaſons ; and may be imputed chiefly to the Negligence of thoſe rainy Sea-
who either too unwarily or unavoidably expoſe themſelves to the Injuries fons.
of the wet Weather ; by which means Perſpiration being interrupted, the
thin Part of the Blood, which ſhould have been exhaled through the Pores
of the Skin, is thrown upon the Bowels, and thence diſcharged in looſe
Stools. This plainly appears from the great Number of Negroes, and the
poorer Sort of White People, who in theſe Seaſons are much more afflicted
with this Diſtemper, than fuch whoſe Conduct of Life does not ſubject
them to the like Inconveniencies.bort en voz atabio
Befides catching Cold, there are other antecedent Cauſes of a Diarrhoea;
the principal of which are, “An immoderate Uſe of crude fugacious Fruits,
“
“ unwholſome Food, and Meats of difficult Digeſtion; all which, by ſtimu-
« lating the Guts, will likewiſe occaſion a Diarrhoea..
“When thefe laft-mentioned Cauſes occur, with a damp rainy Seafon,
" the Bowels will not only be loaded with the thin Juices, which ought
to paſs off by Perſpiration, but they will alſo, by reaſon of the Stimulus
lodged in them, be continually ſolicited to expel their Contents more
frequently, and of a thinner Conſiſtence, than uſual. A diminiſhing
,
“ Perſpiration will likewiſe contribute towards inlarging the Orifices of the
Hepatic and Pancreatic Ducts ; and, on this Account, the Secretions of
“ their reſpective Juices will be more plentifully made into the Inteſtines:
" And hence we have an additional Cauſe of Looſeneſs."avaid
plised
Theſe Circumſtances, I think, are ſufficient to account for every Spe-
cies of the Diarrhoea ; and, when we are once fully aſcertained of the
Cauſe, we need not be much at a Loſs what Method of Cure ought to
be purſued in each Species.
Fluxes have been here very often neglected in the Beginning, from an
Opinion, that they are ſalubrious, and of Service to the Conſtitution, by
affording an Outlet to ſome offending Matter, which, if retained, would
have proved prejudicial.
This Remark may in fome Cafes be very true; but it is not to be con-
fided in without great Caution in the Weſt-Indies, where a ſimple Flux
frequently riſes up into an obſtinate Dyſentery in Three or Four Days;
and, when the Diarrhoea is ſuffered to continue any time, it too commonly
terminates
(
a
(6
(6
S

36
Book II.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
a
.
a
a
terminates in a Leucophlematia, or Dropſy; to which Diſeaſes People
in theſe Parts of the World are exceedingly diſpoſed. des
But as a Diarrhoea is fometimes truly critical, and contributes a great
deal towards the Cure of other Diſtempers
, ſuch a Diarrhæa ought by no
means to be ſtopped, ſo long as the Strength of the Patient can ſupport
him under it.
on
The Matter of a Diarrhoea in theſe Parts is frequently ſo ſharp and cor-
rolive, as not only to carry off the mucous Subſtance of the Inteſtines,
but alſo in a few Days to abrade and tear away their villous Coat, and
excoriate the Mouths of the Blood-veffels. The ſtimulating Matter ſtill
remaining, the Flux is continued ; and, the Orifices of the Blood-veffels
being opened at the ſame time, the Flux muft unavoidably become a
Bloody one.
Likewiſe ſultry Weather, and hot ſpirituous Liquors, as well as acrid
pungent Food, are capable of producing a Diarrhoea; and as they greatly
rarefy the Blood, this Rarefaction, fuperadded to the Looſeneſs, gives us
a ſatisfactory Idea of their being the Cauſe of a Dyſentery.
This is confirmed, by obſerving how much this Diſeaſe rages among
the White Servants, as well as Negroes, in our Plantations; which ſort of
People are much addicted to debauch in Spirits, and Punch made exceed-
ingly ſtrong with new Rum, very acid with the Juice of Limes, fermented
with coarſe Sugar.
The almoſt unanimous Conſent of Phyſicians, as well as Proofs drawn
from Practice, have ſo fully demonſtrated the Benefit received from
Blood-letting, that it is ſufficient only to mention it, to remind Practi-
tioners of the Neceſſity there is not to omit it in the Beginning of a
Dyſentery.
The Indian Root, or (4) Ipecacuanha, hath juſtly eſtabliſhed its Repu-
tation in the Cure of this Diftemper, both in thoſe Parts of the World
from whence it was originally brought, where Fluxes are (5) endemic,
and in all other places where it hath been uſed on thoſe Occaſions.
But perhaps the Reaſon why it is found to be ſuperior to the reſt of
the Emetic Tribe, was not at all conſidered before the learned and judi-
cious Dr. Freind (6) gave us an Inſight into that Matter, unleſs we except
one Paſſage in Piſo (7).
If the Ipecacuanha does not only exert its emetic Faculty, but like-
wiſe paſſeth through the Bowels in ſuch manner as to promote a Stool or
two,
(4) Si quando evacuationibus locus, radicem vomitivam Ipecacuanha, exquiſitiffimum naturæ munus,
cæteris remediis præferre conducit. Piſo, p. 39.
(5) Affectus dyſentericus nimirum his terris eſt familiaris, ita ut perpetuo nobis ſporadica, & popularis.
Piſo ibid.
(6) Radix Ipecacuanha præter vim vomitoriam, quam obtinet, uberrimum ſudorem excitare ſolet. Atq; in
koc, quantum ego conjectura affequi poffum, præcipue conſiſtit egregia illa in dyſentericis affectibus virtus,
quam fibi præ aliis vomendi inſtrumentis vendicat. Freind Comment, de Feb. p. 40.
(7) Ad radicem Ipecacuanha confugiendum, tanquam ad facram ancoram, qua nullum præftantius aut
tutius, tum in hoc, tum in pleriſq; aliis, cum vel fine fanguine, fluxibus compefcendis, natura excogita-
vit remedium. Quippe, præterquam quod tuto & efficaciter tenaciſſimos quofq; humores per ipfam alvum,
fæpiffime autem per vomitum ejiciat, & a parte affecta derivet, vim quoq; aftrictivam poft le reliquit. Piſo.
.

Book II.
Iſland of BARBADOS.
37
two, which often happens, it will be ſufficient that Night to give the
Patient a Bolus made with Rhubarb and Diafcordium ; but if the Phyſician
obſerves no ſuch Effect from the Vomit, then he generally gives half a
Dram of Rhubarb in any convenient Vehicle, in order to carry off any
Remains of the ſtimulating Matter which may adhere to the Guts for
many are the Occaſions which confirm the ill Conſequences of giving
aftringent Medicines in the Infancy of this Diſeaſe, when the Flux of
Blood hath not been immoderate.
After the Bowels have been prepared in this manner, the Phyſicians
have recourſe to Balſamics, Agglutinants, Aſtringents, and Opiates, which
muſt be contrived in proportion to the Neceſſity of the Patient, the Vio-
lence of the Flux, and the Length of its Duration.
If the Sick be much debilitated by the Continuance of the Diſtemper,
and the great Effuſion of Blood, a Cordial Draught is generally allowed
him to ſupport and invigorate the languid Spirits, ſuch as Claret, or
Madera Wine, burnt with Spices, or ſtrong Cinnamon-Water, diluted
with the white Decoction.
The Food in this caſe muſt be cooling, mucilaginous, and aftringent.
Panada, made with Cafada Bread, is with very good Reaſon commended
by Piſo, who adviſeth it not only as a cooling healing Diet, but as an uſe-
ful Ingredient in the Compoſition of Clyfters.
The fame Author recommends the Jelly of white and red Guavas,
Granadilla, Hog-plumb, &c. as proper Nouriſhment. Theſe are men-
c
tioned, becauſe they are always at hand in Barbados.
Unripe Plantains and Bananaes, roaſted, are alſo proper for theſe Pa-
tients ; but, above all, a Milk Diet.
This Iſland is likewiſe ſubject to a very malignant Fever (though I
believe in common with other Countries between the Tropics) now called
the Yellow Fever.
Dr. Warren, in his ingenious Treatiſe upon this Diſtemper, concludes
it to be a Species of the Plague, and that the Infection was unhappily
brought to Martinico in Bales of Goods from Marſeilles in the Year 1721.
though others, who have reſided much longer in the Iſland, are of a
different Opinion, eſpecially Dr. Gamble, who remembers that it was
very
fatal here in the Year 1691. and that it was then called the New
Diſtemper, and afterwards Kendal's Fever, the Peſtilential Fever, and
the Bilious Fever.
The ſame Symptoms did not always appear in all Patients, nor alike
in every Year when it viſited us.
It is moſt commonly rife and fatal in May, June, July, and Auguft;
and then moſtly among Strangers, though a great many of the Inhabit-
ants, in the Year 1696. died of it, and a great many at different Periods
fince.
The Yellow
Fever
L
The

38
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book II.
а.
ver.
A Yellow-
neſs
appear-
Symptoms The Patient is commonly ſeized with a ſhivering Fit
, as in an Ague,
which laſts an Hour or two, more or leſs; and the Danger is gueſſed at,
according to the Severity and Continuance of the Ague.com
After the ſhivering Fit, a violent Fever comes on, with exceſſive Pains
in the Head, Back, and Limbs, Loſs of Strength and Spirits, with great
Dejection of Mind, inſatiable Thirſt and Reſtleſneſs, and ſometimes too
with a Vomiting, attended with Pains in the Head, the Eyes being red,
and that Redneſs in a few Days turning to a Yellowneſs.
If the Patient turns yellow ſoon, he hath ſcarce a Chance for Life;
and the ſooner he does ſo, the worſe.
The Pain in the Head is often very great, when firſt ſeized with this
Fever.
After ſome Days are paſt, this Pain abates, as well as the Fever; and
the Patient falls into a breathing Sweat, and a temperate Heat, ſo that
he appears to be better ; but, on a narrow View, a Yellowneſs appears in
his Eyes and Skin, and he is viſibly worſe.
About this Time he ſometimes ſpits Blood, and that by Mouthfuls;
ing in the as this continues, he grows cold, and his Pulſe abates, till at laſt it is quite
Symptom. gone ; and the Patient becomes almoſt as cold as a Stone, and continues
in that State with a compoſed ſedate Mind.
In this Condition he may perhaps live Twelve Hours without
any
ſen-
fible Pulſe or Heat, and then expire.
Such were the Symptoms and Progreſs of this Fever in the Year 1715.
Sometimes likewiſe the Patients burſt out with bleeding at the Anus,
and ſoon after die ; and ſometimes likewiſe at the Noſe, by which means
they have been relieved; but when the Blood iſſues from thence but in
few Drops, it is a bad Prognoſtic, and is generally the Harbinger of
Death.ramon
The Tex- In moſt of theſe caſes, the Patients are generally hot and dry; the
Blood taken from them very red, and ſcarce will coagulate; the Grume
fwimming upon the Surface of the Serum in a thin Leaf, having ſcarce
any Conſiſtence. Japon
The Patients have likewife often intolerable Pains in and about the
Stomach: Sometimes with thoſe Pains they ſhall have a Livor, and the
plain Marks of a Sphacelus ſhall poſſeſs the greateſt Part of the Abdo-
men before they die, particularly the Region of the Stomach and Liver.
It often alſo happens, that the ſick Perſon ſhall lie almoſt ſtupid; and,
being asked how he does, fay, He is very well; at other times he labours
under the greateſt Agonies, and Fits of Groanings.
*A looſe Tooth being drawn from a Perſon who had the Fever very
ſeverely, there iſſued out from the Hole a great Quantity of black ſtink-
ing Blood, which ſtill kept oozing till the third Day, on which the Patient
died in great Agonies and Convulfions.
After Death the Corps of ſuch appear livid in fome Parts or other ;
or elſe marked with peftilential Spots, Carbuncles, or Buboes.
ture of the
Blood.
I am

Book II. Iſland of BARBADOS.
39
am
free
I of Opinion, that the Blood is from the Beginning full of putrid aitame
Alcaline Salts.
te dois
If this be the Cafe, I leave it (with Submiſſion) to the Learned in
Phyſic to conſider, whether diluting Acids would not be of great Ser-
vice (eſpecially in the Beginning of this Diſorder) to raiſe a Conflict, by
their mingling with the Alcaline Salts ; by which means a Stagnation in
the Fluids would be, in a great meaſure, prevented, until Nature, with
other ſeaſonable Aſſiſtances, might have time to try her Efforts, and ſo
recover at laſt.
Without this, or fome Help like this, from the Phyſician, the Patient
often dies in three Days time.
Such are the Symptoms, Progreſs, and Concluſion of this malignant
Diſtemper : And though Dr. Warren, in his learned Treatiſe, is of Opi-
nion, that it can be cured by Diaphoretics and Sudorifics ; yet, as this
Diſeaſe appears in ſo many various Shapes, theſe have very often failed.
The next Diſeaſe worthy our Notice is the Small-pox; for we are ſel- This Tiland
dom free from it in ſome Part of the Iſland or other : However, ſince from the
Inoculation hath been introduced among us, our Loſs by that Diſtemper Small-pox.
.
hath hitherto been very ſmall.
It hath been obſerved, that this Diſtemper proves, in general, very fatal
to fuch of the Inhabitants of the Weft-Indies as receive the Infection in
England, or in any other Northern Climate, eſpecially if they are taken
ill ſoon after their Arrival at it.
This, I believe, will not be difficult to be accounted for, when we This Dif-
conſider, that the Inhabitants of warm Climates do almoft continually often fatal
ſtrongly perſpire, by which means their Pores are more relaxed and to Weſt-In-
dilated ; and conſequently, if this Infection (as ſurely it may) can be com-taken ill in
municated by the Pores, the more open theſe are, the more capable they mates.
are of receiving a deeper Degree of Infection, than thoſe Perſons, who
every
Winter have their external Veſſels compreſſed and contracted by
the cold Air.
However, we are not from hence to conclude, that the Pores of ſuch
are never to be reconciled to cold Climates ; for thoſe of the Skin, as well
as the Juices of the Body, will in time become adapted to the different
Climates we are in.
It is remarkable, that the Chicken-pox viſits this Iſland at ſet periodi- The Mea-
cal Times ; for it hath been obſerved by Dr. Gamble, a very old and dical Dif-
ingenious Phyſician, as well as a Perſon of undoubted Veracity, that temper.
the following were its periodical Returns within his Obſervation ; viz. in
the Year 1692-3. 1711. 1728. 1746-7. which is at the Diſtance of
about Eighteen Years.
The Leproſy is another Diſtemper, which fome unhappy Perſons are The Lepro-
afflicted with ; nor is it leſs ſurpriſing to Strangers, than a Concern to the ſy.
moſt thinking Part of the Inhabitants, that public Care hath not been
taken to keep the Clean from the Unclean.
Among
temper
dians, if
cold Cli-
fles a perio

40
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book II
.
The Lepro-
fy propagat-
Male
Line.
а
Among the Jews, the Law concerning Leproſy was ſo ſtrictly obſerved,
that they depoſed Uzziah, tho' a Prince, and thruſt him out of the Tem-
ple, and confined him to a ſeparate Apartment during Life.
We cannot trace this Diſtemper up to its Origin, as far as it relates to
the Weſt-India Iſlands; but its firſt Appearance here was about Sixty
Years ago. It hath ſpread very much within theſe Twenty Years, and
more lately among White Inhabitants, as well as Black. Children have
teen often ſeized with it, without any known Cauſe, either in themſelves,
or their Parents : However, it is, in general, thought to be hereditary, at
leaſt, in the Male Line ; which the following Inſtance will, in ſome mea-
fure, evince.
A certain Negro Woman, in St. James's Pariſh, cohabiting with a
ed chiefly in leprous Negro Man, had Two Children by him, both leprous, though ſhe
herfelf did not receive the Infection. After ſome Years ſhe turned him
off, and cohabited with another Black, who was free from this Diſorder ;
by him likewiſe ſhe had Children, but neither of them in the leaſt infect-
ed with the Leproſy. After a Quarrel with this laſt pretended Husband,
the returned to her former leprous Husband, and had this Second time
by him ſeveral Children; who, as they grew up, proved leprous alſo, tho?
ſhe herſelf received not the Infection this time.
From hence we may perhaps learn to know how emphatically, and
with what great Propriety of Expreſſion, the inſpired Prophet paffed Sen-
tence upon Gehazi, ſaying, The Leproſy of Naaman the Syrian Mall cleave
to thee, and thy Seed for ever.
The firſt Symptom of this loathſome Diſeaſe, in this Part of the World,
is a permanent Swelling on the Tips of the Ears, and the Falling off of
the Hairs of the Eye-brows; then the Face appears unctuous, ſhining,
and full of protuberant ſuperficial Spots of a brown Copper Colour ; the
Lips and Noſe generally much ſwelled, the Fingers and Toes diſtorted,
and at laſt ulcerated ; the Infection creeping from Joint to Joint, till it
hath corroded all the Fingers and Toes. Theſe Ulcers never kindly di-
geſt; however, there iſſues from them a thin corroding Ichor.
Many are the miſerable Objects, that are daily ſeen afflicted with, and
labouring under, this great Misfortune.
The Elephantiaſis is likewiſe a Diſeaſe very common among the Blacks,
phantiatis.
and hitherto incurable.
The Seat of this Diſtemper is the Legs and Feet. It happens moſt
commonly after long Illneſſes, eſpecially ſevere acute Fevers, or long In-
termittents
, or other tedious Diſtempers, or Surfeits, occafioned by too
violent Exerciſe.
Its Sym-
In the Beginning the Patient appears cachectical and emaciated, and
foon after the vitiated Humours fubfide, generally in one Leg, ſometimes in
both Legs and Feet: Theſe become tumefied, and the Veins diſtended
with varicoſe Swellings, which are very apparent, from the Knees to the
Extremities of the Toes; “then the skin begins to grow rugged and
“ unequal;
Its Sym-
ptoms.
The Ele-
.
ptoms.
60

Book II. Iſland of B A R BA DO S.
41
6
66
6
(C
2
a
(C
>
9
a
a
unequal; its vaſcular and glandulous Compages is inlarged; and a ſcaly
« Subſtance, with a ſort of Chaps and Fiſſures in the Interſtices, appears
upon its Surface. Theſe ſeeming Scales do not dry up and fall off ; but
are daily protruded forward, and ſtretched in their Dimenſions, till the
“ Leg is inlarged to an enormous Bulk ; ſo that in the Size, Shape, and
“ all other external Appearance, it minutely repreſents the Leg of an
Elephant, from whence the Diſeaſe receives its Denomination.”
But, notwithſtanding that this ſcaly Coat appears to be hard, callous,
and inſenſible ; yet if it be touched ever ſo fuperficially with a Lancet, the
Blood will freely ouze out; and, if the Epidermis, which affords this
monſtrous Appearance, be pared off to the Thickneſs of the Scarf-skin
in thoſe Parts, an Infinity of Orifices of the Blood veſſels will preſent
themſelves to the Eye, when aſſiſted with a Microſcope.
Though the Limb continues to proceed to this inordinate Magnitude,
yet the Appetite of the Negro remains good, his Digeſtion ſtrong, and
“ his Secretions regular ; nor is he fenfible of any other Inconveniency,
" than the Burden of carrying ſuch a Load of a Leg along with him.'
In this Condition, feveral have been known to live Twenty Years, and
have performed chearfully all the Duties of their Servitude, which were
conſiſtent with ſuch diſproportionate Limbs. barisan bay Hohon
Amputation of the diſeaſed Leg hath been performed many times, but
has always failed of a Cure ; for the Diftemper conſtantly takes Poffef-
fion of the remaining Leg.
and so on.
As for other cutaneous Diſorders, we are not more afflicted with them The Guiney
than Europeans, unleſs ſuch as are occaſioned by the Guiney Worms and
Ciegoes, called here Chiggers. single dienste
The former are feldom or never known among the White Inhabitants ;
nor often among our native Slaves; but chiefly among new Negroes
brought hither from the Coaſts of Guiney. hapert
vog som
Theſe Worms are generally bred in Ponds of ſtagnant freſh Waters
and it is ſuppoſed, that they enter oftener in by the Pores of the Skin, than
by drinking the Water: For thoſe who moſt frequently bathe in ſuch Ponds,
are ofteneſt troubled with them. They are exceeding long, in reſpect to
their great Exility and Thinneſs; and are eaſily obſerved, when ſome of
that Water is mingled in a Glaſs with ſome other more tranſparent Water.
The firſt Day or two they cannot be clearly ſeen, being as pellucid as
the Water itſelf, but ſoon afterwards they grow fo opaque as to be dif-
cernible, even by the naked Eye.
Dr. Gamble had one of theſe, which meaſured an Ell long ; it exactly TheirShape.
refembled a waxed white Thread.
They move very quick under the Skin, along the Membrana adipoſa; and
what is one Day ſeen in the Breaſt, or Belly, ſhall often, in a Day or two,
be found in a diſtant Part of the Body, perhaps the Thigh, the Leg, or
under the Ham.
M
Worms.
3
a
However,

42
Book II.
The Natural Hiſtory, &c.
However, theſe are eaſily cured, by a Method fometime ſince found
out.
The Me-
them.
a
Ciegoes
how dif-
covered.
Take, for Example, one Ounce of Garlick, one of Black Pepper, pul-
thod of de- verized, and one Ounce of the Flour of Brimſtone; mix theſe well to
gether in a Quart of Rum; and for three or four Mornings ſucceſſively
give a Wine-Glaſsful of this Infuſion to the Perſon afflicted ; and if he
hath a Thouſand about him, each will contract itſelf in a Coil, and die,
and then fall off in the Form of a Boil from the Surface of the Skin.
As to Ciegoes, they will appear to the naked Eye like a ſmall Flea :
Theſe are the continual Companions of Filth and Lazineſs, troubleſome
chiefly to Negroes, and particularly to ſuch new Negroes as are brought
hither from Guiney, whoſe Defpondency, and careleſs Regard for Life,
from the Uncertainty, or rather Certainty of what they are to undergo,
makes Life, at that Juncture, irkſome to them; though a few Years Ex-
perience convinces them, that if there can be a Degree of Happineſs
without Liberty, they enjoy a more certain Tenure, and a better Condi-
tion of Life, here, than in their native 4frica.
This little Animal, vexatiouſly teazing, unleſs ſoon eradicated, generally
faftens and ſettles on the Toes, or ſome part of the Feet. It is firſt diſ-
covered by a moderate Itching in the Part affected, afterwards with a
throbbing itching Pain; and if not foon carefully picked out with a Pin
or Needle, it will, in time, burrow or neſtle one Eighth of an Inch into
the Fleſh, and there lay innumerable Quantities of Nits or Eggs, which,
when hatched, become equally voracious, and eat the Feet into ſo many
little Cells, like Honeycombs.
It is not likewiſe uncommon for theſe little Vermin to get into the
Feet of People of the beſt Condition ; but as they are ſoon taken out by
their Slaves, it ſeldom proves to be of bad Conſequence : Tho' Strangers,
not being ſenſible what occafions the Itching, will ſometimes let them
remain, till they become very (8) troubleſome, and perhaps require the
Hand of the Surgeon.
Likewiſe the Body-Yaws, and the Running-Yaws, ſo common here,
are Diſorders unknown in Northern Climates.
The Body- The Body-Yaws appear in many protuberant fleſhy Knobs, every way
-
as large as a ſmall Thimble, emboſſing the Face, Breaſts, Arms, and
other Parts of the Body. Theſe, in time, by the Uſe of Simples, here-
after to be mentioned, dry and fall off.
The Running, or the Wet, Yaws affect chiefly the Joints, eſpecially
the Knees or Elbows, from whence continually diſtils a fanious Humour.
This Diftemper is thought to be tranſmitted in an hereditary Way from
Parents, who have had the Venereal Diſeaſe, to their unhappy Children.
It is obſervable, that no ſmall Care, Skill, and Time, are requiſite to
Yaws.
a
cure it.
OF
(8) Caſtile Soap and Lamp-Oil, boiled to a Conſiſtency, and applied hot to the Feet, is one of the beſt
Methods of deſtroying the Ciegoes.
a

Ο F.
WATERS, FOSSILs, and MINERALS .
CERTIDUR
WWE
а.
Of W A T E R S.
T being unneceſſary to inquire into the conſtituent Parts of
Water in general, in a Treatiſe of this kind, I ſhall proceed
to conſider only the Nature and Qualities of that which
we are furniſhed with in this Iſland, from Springs, Rivers,
Wells, and Ponds.
The moſt remarkable Springs of Water are the following: Cole's Cave
Spring, Mr. Colliton's, Mr. Eftwick’s, Mr. Brathwait's, the Reverend Mr.
Foſter's, Mr. Whitaker's, Pory Spring, and that at Codrington's College.
The ſpecific Gravity of Fifteen cubical Inches of theſe reſpective Wa- The ſpecific
ters, as well as compared together with that of the moſt remarkable Gravity of
Spaws, is inſerted in the annexed Table.
As Cole's Cave Water hath been generally eſteemed (tho' not ſo in Fact, fome re-
the beſt Water in the Iſland, I have been very careful in the Examination Spaws.
of it. The Spring which iſſues ſo plentifully from the Side of the Cave,
affords very tranſparent Water, having ſomething of a ftyptic Quality ;
and it hath been obſerved, that bathing in it is of great Service in cuta-
neous Diſorders.
Among the above-mentioned Springs, that in the Eſtate of the Reve-
rend Mr. Foſter, called Belly-ach Hole, affords excellent Water. This
Spring riſing, as moſt of the reſt do, out of the Side of an Hill facing the
Eaſt, hath a fine marly Bottom, mixed with Sand: The Water is very
light, ſoft, and
pure.
There
Water,ccm-
pared with
markable

44
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book II.
The chief
Rivers in
Wells and
Ponds.
There is likewiſe on the ſame Eſtate, near the Manſion-houſe, another
Spring, whoſe Water is heavier, and ſomewhat
purgative.
Pory Spring, in St. Thomas's Pariſh, and another at Mr. Efrick's, in
St. John's
, as well as Mr. Whitaker's Spring, in St. Michael's Pariſh, af-
ford good light Water : The latter, by its Vicinity to the Sea, is of
great
Service to ſupply the Navy, as well as other Vefſels, in the adjacent Bay.
The chief Rivers are St. Joſeph's River, another running through the
the Iſland. Pariſh of St. Andrew's, a Third taking its Riſe from Mr. Brathwait's
Spring, and the Fourth near Codrington's College.
All the above-mentioned Streams, with ſome others of leffer Note, on
this Side of the Hand, fall into the Sea to the Eaſtward.
Our Springs and Rivers of any Note being thus taken briefly notice of;
let us now proceed to conſider our other Supplies, our Wells and Ponds.
The former are dug with great Expence through, generally, a ſoft marly
Rock, intermixt ſometimes with Veins of an harder Nature. Theſe
Wells are commonly in Depth from Fifteen to Fifty (9) Fathoms, and
their reſpective Water (eſpecially if the lower Strata, from whence it
guſhes, be Clay, Gravel, or Rock) is preferable, as to its Purity, to
River-Water, the latter having generally ſeveral Impurities blown into it
by the Wind, as well as contracted from the different Soils it paffes
through, whereas the Well-Waters are very limpid and light.
Among the waters of many of theſe that I have examined, that
Well-Water from Mr. Osborne's, in St. Peter's Pariſh, excels every other, whether of
excel all Wells
, Springs, Rivers
, or Ponds, in this Iſland. It is lighter by one
Grain, in fo fmall a Quantity as Sixteen cubical Inches, than the
pure
German Spaw Water. The Depth of this Well is not above Fifteen
Fathoms, thro' a ſomewhat ſoft rocky Stratum, terminating in an hard firm
Rock: An Hole being made in this, the Water guſhes out from beneath;
and the fame being again ſtopped with a Plug, and the remaining Water
drawn out, the Bottom of the Well may be, and often is, clean waſhed ;
and then the Water is permitted to guſh out afreſh.
I am of Opinion, that the Purity of this Water, above all other in the
Iſland, is owing partly to the Situation of the Place : For, as the Well is
dug thro' ſeveral rocky Strata, beginning in ſo very high Ground, that its
Bottom is higher than the adjacent Plain ; conſequently it can receive no
other Supply but Rain-Water, which (Snow-Water excepted) is the moſt
ſimple of all others. And when this gradually penetrates thro' many
thick Laminæ of porous Rocks, by this natural Diſtillation, as it runs, it
refines; that which is pureſt pervading the cloſeſt Strata by the Minuteneſs
of its Parts, whilſt the groffer Particles, being arreſted in their Paffage,
fubfide, and cleave to the Rocks.
Another
Mr.Osborne's
proved to
.
V
а
() It is not always that they come to Water, tho' they dig a great Depth. An Inſtance of this I have
obſerved in the Eſtate of Tobias Frere, Eſq; in the Parish of Chriſt-Church; where, after digging Thirty-
five Fathoms, they found little or no Water.

Book II. Iſland of BARBADOS.
45
Reſervoirs
.
Another Reaſon why Spring-Waters, at their Fountain-Heads, as well
as Wells, are purer (eſpecially in hot Climates) than the Waters of Rivers
or Ponds, is, becauſe the latter, whether in its current Stream, or in Re-
ſervoirs, is expoſed to the Heat of the Sun, whoſe exhaling Power is here
ſo
great, that it raiſes up the lighteſt and fimpleſt, that is, the beſt Parts of
it in Vapours, leaving the Remainder leſs pure.
What is here called Pond-Water, is Rain-Water ſettled in artificial or
natural Baſins, which, in a Country ſo ſparingly furniſhed with Springs,
or Rivers, are of great Service to Man and Beaſt.
Theſe Reſervoirs are generally dug near a Deſcent, that they may be
fupplied with Water as often as it rains, which it generally does in greater
Quantity, in the Months of June, July, and Auguft; but tho' we call
this Time of the Year the Rainy Seaſon, yet the periodical Return of wet
Weather in thoſe Months is not near ſo certain here, as it is in ſome Parts
of Africa. The Rains likewiſe in thoſe hot Months, when they are moſt
wanted to cool the Atmoſphere, fall at ſuch times, by reaſon of the
Rarefaction of the Air, in very large Drops, like thoſe ſudden Summer
Showers in England. We find the above-mentioned Conveniencies of
Reſervoirs made uſe of in Paleſtine, as early as the Patriarchal Age.
The Inhabitants of St. Andrew's, and ſome Part of St. Joſeph's Pariſh, Ponds or
are plentifully ſupplied with freſh Water, by digging Holes in the Sand, in ure
from Ten Inches to Three Feet deep: Theſe are almoſt inſtantaneouſly among the
filled with freſh Water percolated thro' the Sand.
Some Parts of Barbary are in the like manner ſupplied: And Cæfar,
being beſieged in Alexandria, when the Enemy, by turning the Sea-Water
into his Springs, rendered them uſeleſs, faved himſelf, and his Army, by
digging ſuch Pits or Holes in the Sand, from whence he had a conſtant
Supply of freſh Water.
Tho' theſe and ſuch Supplies of Water proceed partly from the Sea ;
yet I am of Opinion, that the above-mentioned Supply, in this Iſland, is
greatly, if not chiefly, owing to the Rain-Water that deſcends from the ad-
jacent Hills, and then ſettles in the Sand. This is evident from the greater
Plenty that is to be found, and that nearer the Surface, after great Rains :
Its Purity likewiſe may, in ſome meaſure, be owing to the place where it
is found; for Sand hath a great deal leſs of Matter capable of Solution in
it than Earth.
As
any
artificial Reſervoir of Water is often, in Scripture, called a
Well, when the Station of the Iſraelites, in their way to Canaan, was
upon the Borders of the Red Sea, the Waters there mentioned to be in
ſuch Plenty, that the Princes digged a Well with their Staves, muſt pro-
bably (ſince they digged with theſe Inſtruments) be in fuch a fandy
Situation as the above-mentioned ; otherwiſe Staves would not, in Places
leſs ſoft and porous, be proper to dig Holes fufficient for that Purpoſe.
The digging theſe, or almoſt any other Baſin, for the ſame Uſe in any
other kind of Soil, muſt, in all Probability, be attended with Art, and
N
great

40
2.The Natural Hiſtory of the Book II.
great Labour, ſince we find, that it cauſed a Contention between Abra-
bam and Abimelech.
Many, I believe, are the Places in the Old Teſtament, where, with great
Submiſſion to our learned Commentators, from their Want of ſufficiently
conſidering the Situation of Paleſtine, the Nature of the Climate, and its
Productions, the real Meaning of ſeveral Texts is either very imper-
fectly or often not at all, underſtood.
Of all the Waters we have treated of, that of Mr. Osborne's Well, as I
before obſerved, is the lighteſt and beſt; and it hath been proved of great
Service in Nephritic Caſes.
The Water of Belly-ach Hole, in the Eſtate of the Reverend Mr.
Fofter, is next in Goodneſs
, being a ſoft limpid Water.
Each of theſe, by their great Lightneſs and Purity, enter the fineſt
Veſſels, where they diffolve, and waſh away, the ſtagnant Humours, take
off the Sharpneſs of the Juices, and break the Coagulations and Acidity
of the Blood.
Pure Water likewiſe dilutes, prepares, and corrects the crude and ill-
concocted Juices, diffolves their Salts, and blunts their Force : And
as the Decay of human Nature is owing to Obſtructions; and Wrinkles,
old Age, and even the Diffolution of the human Frame, are, in general,
chiefly owing to the Want of fufficient Motion in the Fluids ; it is highly
probable, that Water (how little foever eſteemed by the Generality of
Mankind) more excellently divides the Blood and Juices, than any
other
Liquid whatſoever ; and therefore is of the greateſt Service to preſerve
Health and Life.
.
Whoever would be curious enough to inquire into its various effica-
cious Excellencies, either in Scorbutic, or Hypochondriacal Diſeaſes, and
even in inflammatory Fevers, may conſult the ingenious Dr. Hoffman's
and Dr. Shaw's Experiments upon different kinds of Water.
After the ſtricteſt Inquiry, I found in the whole Iſland butTwo Springs,
that had any Appearance of a Mineral Principle; the one in the Eſtate
of Mr. Richard Richards, in the Pariſh of St. Andrew's ; the other at
Mr. Perry's Eſtate, in St. Joſeph’s Pariſh : The former turns of a faint
Purple with the Powder of Galls; the latter inſtantly of a deep Purple ;
and, like the Pyrmont, reſumes its firſt Colour, upon dropping into it a
few Drops of the Spirit of Vitriol. The Diſcovery of this Water may,
and I hope will, be of great Service in all Caſes where Chalybeats are
required.
Aquatic Ani- I ſhall conclude my Obfervations upon theſe Heads with a curſory
Deſcription of the ſeveral aquatic Animalcules, which I have obſerved,
more or leſs, to inhabit every Reſervoir of Water, eſpecially Ponds.
The Sides of theſe are often covered with a greeniſh Incruſtation in
Appearance, as if there were many coarſe Grains of Sand cemented to
their ſtony or rocky Sides : Theſe, even to the naked Eye, upon a narrow
Inſpection, ſeem to be alive; and the Quantity of a Pin's Head being
diluted
Mineral
Water.
malcules.

Book II. iſland of BARBADOS.
47
a
diluted in Water, and viewed through a Microſcope, there appear about
Eight or Nine little Animals, moving, or rather darting from Place to
Place, with a very quick irregular Motion : Their whole Bodies are pel-
lucid, and look in the Water like ſo many Drops of Quickſilver, their
Legs being Four of a Side, moving with great Rapidity.
What is called a Water-Bug, is about an Inch long, and Three-quarters
broad: This is to be found in moſt Ponds in the Iſland; but feldom or
never in Well-Water. The Origin of this Bug is a Pond-Worm of about
an Inch and a Quarter long, the Body jointed, and the Head guarded with
a Forceps : The whole Worm, as moſt Aquatics are, is of the Shrimp-
kind. This, a little before its Transformation, inwraps itſelf in an hol-
low Lump of Clay in the Bottom of the Pond: Some time afterwards it
caſts off both its Shape and Exuvie, and becomes a Bug: In this laſt Stage,
by the Armour upon its Back, and the Fins it paddles with in ſwim-
ming, and its frequent Recourſe to the Surface for Air, it ſomewhat
reſembles a Tortoiſe in Miniature.
The Water of a great many of theſe Ponds, at different Times of the
Year, eſpecially in a dry Seaſon, when the Water is low, and the
Weather fomewhat calm, throws up a greeniſh Scum to the Surface :
This is ſo ſtrong a Poiſon, that, if ſwallowed with the Water by Poul-
try, ſuch as Turkies, or even by Black Cattle, they in half an Hour's
time expire.
Having examined this Scum with a Microſcope, on the ſame Day that
a Two-years old Bull had been poiſoned by drinking in the fame Pond,
I obſerved, that a Drop of it contained feveral very compact Faſces, or
fmall Fagot-like Bundles; the Extremities of their conſtituent Parts be-
ing, in Appearance, ſo many cryſtallized Spicula.
I likewiſe diſcovered, in the ſame Drop of this Scum, which was di-
luted in fair Water, ſeveral Annulets, each Link of the Chain being of
an orbicular Form, barely touching one another.
TA
It is faid, that this Scum is at times full of ſmall Animalcules: How-
ever, I cannot affirm this to be true from any Experience of
a
.
my own.
pot
Tabu
bu
bre
A TABLE
og

98
The Natural Hiſtory, &c.
Book II.
A TABLE of the ſpecific Weight of Fifteen cubical Inches of the Waters
of the principal Springs, Wells, &c. in the Iſland of Barbados, as well as
the Weight of theſe, compared with ſome other Mineral Waters,
Weighed
-Ounces. Drams. Grains.
12
14
15
13
8
8
8
8.
.
8
8
8
8
8
Fifteen cubical Inches of
(Mr. Robert Osborne's Well-Water, in St. Peter's Pariſh
Cole's Cave Water
The Spring at Codrington's College
Belly-ach Hole
Pory Spring Water
Pond-Water
Pond-Water filtrated thro' a Water-ſtone
Rain-Water, received from the Eaves, after long Rain
Pyrmont-Water
Bay-Water, by Percolation thro' the Sand
A weak chalybeat Water, in the Eſtate of Mr. Richard
Richards
The ſame Quantity of Barbados Proof Rum weighed
Seven Ounces and an half, Two Drachms, Twelve Grains
and an half.
OO OO OO O O OO O O OOO
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
147
دی د دی د دا د سي دي دا د
a
ܢ ܠ ܝ ܠ ܝ ܘ ܩ ܠ
193
157
14
19
143
a la mafa
rd}] 3
8
3
14
I recommend to the Inhabitants of the Sugar-Colonies this Method of
proving their Rum: Which would prevent the many Differences that ariſe
between the Planters and the Merchants ; for, by this means, if this
general Standard were fixed in fome Office, recourſe might be had
to it, to determine any Diſpute of this Nature.
The preſent Method of proving Rum in Barbados is liable to many
Inconveniencies ; for now the ſame Rum that is not, in reality, ſaleable,
whilſt in the Store-houſe, may, by being expoſed to the Heat of the Sun,
as is often done, be made to appear far better than it really is; and, by
this means, the unwary Purchaſer is not only impoſed upon, but the Cre-
dit of the Iland, as to good Rum, is lefſened in foreign Markets.
It is by ſuch wiſe Regulations that the Jamaica Rum is every-where
preferred to ours : And, indeed, it is far preferable to our Market Rum;
tho' not to be compared with the Cane-Juice-Spirit made in Barbados by
the Planters for their own Uſe, tho' ſeldom or never exported for Sale.
dar
amon
,
2ahit
STUMI
no
Of

Book II.
4 9
Iſland of BARBADOS.
Ο F
F OSS I L S.
I
H
face between
AVING in the Firſt Book proved the Trade-Wind to be
coeval with the Deluge, as well as from the remaining Veſti-
gia upon the Surface of the Iſland, that the Courſe and Cur-
rent of both ran conjunctly Weſtward, our Variety of Sea-
Shells, and other Marine Spoils, dug up at different, though
ſmall Depths, prove likewiſe that this place hath undergone a Share of
that univerſal Shock, which Nature felt at the Deluge.
But as our Foſſils are found here much nearer the Surface, than thoſe Foffils found
of the fame Kind, and ſpecific Gravity, in more variable Northern Cli- near the Sur-
mates, I ſhall endeavour (tho' a thing hitherto unattempted) to account
the Tropics.
for the different Degrees of Force of the Deluge in the Northern, and
thoſe Southern Climates near the Equator : For, tho' the Face of the
whole Earth was covered with Water ; yet it undeniably appears, from
the greater Number of Foſſils dug out from among deeper Strata in the
former, than the latter, that the Diſunion or Liquefaction of the Globe
muſt be then greater and deeper in the Northern, than in theſe Southern
mild Climates.
This Difference I conceive to be occafioned, firſt, by the ſudden The Reaſon
Shiftings of the Winds (a thing common in variable Climates), which, in Force of the
their Turns, muſt needs diverfly determine and impel the Courſe of the lefs between
Waters (perhaps during the Forty Days Continuance of the Deluge) to the Tropics.
all the cardinal Points.
Add to this the more rapid Riſe and Fall of the Waters, in the Flux
and Reflux of the Tides, during that Inundation ; for, as the Poſition of
the Moon, with regard to the Earth, was not then changed, and as we
read of no Miracle to ſuſpend her Power, her Influence over the Ele-
O
the
Deluge was
ment

50
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book II.
Green Tar
a Bitumi-
ment of Water muſt (cæteris paribus) have the ſame Effect as it hath
now; that is, in ſome Northern Countries, the Attraction of the Moon,
upon the Surface of the Water, is ſo great, that it riſes at high Tides,
eſpecially at the Vernal and Autumnal Equinoxes, to Forty Feet ; whereas
in this and the adjacent Iſlands, when the Moon deſcribes its largeſt Cir-
cle, it never riſes above Four Feet, and about Five Inches: Therefore, as the
Force of Four is to Forty, ſo much more ſtrongly muſt ſuch Northern
Climates feel theſe Percuſſions.
After repeated Searches into the sides of broken Clifts, Caves, and
deep Wells, I never found any Veins of uncommon Earth, ſuch as Terra
Lemnia, or Bolus Armoniacus, or of any other worth mentioning, except
Three Veins of coarſe red Oaker, Two in St. Lucy's Pariſh, and One nea
Codrington's College, in St. John's Pariſh: This, where better Paint is
wanted, ſerves tolerably well to daub over Wind-mill Vanes, or ſuch
,
rough Work.
As our moſt remarkable Foſſils are of the Bituminous Kind, I ſhall
nous Foffil. begin with the green Tar.
This is an oily Bituminous Exudation, iſſuing from fome Hills in St.
Andrew's and St. Joſeph's Pariſhes, of a dirty Black, inclining to a Green.
The Method of procuring it is, to dig an Hole or Trench in, or very
near, the place where it ouſes out of the Earth: This by degrees fills
with Water, having a thick Film, or Cream, of this liquid Bitumen ſwim-
ming upon
the Surface ; from whence it is skimmed off, and preſerved in
earthen Jars, or other Vefſels.
The moſt convenient Seaſon for gathering it is in the Months of
January, February, and March.
It is of ſo inflammable a Nature, that it ferves to burn in Lamps.
Its medici As to its medicinal Qualities, it is chiefly made uſe of with great Suc-
nalQualities.
ceſs in paralytic and nervous Diſorders, as well as in curing cutaneous
Eruptions. It is of fo penetrating a Nature, that when an Horſe,
that hath been doſed with it, begins to be warm upon his Journey, the
Rider will ſmell the Tar very ſtrongly,
This, and one of a blacker Colour, in St. Joſeph's Pariſh, are all the
liquid Sorts found in this Iſland.
Solid Bitu- There is likewiſe another Species of Bitumen, of a ſolid Subſtance,
in Barbados
. called here Munjack.
This is dug out of Beds, or Strata, of Earth, at different Depths, in the
Sides of Hills in St. John's and St. Andrew's Pariſhes; and nearly anſwers
the Deſcription of that Bitumen, which the Reverend Mr. Maundrel
found on the mountainous Sides of the Lacus Aſphaltites, or the Dead
Sea, where formerly ſtood the Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This Sort,
in a great meaſure, anſwers the Uſe of Coals.
Where the liquid Kinds are thrown up out of the Earth, the Surface of
Bitumens are the Ground is one continued Quagmire, bearing very little, if any Graſs ;
and
a
men found
The Land
barrenwhere
found.

Book II.
B
Iſand of B A R BA DO S.
50
a
a
Opinion
;
and where the more ſolid is dug out, if the Veins are upon, or very near
the Surface, ſcarce any Vegetable grows upon it.
If by Accident any of theſe Veins take Fire, they continue to burn a
long time, tho' in a dull flow manner : For, as the Veins are furrounded
with Earth, this crumbles, and, falling into the Flame, ſtifles it.
There was an Inſtance of this in St. John's Pariſh, where a Slave roaſt-
ing Potatoes upon the Side of an Hill, a ſmall Vein of Bitumen, lying very
near the Surface, took Fire, and continued ſlowly to burn, tho' ſometimes
ſcarce perceptibly, for above Five Years, without the leaſt Danger to the
Neighbourhood.
If the inquiſitive Monſ. Le Clerc had more narrowly inquired into the M. Le Clercºs
Nature of Bituminous Foſſils, and the Soils wherein they are always found, confuted.
he would not, in all Probability, have been fo tenacious of his favourite,
tho' groundleſs Opinion ; viz. That the Deſtruction of Sodom and Go-
morrah was not ſupernatural; but that the Plain, upon which they ſtood,
was full of Bitumen, which, enkindled by Lightning, deſtroyed the Cities
and Plains thereof.
Let us now examine this fine-fpun Conjecture: If this Deſtruction was
cauſed in this natural Way, the Suppoſition will require as much a Miracle
to bring it about, as if he had ſuffered Moſes's Deſcription to be true :
For here muſt be ſuch Veins of Bitumen found, as will kindle in an Inſtant;
and the Lightning muſt be, as it were, as extenſive as the whole Plain
whereas the Bitumen, that is now in ſmall Quantities found in the Sides of
the adjoining Hills (and, in all Probability, ever was found there, and not
in the Valley), is of a Coal-like Subſtance, like that found in Barbados;
and is far from being capable, in a natural Way, of cauſing ſo quick
a Deſtruction: For if thefe Plains and Cities were by this natural
Means deſtroyed, the Cauſe muſt be as extenſive as the Effect: And, as
theſe Plains were Seventy-four Miles long, and Eighteen broad, they muſt
be wholly, or in ſuch a Part, impregnated with this imflammable Matter,
as to be capable by its Quality, and fufficient by its Quantity, to cauſe ſo
general a Deſtruction : But that theſe Plains were not wholly, nor in ſo
great a Part, fufficiently ſtored with ſuch combuſtible Ingredients, will
evidently appear, if we allow, as ſurely we muſt, that Nature is as conſiſt-
ent in her Productions of this kind, as ſhe is in other Minerals, Foſſils,
and Vegetables.
Neither the Cedars of Lebanon, nor the Mountain Oaks, are found in
any Climate growing in wet Marſhes; nor Reeds nor Ruſhes upon the
Tops of dry Mountains.
This is an Obſervation as early as the Time of Job : Can the Ruſh grow
without Mire, and the Flag without Water?
Virgil likewiſe gives it in the following Lines :
Nec vero terræ ferre omnes omnia poſſunt.
re
Fluminibus ſalices, craffiſq; paludibus alni
Naſcuntur, fteriles faxofis montibus orni.
Littora
a

52
Book II.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Littora myrtetis lætiſſima : deniq; apertos
Bacchus amat colles ; Aquilonem & frigora taxi.
VIRG. G. II. 109.
Nor ev'ry Plant on ev'ry Soil will grow :
The Swallow loves the watry Ground, and low;
The Marſhes, Alders: Nature ſeems t'ordain
The rocky Clift for the wild Aſh's Reign;
The baleful Yeugh to Northern Blaſts aſſigns ;
To Shores the Myrtles ; and to Mounts the Vines.
.
From hence we may learn, that there are Soils particularly adapted to
the different kinds of Vegetables; and conſequently conclude, that Fof-
fils likewiſe, Minerals, &*c. will not thrive in an improper Soil.
This leads us to conſider the Situation of theſe Plains: And when we
find, that the Whole was an Inland Country, withoutTrade or Navigation,
but what the River Jordan afforded, we muſt of courſe conclude, that
the Subſiſtence of the numerous Inhabitants muſt depend upon the Ferti-
lity of the Land, and not on foreign Supplies : Therefore, how conſiſtent
with that Prudence, which every Age of the World poffefſed, would it have
been to ſettle in ſo barren a Spot, not capable of producing the common
Neceſſaries of Life! Yet ſo it muſt have been, if the whole Plain was im-
pregnated with this Bitumen : Or, if we ſuppoſe, that there were only
Veins of it interſperſed through this ſpacious Plain, how fierce and rapid
ſoever the enkindled Flames of theſe Veins might be; yet their deſtructive
Influence and Power would be confined almoſt intirely within their own
proper Chanels; ſo that the reſt of the Country would be in no Danger of
ſo quick and ſo general a Calamity, as befel it in this ſuppoſed natural
Way.
We might purſue this Argument farther (if any additional Proofs were
wanting); and obſerve, that the preſent, and in all Probability, the former
Veins of Bitumen were found, not in the Plain (which was very juſtly com-
pared with the Garden of the Lord for Fruitfulneſs), but in the Hills on
the Eaſt and Weſt Sides of it: And, as the River fordan, at this time,
ſomewhat above the Lake, is almoſt as wide as the Thames at Chelſea,
and ran formerly from North to South thro' the Plain; if we even fup-
poſe, that whole Torrents of this liquid Fire burſt out from the Sides of
either of theſe Hills, their deſtructive Courſe would be ſtopped, when it
reached ſuch a Body of Water as that River contained : So that, unleſs
we extravagantly ſuppoſe, that the Mountains on the Eaſt, and their
op-
poſite on the Weſt, which were Eighteen Miles aſunder, took Fire very
critically at the ſame time, the Country on one side or other of the River
muſt, in all Probability, have been ſafe, by the Interpoſition of ſo great
a Quantity of Water.
Laſtly,
:

Book II. Iſland of BARBADOS.
53
a
a
Laſtly, If we fuppoſe, that the whole Plain was fufficiently ſtored with
Bitumen to cauſe, in a natural Way, ſuch a Deſolation ; then we muſt
neceſſarily grant, that it muſt be a very barren Spot, and improper to be
inhabited, contrary to its Situation, with regard to the Climate, and con-
trary to the Deſcription which is given of it: For, When Lot lifted up
bis Eyes, he bebeld all the Plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every-
where ; and therefore made Choice of it.
I hope I have ſaid enough to ſhew, from the Nature of this kind of
Foſſil, and the Barrenneſs of the place wherein it is always found, as
well as from the great Extent and Suddenneſs of the Deſtruction, that it
could not proceed, as Monſ. Le Clerc imagined, in a natural Way, from
the Firing of theſe ſuppoſed Bituminous Veins, but from the miraculous
Power of God.
svar
bote
Share
—
P
of

54
Book II.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Of M I N E R A L S.
The Uſes
of Minerals.
B
,
ESIDES the Uſe of Minerals in Phyſic, they are deſigned
for ſeveral other Ends, as well as for Ornament; but their chief
Value is in Money, which is become the common and moſt
prudent Method of Exchange : Nor are their Advantages in
Utenſils to be forgotten, whether they are deſigned for the
common Purpoſes of Life, or made into Inftruments neceſſary for the
Improvements of Arts and Sciences.
In the various and different Forms of Minerals, as well as their Qua-
lities, we find ſuch evident Footſteps of Divine Wiſdom, as leave us no
room to ſuſpect, that they are the Effect of blind Chance, tho’ formed in
the deep Receſſes of the Earth.
Men have univerſally conſented to ſtamp the greateſt Value upon
Gold:
And tho' they have as univerſally aſſigned the hotteſt Climates, as the
moſt natural to ripen, and to give Colour to, this illuſtrious Ore ; yet, in
this warm Iſland, neither the Soil upon the Surface, nor at any Depth in
the Earth, at leaſt in general, as far as Two (1) hundred Feet" deep,
give any promiſing Indications of either Gold or Silver.
However, we have fome Cauſe to believe, that we are not intirely
in Barbados. deftitute of the former; for there was found in Colonel Abel Alleyne's
Eſtate, on the Surface of the Earth, a Piece of Ore, which, upon Trial
,
in England, proved very pregnant with Gold ; but, tho' diligent Search
was made by digging and otherwiſe, there was no more diſcovered.
There is but one other Inſtance, that I can venture to mention with any
Certainty ; and that is, a ſmall Piece of Gold, now in the Poſſeſſion of
James Bruce, Efq; which was extracted from ſome Ore ſent to England
from hence by Dr. Bruce : But as that Gentleman died before the Expe-
riment was made, it is not well known in what Part of the Iſland he
found it.
There
Gold found
m
(1) There is not a Pariſh in the Iſland, nor ſcarce a large Eſtate, but hath a Well dug in it: And a great
many of theſe are very deep ; eſpecially one in the Eſtate of Francis M Mahon, Efq; which is above Two
hundred Feet deep.

Book II. Iſland of BARBADOS.
55
There is likewiſe a Species of Mineral found in St. Andrew's Pariſh, in
Scotland. This is as bright as poliſhed Braſs, and generally of cubical
Figures : By its Weight and Colour it is apt to give Hopes of being rich
in ſome valuable Metal; but, being with great Care tried in the Crucible,
it produced no manner of Metal. I take this to be a fulphureous Marca-
fite, or the Pyrites flavus ; tho' it is ſeldom met with here in globular
'
Figures, as it is moſt commonly found in England.
There are alſo Stones taken out of the Sea, that are very hard and pon-
derous, containing, by their dusky ferrugineous Colour, probably much
Iron, and by their Smell, when broken, much Sulphur.
The ſame are
ſometimes to be met with on Land, eſpecially at the Eſtate of the Ho-
nourable Samuel Rouſe, Eſq;
The Soil likewiſe, in a great many barren and hilly Parts of Scotland,
is often mixed with ſmall Flakes of Icinglaſs
, as well as Pieces of tranſ-
parent Talc; the latter eſpecially, in the Eſtate of Miles James, Eſq;
where are to be ſeen ſolid pellucid Pieces, weighing no leſs than Fourteen
or Fifteen Ounces.
And in St. George's Pariſh are often dug up Lumps of a tranſparent
reſinous Subſtance, at firſt Sight exactly reſembling Refin. What chiefly
diſtinguiſhes it from Reſin, is the Fragrancy of its Smell
. Upon com-
paring it with the Gum of the Birch Gum-tree, I found it to be of the
ſame Species.
In fawing Stones for Building, there are often found, in the middle of
folid Blocks of Stones, ſeveral kinds of Shells; ſome of them not to be
found on our Shores, eſpecially the long Muſcle-ſhell.
I have likewiſe a middle-ſized petrified Echinite, taken from the mid-
dle of a Piece of a ſplit Rock.
The Deſcription of our Ores and Foſſils being finiſhed, it may not be Remarka-
bleCaves in
improper, before we leave our fubterraneous Inquiries, to take notice of Barbados.
ſome of our moſt remarkable Caves; eſpecially as theſe are many in Num-
ber, and ſome of them not only curious in the various Appearances of
their petrified Icicles (if I may ſo call them), and other Conglaciations,
but likewiſe, together with our deep Wells, very ſerviceable to prevent
Earthquakes, by giving at ſo many Mouths Vent to thoſe (2) Vapours,
which would otherwiſe be confined in the Bowels of the Earth.
My Inquiries into theſe Caves were the moſt laborious and dangerous ;
they were alſo by far the leaſt pleaſing to myſelf; and I fear the Deſcrip-
tion of them (Cole's Cave excepted) will prove leaſt inſtructive or amuſing
Readers : But as common Report, long before my Intention of
undertaking this Work, was ſtrong in favour of ſeveral very extraordinary
Repreſentations in ſome Caves in my own Pariſh; eſpecially, that there
was, in one, the Effigy of a Woman with a Child in her Arms; and, a
,
little
to my
(2) In the Time of great Droughts, the Air is not only very hot, but ſometimes it ſmells fulphureous :
This Í particularly obſerved on the Third Day of Auguſt 1747. Theſe ſulphureousVapours were diſſipated as
foon as the Clifts of the parched Earth were ſaturated with the Rain, which, about that Time, fell in great
Plenty.

50
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book II.
a
little beyond it, a lively Repreſentation of a Lion; and as it would ill
become me to deliver ſuch traditional Reports as true, without the ut-
most Certainty; I went down into ſeveral of theſe Caves, but not with-
out Difficulty, and Danger of being ſuffocated, being often taken with a
violent Vomiting, when I came out into the open Air; with the additional
Mortification of finding, that the petrified conglaciated Subſtances, fo
ſtrongly affirmed to bear ſuch Portraitures, might, without the Affiſtance
of
any far-fetched Ideas, be as well ſaid to repreſent a Cock and a Bull,
as a Woman and a Lion.
The Inadvertency and credulous Propenſity of the Vulgar, on one hand,
to believe every Story, that hath ſomething marvelous in it; and, on the
other hand, that infatuating Fondneſs and Pride fome Men have to be
thought more knowing than their Neighbours ; together with lucrative
Conſiderations; gave the crafty Part of Mankind an early Opportunity of
uſhering into the Heathen World the Belief of Harpyes, Centaurs, and
Satyrs, as well as, in a more enlightened Age, the leſs pernicious, tho?
not leſs ridiculous, Exiſtence of Unicorns, Griffins, and Flying Dragons,
with a great many other ſuch fenſeleſs Chimera's, which ſerve to aſtoniſh,
and ſet the weak and ignorant Part of Mankind a gaping.
As Cole's Cave is by far the largeſt, and moſt worthy our Notice, I ſhall
confine myſelf to the Deſcription of that alone: Firſt, obſerving that I
never took a Survey of it, but it ſtrongly affected my Imagination, and
recalled to my Mind that awful Deſcription, which Virgil gives us of the
firſt Entrance into the Shades below :
Cole's Cave.
Spelunca alta fuit, vaſtoq; immanis hiatu.
a
Its Situation is almoſt in the Bottom of a melancholy hideous Gully (3),
which is about an Hundred and Sixty-five Feet deep ; where, above you,
nothing is to be ſeen but the Tops of high Rocks, and impending Clifts,
thro' the gloomy Branches of lofty Trees.
Such was the ſolemn Silence, which o'erſpread
The Shrine of Ammon, or Dodona's Shades;
When anxious Mortals from the Mouth of Jove
Their Doom explor'd.
GLOVER's Leonid,
The Deſcent, towards its Entrance, is by a ſteep craggy Precipice of great
Height, where your Security from a Fall depends much upon the good
Hold you take of the Roots of Trees, and Branches of Underwood.
Having rather ſlid than walked down in this manner a conſiderable
Way, you are, on a fudden, within an Incloſure of very high perpendicu-
lar Rocks, the Sky-light being admitted by two Holes in the Roof
of
(3) A deep Chaſm made between Hills, by repeated Torrents of Rain.

Book II. iſland of BARBADOS
57
of it. In the Weſt Side of this gloomy Apartment lies the Mouth of the
Cave, which is an Hole of a conſiderable Bigneſs.
Upon our firſt Entrance into it, as we deſcended, the Light of the Day
began to grow weak, and proved but a faint and uncertain Guide.
Twenty Yards farther it appeared no ſtronger nor brighter, than the
Glimmering of a Star in an hazy dull Night: A few Steps more inveloped
us in a total Darkneſs.
.
Quale per incertam lunam, ſub luce maligna,
Eſt iter in ſylvis, ubi cælum condidit umbra
Jupiter, & rebus nox abſtulit atra colorem:
VIRG.
Thus wander Travellers in Woods by Night,
By the Moon's doubtful and malignant Light :
When Jove in dusky Clouds involves the Skies ;
And Colours fade before their darken'd Eyes.
а.
From hence, with the Aſſiſtance of a Candle and Lantern, I began
my fubterraneous Tour ; and ſoon after my Entrance I turned upon the
Left Hand to take a View of that Branch of it called the Dry Cave.
The Top or Roof of this is crouded with innumerable petrefied (4) Ici-
cles hanging downwards. The Sides of the Cave were likewiſe in ſeveral
Places thick ſet therewith, eſpecially where there was a Cavity: There
they grew from the upper to the under Shelves of the Rock, like ſo many
Baluſtrades, or Baluſters of a Staircaſe, but more in Number, and irre-
gular, ſometimes in two, ſometimes in threefold Diviſions.
Upon breaking ſeveral of theſe Cones, which are of different Lengths
and Magnitude, I found thoſe hanging, from the Roof downwards, intirely
perforated, and a ſmall Quantity of the moſttranſparent Water continually
dropping through them.
The inner Circumference of theſe Holes was a pellucid ftony Body,
from Top to Bottom; and tho it was far from having the Luſtre of a
Briſtol Stone, yet it appeared ſhining, tranſparent, and hard ; and its Parts
were projected in form of Rays from the Centre to the Circumference.
By comparing theſe Icicles with many that I have ſeen in England,
Wales, and North America, as well as thoſe deſcribed by the Reverend
Mr. Maundrel, found cleaving to the inner Sides of what are called King
Solomon's Aqueduets, near Tyre, I find that theſe Petrefactions, or con-
Q
glaciated
a
a
(4) At a Cave, in the Eſtate of Reynold Alleyne, Efq; called Mount Standfaſt, I obſerved Icicles different
from thoſe in Cole's Cave; the latter being very large, and of a brown Colour on the Outſide, the former
exactly reſembling, in Shape, Colour, and Bigneſs, the hollow Part of a middle-ſized Gooſe-quill. Thro'
theſe Tubes is continually diſtilled a ſmall Quantity of the moſt tranſparent Water. Here likewiſe I ſaw
a blunt Cone of petrefied Water, which continues daily to grow; and the ſeveral Striæ made by the falling
Drops are viſible. This reſembles, in Miniature, thoſe large petrefied Rocks of the fame Shape, obſerved
by the ingenious Dr. Shaw in Barbary, which the Arabs believe to be ſo many Tents of their Anceſtors
turned into Stone.

58
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book II.
n
glaciated Subſtances, are, in general, of the ſame Make and Nature in every
Part of the World.
ano
The next thing remarkable in theſe ſubterraneous Apartments is the
Wet Cave. This, near its firſt Separation from the Dry, already deſcri-
bed, is very ſpacious and lofty ; but its Bottom very much furrowed, and
j
törn up, by the repeated Torrents of Rain, which in wet Seafons run
through it.
Soon after we entered this, we were agreeably ſurpriſed with the Mur-
murs of a diſtant Stream, which a little farther we found a conſiderable
Spring of the moſt tranſparent Water, iſſuing from a large projected
Rock, or rather the impending Side of the Cave.
Having drunk of this, we might here again juſtly apply another Paf-
fage in Virgil :
Intus aquæ dulces, vivoq; ſedilia ſaxo,
Nympharumq; domus.
A Grot is form'd beneath, with moffy Seats,
To reſt the Nereids, and exclude the Heats.
Down throʻthe Crannies of the living Walls
The cryſtal Streams defcend in murm'ring Falls.
DRYD.
The Roof of the Cave, near this Place, is deeply and remarkably pit-
ted with ſeveral Holes, repreſenting ſhallow Cones of Diameters, from
Nine to Twenty Inches, whoſe greateſt Depth was not above Twenty-
four Inches.
I imagine that theſe Holes owe their Origin to large cavous Icicles,
which formerly hung down from them, but were broken off by ſome
Convulſions of the Earth.
The Spring here made a ſmall Baſin, or Bathing-place ; and the Air is
likewiſe there made pure and clear by the Coldneſs of the Water.
From hence forwards, the Cave gradually lefſened in Height and
Breadth; and the Icicles hanging from the Top, and irregular Sides, were
more in Number, but leſs in Magnitude.
Here I began to want Air; and at laſt the Paſſage became ſo nar-
row and low, that I was obliged to ſtoop much ; and the Icicles were fo
ſmall, that the longeſt of them did not exceed my little Finger in Length,
and in Diameter.
This Place, diſtant near a Quarter of a Mile from the Entrance, was
my Ne plus ultra, being ſo much fatigued, and wanting Air ſo much,
that I durſt not, without Preſumption, proceed farther.
I cannot help fanfying, that if this Cave had been ſituated in antient
Greece, or Italy, imbrowned with Shades of Cypreſs Groves, and me-
lancholy Yew, it would, in all Probability, have been the Rendez-
vous of all the buſy and inquiſitive World: Here oracular Phæbus had
fixed

Book II: hand of BARBADOS.
59
fixed his facred Tripos : Here the Fate of Kingdoms, and of Empires, had
been fondly conſulted, and no leſs artfully determined: Here the Greedy
and Ambitious, deluded by ambiguous Promiſes of Succeſs, would have
graſped fantaſtic Crowns and Sceptres at the Expence of real Treaſures,
Anxiety of Mind, and even of human Blood : And from hence perhaps the
crafty Stateſman would have derived divine Authority to human Laws
and Inſtitutions : In fine, Cuma, and neglected Delphi, had never been
immortalized in Verſe or Proſe.
As Fraud and Impoſture can never bear the Teſtimony and Face of Day,
the Heathen Prieſts made Choice of ſuch gloomy and diſmal Receſſes
for the Execution of their diabolical Colluſions, as might naturally affect
the Imagination with an enthuſiaſtic Horror and Amazement; and, at
the ſame time, conceal from Obſervation thoſe Inftruments of Delufion,
wherewith they were to impoſe on the Weakneſs of their infatuated Que-
riſts : And what Place could more effectually promote the Deſign of
theſe Sorcerers, than fuch a dreadful Den of Darkneſs, as I have been
now deſcribing ? Where, in the Words of Virgil,
Horror ubiq; animos, fimul ipſa filentia terrent.
All things were full of Horror and Affright,
And dreadful ev’n the Silence of the Night.
The End of the SECOND Book.
at
Τ Η Ε


A Proſpect of Bridge-Town in the Iland of Barbadoes.
XX
*
XX.
*
cha .. Shot 2.0 h
Τ Η Ε
NATURAL HISTORY
OF THE
Iſland of BARBADOS.
Β Ο Ο Κ ΙΙΙ.
OF LAND ANIMALS.
NIMALS are fenfitive organic Bodies, endued with
ſpontaneous Motion.
By Animals, in the following Book, I would be
A
underſtood to mean, without deſcending to minuter
unneceffary Diviſions, ſuch only as are generally
termed Quadrupeds, Volatiles, and Infects.
In each of theſe may be traced the Workmanſhip
of a Divine Architecture, each formed in Number,
Weight, and Meaſure; without Defect, without
Superfluity, exactly fitted and enabled to anſwer the various Purpoſes of
their Creation, to execute the Will of their Creator, to miniſter to the
Delight and Service of Man, and to contribute to the Beauty and Har-
mony of the univerſal Syſtem.
How ſurpriſing an Inſtance of Almighty Power, and how wonderful
a Piece of Mechaniſm, is to be ſeen in ſome of the minuteſt Animals !
For Inſtance, the Potato-Louſe, an Infect bred upon Vegetables in this
Iſland, which is fo ſmall, that it is ſcarce diſcernible by the naked Eye !
R
Yet
а.

62
Book III.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Yet this is every way as perfect as an Ox, a Whale, or an Elephant. What
leſs than infinite Wiſdom and Power, could diſpoſe a little Portion of
Matter, almoſt too ſmall to be viewed by the naked Eye, into that infi-
nite Variety of Parts that are neceſſary to form an organic Body!
Let us conſider how inexpreſſibly fine, ſlender, and delicate muſt the
ſeveral Parts be, that are neceſſary to form the Organs, to proportion the
Structure, to direct the Machinery, and preſerve and ſupply the vital
and animal Action, in one of theſe very ſmall Animals : Yet every Part
that is neceſſary to animal Life is as truly found in one of them, as in
Bebemoth and Leviathan. I very much doubt, whether any Wiſdom, but
that which framed them, can fully comprehend the Structure, the Sym-
metry, the Beauties, of ſuch almoſt imperceptible Generations : And I
think it muſt needs exceed any finite Underſtanding to conceive, much
leſs explain, how ſuch an infinite Variety of Parts, and Exerciſe of Pow-
ers, could be contained or exerted within ſo narrow a Space.
Firſt, The Heart, the Fountain of Life ; then the Muſcles, neceſſary
to produce Motion ; the Glands, for the Secretion of Juices; the Ven-
tricle and Inteſtines, for digeſting their Nouriſhment; and numberleſs
other Parts which are neceffary to form an organic Body.---This Know-
lege is too wonderful and excellent for any human Underſtanding, when
we conſider, that each of thoſe Members are themſelves alſo “ organical Bo-
6 dies; that they conſiſt of Fibres, Membranes, Coats, Veins, Arteries,
“ Nerves, and numberleſs Springs, Tubes, and Pullies, too fine for Fancy
( itſelf to conceive."
Can we likewiſe form the leaſt Gueſs how infinitely ſubtile and fine
muft the Parts of thoſe Fluids be, that circulate thro' theſe Tubes," as the
« Blood, the Lympha, and Animal Spirits, which in the largeſt Animals
“ are ſo exquiſitely fine, that no Imagination can explain or conceive ?
Can any Knowlege, any Power, leſs than infinite, produce or explain
ſuch wonderful Effects and Appearances as theſe ?
We may conclude therefore, that infinite Wiſdom is as truly and won-
derfully diſplayed in the ſmalleſt as in the greateſt Works of the Creation ;
and nothing leſs than the fame Wiſdom that formed the univerſal Syſtem,
could poſſibly produce the ſmalleſt and moſt contemptible Being in Nature.
In treating of our Animals, I ſhall begin with the domeſtic and labo-
rious Kind.
Theſe are much the ſame Breed with thoſe of the fame Species in Eng-
land, tho' not quite ſo large.
Among the Diſtempers which infect theſe, there is one of a very con-
tagious and peſtilential (1) Kind; for a Beaſt ſhall ſeemingly, by his feed-
ing
(6
2
.
(1) If the Planters would make a ſmall continual fmothering Fire, with Pitch and Tar, and Vegetables
of the Terebinthine Kind, to the Eaſtward of the Pens or Places where their Cattle are tied, and fed upon,
I am of Opinion, that it might be of great Service to prevent or lefſen this Diſtemper. The moſt common,
and I believe the moſt ſucceſsful Drench, given to theſe diſtempered Cattle, is the following :
Take the Quantity of an Egg of Caſtile Soap, a Pint of Rum, half ai Pint of Lime-Juice, a Pint of Arrow-
Root-Juice, and å Pint and an half of Vervain-Juice, mixed and incorporated together, and given in a Drench.
This hath often been of great Service.
N. B. The Soap muſt be diffolved.
a

Book III.
Iſand of BARBADOS.
63
a
a
ing heartily, and in Appearance, be otherwiſe well; yet in a few Hours
time, without any Symptom of a previous Diſorder, drop down and die.
Theſe, when dead, are by the moſt judicious Planters immediately
buried; and often there is a Watchman appointed, to prevent the new-
bought Negroes, and others of the poorer fort, from digging up the Car-
caſes, and feeding upon them ; for when this happens, it generally coſts
them their Lives; eſpecially if they eat the Liver, or any Part of the
Entrails : In this Caſe the Diſtemper breaks out in the Shape of Plague-
boils, near the Arm-pits or Temples.
I have known one very extraordinary Inſtance of its Virulency: A
Negro Woman carrying upon her Head, in a Wicker-basket, a Piece of
this Fleſh, that had been newly cut off from a dead diſtempered Carcaſe,
a few bloody fanious Drops fell through the Basket upon her Left Breaſt.
In a few Hours ſhe was ſwelled all over, and was not able to move a
Limb; and in about Two Days there appeared mortifying Ulcers on every
Part where the Drops fell : And, tho' ſpeedy Methods were uſed, by Fo-
mentations, and by ſeveral other means, to prevent its further Progreſs ;
yet neither theſe Cautions, nor taking off the infected Part, could put a
Stop to it; at laſt, the whole Breaſt, and adjacent infected Part, were
taken off cloſe to the Bones. In this deplorable Condition the Surgeon
.
gave her over.
Her Miſtreſs was one of thoſe notable Women, who love
to act out of their Sphere (which only an abſolute Neceſſity can juſtify);
who, by ſome accidental Succeſs in the Uſe of Simples, called That Skill
and Knowlege, which, with greater Propriety, might be attributed rather
to good Luck: However, in this Caſe, where there were ſeemingly no Hopes
of ſaving the Patient, the very fortunately applied to her Breaſt a Cata-
plaſm of the Four following Herbs, Smooth Elder-leaves, Soldier-buſh, Dial-
thea, and Chriſtmas-buſh, boiled and brought into a Conſiſtency with Bees-
wax and Hog’s-lard; and, in a ſhort time, intirely cured her. The Firſt of
thefe Plants is very detergent, and the Three laft very good Vulneraries.
The Sheep that are natural to this Climate, and are chiefly bred here,
are hairy like Goats. To be covered with Wool, would be as prejudicial
to them in theſe hot Climates, as it is uſeful in Winter Countries for Shel-
ter and Warmth : Yet, as Cloathing is neceſſary (eſpecially in the wet
Seaſons) to the Inhabitants of the warmeſt Climates, this intire Want of
Wool upon all Sheep naturally bred here, is abundantly ſupplied by the
Cotton-tree, which yearly, and in great Quantity, produces the fineſt
Wool in the World.
Among the Number of Animals, either peculiar to, or brought to this
Iſland, we are happy, that there is not one that is mortally venomous ;
whilft many of our neighbouring French Iſlands are miſerably infeſted with
Vipers, and other Snakes.
There are here butThree Reptiles that can be properly called venomous ;
the Black Spider, the Forty-leg, and the Surinam Scorpion,
а.
a
.
The

64
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book III.
Tatlon
to save
The SCORPION of the LIZARD Kind,
A Full-grown Scorpion is about Ten Inches long; the Skin ſoft, but
ſcaly, and of a dull Copper-colour. The very young ones are ſur-
priſingly preſerved from Danger ; for, when this threatens, the Parent
Scorpion opens her Mouth, and ſwallows her Young, which ſhe voids out
again when the Danger is over.
This is not peculiar to this Animal alone; for the Shark at Sea pre-
ferves its Young in the ſame manner.
a
The SPOTTED LIZARD; commonly called,
The POISONOUS LIZ AR D.
THIS exceeds not Ten Inches in Length.
Its Head is ſomewhat flatter than that of the green Lizard, and
the Eyes more prominent.
The Back is very thickly ſpeckled with Ruſſet and White.
Its Feet differ remarkably from other Lizards, being very finely crofs-
indented like a File, but infinitely more curiouſly: By this means, as
well as by a viſcous Matter iſſuing from theſe ſpongy Indentures
, they can
creep along a ſmooth perpendicular, or even a projected Cieling.
As the Appearance of theſe is more diſagreeable and ugly than the
common green Lizard, they are, I believe, upon that account alone, called
The Poiſonous Lizard; for, upon the ſtricteſt Inquiry, I could never per-
ceive, that they were really poiſonous.
to sto
The SURINAM SCORPION.
A Full-grown Scorpion is Three Inches long from the Head to the
.
From the Fore-part of the Neck, cloſe to the Head, riſe Two Claws
of about Three Quarters of an Inch long, divided into Three Joints, each
Claw near its Extremity ending in a long ſlender whitiſh Forceps.
"It hath Two Eyes, black, ſmall, and ſhining; likewiſe Four Pair of
Legs, the hindermoft Pair being the longeſt: Each Joint of the Legs, as
well as the Back, is marked with ſeveral faint whitiſh Liſts, the interme-
diate Space being of a ruffet Colour, mixt with blackiſh Spots.
The Tail is divided into Six Joints : At the Extremity of the laſt
ap-
pear two ſmall horny, ſomewhat crooked, Stings or Darts, in form of a
wide-extended Forceps, the upper being above double the Length of the
lowermoſt: Nor are they ſeemingly jointed together at the Root; for the
longeſt comes from the upper Side of the laſt Joint of the Tail, the other
from the lowerinoſt Part, the intermediate Space being fleſhy.
When
а.

Book III.
Iſland of BARBADOS.
65
a
a
a
When a Surinam Scorpion walks or runs, the generally curls up her
Tail in a Ring; and, when provoked, ſhe extends it to its full Length;
and then with a very quick Motion darts its Sting or Forceps into her
Adverſary
Perſons who have the Misfortune to be ftung by them, endure very
acute Pain for ſeveral Hours; and the Fleſh, near the Wound, turns gene-
rally livid : However, I have known no Inſtance here of its proving mortal.
Upon examining this horny Sting with a good Microſcope, I could not
perceive either Hole or Fiffure, by which the Poiſon might be conveyed
to the Wound : Yet, upon preffing very hard upon the Sting of an enraged
Scorpion with the Blade of a Penknife, I plainly perceived a thin bluiſh
Liquid to iſſue from the Extremity of the Sting, which, upon a greater
Preſſure, was followed by a whitiſh Liquid, of a thicker Conſiſtency: The
former I take to be principally the Poiſon that it injects into the Wound
it makes, and the latter to be only the Juices of the Body.
It is the general Opinion here, as well as elſewhere, that if theſe Scor-
pions are ſurrounded, tho' at a Diſtance, with Fire, or any other way greatly
moleſted, they will ſting themſelves in the Head, and immediately expire.
This is atteſted by a great many Perſons of undoubted Veracity : Yet, as
this Opinion contradicts that Principle of Self-preſervation, which appears
to be ſo natural, and fo general, ſtrongly influencing the whole Brute
Creation to preſerve their Being, it may be juſtly queſtioned, whether the
many Experiments made, in order to eſtabliſh this Opinion, were attended
to with that Accuracy which the Subject required.
As for my own Part, I am apt to believe, that the Heat of the ſur-
rounding Fire hath, at leaſt ſometimes, a Share in the Deſtruction
of theſe Creatures upon ſuch Experiments.
Theſe Scorpions are chiefly to be ſeen among old Boards, old Books, or
other looſe Papers.
They never bear any Young ones but once : The She carries her Young
upon her Back; and, as theſe grow in Strength, the Parent decays and dies.
Theſe Scorpions are but ſmall in this Part of the World, when com-
pared with thoſe in the Spaniſh Weft-Indies.
An Inſtance of the Bigneſs of the latter is ſeen in a very large one,
now in the Repoſitory of the Royal Society; which is about Eight Inches
long, and every way proportionable.
The GREEN LIZARD,
THIS is of the oviparous Kind, laying ſmall whitiſh Eggs, which
,
they depoſit in looſe duſty Earth, where they are impregnated by
the Heat of the Sun.
A full-grown Lizard, in Barbados, is about Ten Inches long; tho' in
the Iſland of Antigua they are often above Fourteen, and in Bulk Three
times as large as ours.
The
S

66
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book III.
The Head is ſomewhat flattiſh, and hollow between the Eyes : Theſe
in all kinds of Lizards are very prominent.
The Back is of a changeable ſhining Green, imboſſed with ſmall
pointed Riſings, like Shagreen : It changes towards the Belly into a pale
Silver White.
As Lizards are very harmleſs Creatures, ſeveral Authors are of Opinion,
that they are, in particular, great Lovers of Mankind. And, to prove this,
they aſſure us, that when Men in hot Countries ſleep under the Shade of
Trees, the Lizards will creep upon ſeveral Parts of their Bodies : Nay, ſo
fanciful are ſome of theſe Writers, that they gravely affirm, that Lizards
will leap upon a ſleeping Perſon to awake him, if he fees a Snake
ap-
proaching him; tho', upon a narrow Scrutiny, we ſhall find, that this ſeem-
ing Familiarity and Philanthropy are the Effect of no other Principle, than
that of Self-preſervation ; for, as theſe Lizards chiefly live upon Flies,
their familiarity in creeping, or Daringneſs in leaping, upon a ſleeping
Perſon, is only in order to catch Flies; which they do by creeping near,
and then leaping upon, their Prey.
It is likewiſe fuppofed, that they are great Lovers of Muſic.
This Opinion is ſupported by ſeveral probable Circumſtances; for they
will draw near to the Sound of any muſical Inſtrument.
I have known one Inſtance myſelf of a Lizard drawing nearer and
nearer by Degrees, and at laſt leaping upon the Spinet which a Lady was
playing upon.
However, I would not, from this one, perhaps caſual, Inſtance, be ſup-
poſed to draw any certain regular Inference in favour of a general Cer-
tainty of the above-mentioned Opinion.
bisoft
Pons payda bo MONKEY S.
Stroth
THES
'HESE are not very numerous in this Iſland : They chiefly reſide
in inacceſſible Gullies ; eſpecially where there are many Fruit-
The greateſt Miſchief they do to the neighbouring Planters is digging
out of the Earth their Yams and Potatoes, and ſometimes breaking and
carrying off a great many ripe Sugar-canes.
As a Law of this Iſland provides a Præmium for deſtroying theſe, as
well as Racoons, they yearly rather decreaſe than multiply.
Hiscoil you give
trees.
a
a
be
RATS.
T CHES E are ſo very numerous, and ſo very deſtructive to Sugar-
canes, that the yearly Loſs to the Inhabitants of the Pariſhes of St.
Foſeph's and St. Andrew's alone, is computed to be no leſs than Two or
Three thouſand Pounds.
. That

Book III.
Ifland of BARBADOS.
67
a
That they are in greater Numbers in thoſe Pariſhes than elſewhere, may
be attributed to their hilly Situation, interſperſed with high inacceſſible
Rocks, in whoſe Cavities they ſhelter, and there breed.
a bato
The JessAMIN Infect.
tor
То
O this very curious Animal I am at a Loſs for a Name, having
neither ſeen it myſelf, nor ever heard it mentioned by any one, all
the time I was in that Iſland. I am obliged for the following Account
of it, ſince I came to England, to a (2) Gentleman, whoſe Veracity may be
relied on, and who took one of them from a Jeſſamin-tree, that was
againſt Colonel Maynard's Houſe on his Eſtate in St. Peter's Pariſh.
The Body of it is about Three Inches long, and ſo nearly reſembles
the Bark of a Jeſſamin Twig, as not eaſily to be diſtinguiſhed from it,
infomuch that it may be fairly denominated from it. The Make of it is
much like that of the Inſect commonly called John Cook's Horſe, except-
ing that this Jeſſamin Inſect is furniſhed with a moſt curious Tongue of
the Thickneſs of a Horſe-hair, near Two Inches long, ſtanding (as far as it
hath been yet obſerved) always projected out of its Mouth : For the Pre-
ſervation of which moſt extraordinary Member, as it is, on the one hand,
no doubt, greatly inſtrumental in procuring Food for the Owner, and on
the other, from its delicate Texture, liable to frequent Accidents ; Nature
has moſt kindly, and at the ſame time moſt wonderfully, formed a very
curious Caſe or Scabbard for it out of its two Fore Feet, which were each
of them hollowed exactly for the Purpoſe ; and which that Gentleman
ſays he ſaw it make uſe of ſeveral times, by lifting them up, extending
them, and clapping them together to cover the Tongue. After obſerving
it for ſeveral Hours, in order to preſerve it perfect, it was ſtuck to a Board
with a Pin : The Pain (as it is ſuppoſed) occaſioned its laying a very
ſmall
beautiful ſpeckled Egg.
100 516 I BIH
John Cook's Horse, or Hag's HORSE.
T!
HO° this hath all its Limbs in Perfection; yet it is ſo ſhapeleſs an Ani-
mal, that, without a narrow Inſpection, it can hardly be diſtinguiſhed
at firſt from a dry half-rotten Piece of Straw of atout Three Inches long.
Its Legs, which are Four in Number, are very near as fine as thoſe of
a large Spider. It ſeems to be every way very inoffenſive; and it is gene-
rally to be found upon Shrubs and Buſhes.
A great many Negroes have a Notion, that, if they kill one of theſe,
they will be very unlucky in breaking all Earthen Wares they handle : Of
this they are ſo ſtrongly perſuaded, that I have ſeen a Negro Wench fuf-
fer a Whipping, rather than, when commanded to do it, kill one of them.
The whole Body and Legs are ſpeckled alternately with a ruſſet Brown,
and a dull White; but not diſcernible át any great Diſtance.
From
(2) The Reverend Mr. Dowding, formerly Rector of St. Peter's Pariſh, in Barbades.
a
,
a

68
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book III.
From the Head riſe Two hairy Feelers of about an Inch long : From
the Neck likewiſe, cloſe to the Head, come the Two foremoſt Pair of
Legs, which are about an Inch and a half long, and jointed in the Mid-
dle: At about an Inch farther Diſtance from theſe come the Two hin-
dermoft Legs.
The whole Body of this Animal, at about half an Inch Diſtance from
the hindermoft Legs, ends in a ſomewhat forked Tail.
The CA V E-BAT.
a
many Writers
a
A
S this hath nothing in common with Birds, but its Wings, and theſe
differing from theirs by the Want of Plumage; and as it likewiſe
lays neither Eggs, nor hath á Bill, which are the chief Characteriſtics of
Birds : I have ventured to remove it from that Claſs, where
have given it a Place.
The great Bochart obſerves, that its very Name in Hebrew is guy
Atalleeph, i. e. a Bird of Darkneſs.
This Bat hath its Name from its Place of Reſidence (3).
It is often as big as a young Pigeon. Its Body is covered with a Snuff-
coloured ſoft Hair : Its Ears are more upright, and larger, in proportion,
than thoſe of a Rat; and its whole Head, eſpecially its Mouth and Noſe,
ſhorter and thicker. From the Extremity of one Wing to the other ex-
tended, meaſures Eighteen Inches : Its Feet are guarded with Six Sharp
Talons, each turning inwards like Fiſh-hooks.
Some of the common People are of Opinion, that as Bats are always
awake at Night, therefore their Fleſh dried to Powder, and given to Dogs,
will make them likewiſe watchful at Night : And this Powder is
very
often, by credulous People, mixed with their Food for that Purpoſe.
tenses are credi The MoU S E-B A T.
MOUSE
TI
THIS is of the fame Species with thoſe in England. Their Wings,
at the middle Joints, are provided with ſharp Hooks, by which
they cling to the Roof of Caves, or under the Eaves of Houſes.
(3) From hence that Phraſe in the Prophecy of Iſaiah, Chap. ii. 20. In that Day, i. e. in the Diſtreſs of
the Iſraelites, ſhall a Man caſt his Idols of Silver and Gold to the Bats and Moles, i. e. hide them in the Holes and
Caverns of the Earth.
1000
Of

Book III.
69
Iſland of B A R BA DO S.
Ο F
B I I R
DS.
T
a
.
HES E are, in general, divided into Terreſtrial and Aquatic.
An Inſpection into the Structure, Nature, and Qualities of
every Species will convince us, that every Individual is ſtamp-
ed with Marks of infinite Wiſdom : And Experience teaches
us, that the ſame Power, which at firſt created them, hath,
and, I may venture to ſay, ever will preſerve, not only the ſtrongeſt, but
the ſeemingly weakeſt, and moſt helpleſs, in a regular Succeſſion, till Time
ſhall be no more.
Such is the exact Symmetry, and juſt Proportion, obſervable in the Body
of Animals, that every Part is ſubfervient to the Whole. The carnivo-
rous and rapacious Kind, ſuch as Eagles, Hawks, and Vulturs, have
ſtrong crooked Bills, and ſharp Talons, to ſecure and tear their Prey: But
as theſe Birds are deſtructive to the more uſeful domeſtic Kind, we find
that they are by far leſs numerous than the latter.
The melodious Notes, and the beautiful Plumage, of fome, are not leſs
pleaſing, the one to the Ear, and the other to the Eye, than the Fleſh of
others is delicate to the Taſte.
Aquatic Birds are Web-footed ; and it is obſervable, that thoſe that
are obliged to ſeek their Food at a great Diſtance from Land, have Wings
remarkably large and ſtrong, in proportion to their Bodies, to enable them
to bear the Fatigue of a long Flight.
Thoſe which feed in the miry Skirts of muddy Ponds or Rivers, are
provided with long Bills, Necks, and Legs, each being neceſſary either to
ſearch for, or ſecure, their Prey in ſuch a Situation.
The Curious and Learned may find theſe Inquiries and Reflections car-
ried on to a laudable Height by the ingenious Mr. Willoughby, the learned
Dr. Derham, and others.
Neither this, nor any of our neighbouring Iſlands, is ſtored with
any
great Variety of Birds; and the few that we have are not remarkable for
their Notes, nor (the Humming-Bird excepted) for the Beauty of their
Feathers; and our tame-bred Fowls
, except the Guiney Fowls
, Muſcary
Ducks, and rumpleſs Fowls, are much the ſame as thoſe in England.
T
GUINE-Y
a

70
Book III.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
THI
GUINE Y Fowl.
HIS is naturally a Wild-fowl, both in Taſte, Appearance, and
Qualities. It is at preſent fo well known, that it would be needleſs
to deſcribe it.
All that I ſhall therefore obſerve is, that it is thought by fome to be
the ſame Bird ſo much prized by the Romans, and by them called
Gallina Mauritana.
a
The Dark-coloured GAULDING.
ΤΗ
HE Bill of this Bird is about Three Inches long, blackiſh, and ſharp-
pointed. From the Extremity of this to the Feet, extended, are
Twenty-two Inches ; and the Wings, extended, meaſure Two Feet.
The Cock hath a blue-coloured Tuft upon the Head. The Neck is of
a very browniſh Red, ſomewhat near a Snuff-colour, with a pale whitiſh
Liſt downwards under the Throat. The Eyes are incircled with a yellow
Iris. The Feathers covering the Back are long and bluiſh.
The whole Bird is of the Crane-kind, and generally found feeding
upon Worms about the Edges of Ponds, as well as upon Mice, Lizards,
and Scorpions.
baru The GREY GAULDING.
HIS Bird is feldom ſeen in this Iſland, tho' very frequently at
Antigua.
It differs from that already deſcribed, chiefly in its Bigneſs and Colour;
this being a great deal larger, and its Colour of a greyiſh White.
It feeds generally upon ſmall Crabs and Shrimps in the Salt Marſhes
but we have very few, if any, fuch Places in this Iſland.
fuch Places in this Iſland. We are, I fup-
poſe, for this Reaſon, feldom viſited by theſe Birds.
a
The LESSER TURTLE-Dove.
TI
'HE Plumage of this Bird is always of a Lead-colour, except under
the Breaſt and Belly, where they are inclinable to a pale dark Red,
eſpecially the Cock. The Hen is generally of a lighter Colour.
This Bird, from the Tip of the Tail to the End of the Bill, is Six
Inches and an half in Length, and Ten Inches to the Extremities of the
Wings, extended.
They are generally very fat, and near as big as a Lark; and are juſtly
eſteemed the moſt delicious of any Birds in this Hand, as well as perhaps
inferior to few, if any, in other Parts of the World.
They feed chiefly upon Belly-ach Berries.
The

Book III.
71
Ipand of BARBADOS.
9
The LARGE TURTLE-DOVE.
THIS
HIS, by the regular Proportion of every Limb, completing the
Harmony of the Whole, juftly deſerves to be reckoned among the
moſt beautiful Birds. The Plumage of the Neck, Back, and Wings, is
of a dark Lead-colour, fpotted with Black ; the Breaſt and Belly fome-
what lighter.
Theſe differ in nothing material from thoſe of the fame Species in Pa-
leſtine, uſed among the Jews for Sacrifice (4), except in their Colour;
4
for the Wings of the latter, as the Royal Pſalmiſt deſcribes them, are like
Silver, which, with very little Allowance, anſwers to the Colour of what
we now call Arabian or Barbary Doves, fo common in all Paleſtine.
The Length of this Bird from the Bill to the Tail is Ten Inches, and
from Wing to Wing, extended, Fifteen Inches.
Coots, or Moor-HENS.
T
'HESE Birds are to be chiefly ſeen about the Skirts of ruſhy Ponds,
feeding upon Pond-bugs, and fuch Worms ; and, when there is a
Scarcity of theſe, they alight upon, or moſt commonly climb up, Plan-
tain, Banana, or Guava Trees, and feed upon the ripe Fruit, as well as
fometimes upon Pulſe and Potatoes.
They are diſtinguiſhed into Three Kinds ; the White, the Red, and
the Blue-pated. The Bill of each is ſtrait and ſtrong, and of a greeniſh
yellow Colour near the Point; the other part of a florid Red; the
Whole about an Inch long,
The Crown of the Head, but eſpecially near the ſetting on of the Bill,
inſtead of Feathers, is covered with a white, blue, or red tough Skin, of
a circular Form, about the Bigneſs of an Engliſh Silver Groat.
The Plumage under the Neck and Breaft is of a very deep Blue, incline-
able to a Purple. The Feathers on the Back are of a greeniſh Lead-colour.
From the Extremity of one Wing to another, it meaſures Eighteen Inches,
and the Length from the Bill to the Feet, Fifteen. The under Feathers
of the Tail are Snow-white. Its Legs are yellow. It hath Three Toes
before, and one behind, guarded with ſtrong Claws.
The Two-PENY CHICK.
TI
HIS Bird hath a ſtrong yellowiſh ſharp-pointed Bill, near an Inch
long : Its Length from this to the Feet, extended, is Nine Inches;
and from the Extremity of the Wings, Eleven.
The Head is marked from the Bill to the hinder Part of it, with a
black Liſt. The Back and ſmall Feathers upon the Wings with pale Ruf-
ſet,
(4) We find that the Heathens had a Notion, that the moſt perfect ought to be uſed in Sacrifice. This
is evident from Homěr ; for, when Achilles ſpeaks about the Sacrifice to Apollo, he ſays,
αρνών κρίσην αιγών τε τελείων,

72
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book III
ſet, or rather dark-coloured Olive, intermixed with black and white Lifts.
The Breaſt is of a pale Dove-colour, growing whitiſh, and more ſpeckled
towards the Belly.
Its Legs are long, in proportion to its Bulk; and of a greeniſh yellow
Colour : It hath Three Toes before, and One behind, each bordered with
a ſcalloped lateral Membrane to aſſiſt in Swimming.
This Bird dives with ſuch Quickneſs
, that it is very difficult to be ſhot
.
It is of the Bigneſs, and much of the Colour, of the American Quail.
a
The THRUSH.
WE
E have Two Species of Thruſhes in this Iſland; the one much re-
ſembling in her Note the Engliſh Thruſh.
As ſoon as the Day appears, ſhe mounts up like a Lark into the Air,
almoſt out of Sight.
The other is a ſolitary Bird, and is known by the Name of the
Quaking Thruſh.
The COTTON-TRE E-BIRD.
TH
'HIS is a yellowiſh Bird, about the Bigneſs of a ſmall Sparrow ; and
is chiefly to be ſeen among Cotton-trees.
The BLACK-BIRD.
ΤΗ HE Plumage of this is of a gloſſy Black : Its Bill is likewiſe black
and ſtrong; of a ſomewhat triangular Shape, and near an Inch
long.
The Eyes are ſurrounded with a white Iris, as well as provided with a
white Membrane, which, at Will, covers the whole outward Superficies of
the Eye, both to keep it from Harm, and perhaps to keep it moiſt in ſo
warm a Climate.
Its Length, from the Extremity of the Bill to that of the Tail, is Seven
Inches; and from the Extremities of the Wings, extended, Eleven.
Theſe Birds are very numerous in this Iſland (tho' there are none at
Antigua), and in ſome other Leeward Iſlands.
They are ſerviceable in deſtroying Crickets, and otherVermin : Yet this
ſcarce compenſates for the Ravage they make in conſuming our Indian
and Guiney Corn; the former chiefly when young; the latter, foon after
it is planted, as well as when ripe.
The GOLDFINCH.
THIS beautiful Bird is ſomewhat bigger than a large Sparrow ; and is
;
ſeldom, if
ever, ſeen, except in the
Months of December or January ;
and then generally in the moſt woody and eaſterly Part of the Illand.
The

Book III.
Ipand of BARBADOS.
73
The only one that I ſaw was in the Plantation of Richard Eſtwick, Eſq;
The Head is of a fine Orange-colour, and the reſt of the Body of a
а.
dark Colour, except upon the Pinions, where the Feathers are of a deep
Red.
The PIVET.
A
Ltho' this Bird feeds upon Fruit, its Bill is of the ſame Make with thoſe
of the carnivorous Kind; and it intirely ſubfifts by Berries, or fuch-
like Fruit of Trees.
It is no ſmall Inſtance of the Wiſdom of Providence, that there is not
a Month in the Year, but ſome Trees, or Shrubs, bear ripe Fruit of one
kind or other; ſo that theſe have literally their Food provided for them
in due Seaſon.
A Pivet is about the Bigneſs and Colour of our largeſt Kind of Spar-
rows, and hath a wild chirping Note.
They are chiefly to be ſeen where there is the moſt Variety of ripe
Fruit.
The WREN.
THIS, excepting its Note and Bill, differs very little from the
,
Thruſh, as to its Plumage and Bigneſs: Its Bill is ſomewhat more
ſharp-pointed and longer, than that of the Thruſh.
It is moſt commonly to be ſeen in the Wood near Hackleton's Clift,
and feeds chiefly upon Oranges, and ſuch ripe Fruit, as well as upon
Lizards.
The SPANISH LACKER:
THIS
"HIS differs very little, if any thing, from a Pivet, but by its Note.
It feeds chiefly upon Poiſon-tree Berries, and fuch wild Fruit.
This Bird is moſt commonly to be ſeen near Hackleton's Clift.
а.
T!
The PARAKITE.
THIS is of the frugivorous Kind, and about the Bigneſs of a Thruſh,
having a longer and more crooked Bill.
It feeds upon almoſt all manner of Berries, Popaws, and ripe Plantain,
reſiding chiefly in inacceſlible Gullies.
The Bird borrows its Name from its Reſemblance in Make, but not in
Plumage, to the ſmall green Parakite.
The SWALLOW.
AS
S the Make of this Bird every way anſwers the Deſcription of thoſe
of the ſame Species in England, it would be needleſs to deſcribe it.
The Cauſe of the Diſappearance of the whole Species, during the Winter
U
Months,

74
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book III.
Months, hath been variouſly repreſented by moſt Authors of Natural
Hiſtory
Some have, with great ſeeming Probability, attributed their State of
Inſenſibility, or at leaſt their Abſence at that time, to the wiſe Diſpenſa-
tion of Providence, in making theſe Birds incapable of any of the Fun-
&tions of Life, at a Seaſon of the Year when they could not be ſupplied
with their daily and proper Food, which conſiſts chiefly of Pond-flies,
Butterflies, and Bees.
This ingenious Hypotheſis hath a great Appearance of Truth, and is
indeed the beſt that can be given in a Northern Climate, where it is evi-
dent that their Food can only be found in Summer Months: But this
their reclufe Life, from October to March, is no leſs evident, than it is
almoſt general in this Inland ; in which Months their Prey is no leſs
plentiful, and the Weather but very little colder, than in our Summer :
Yet they retire to their Holes in the Rocks, and do not appear during
theſe Months.
a
T
The SUGAR-BIRD.
the
THIS derives its Name from its frequenting and picking up
looſe Sugar about the Sugar-curing Houſes, and elſewhere.
The
The SPARROW.
UR largeſt Sparrow differs very little from thoſe in England, being
of a pale reddiſh Lead-colour, Four Inches long from the Bill to
the Feet, extended; and Seven Inches over the Wings, from the Extre-
mity of one to the Extremity of the other.
Its Bill is very ſtrong and ſharp-pointed; its Legs blackiſh ; and its
Feet have Three Claws before, and One behind.
O
The LESSER SPARROW.
T
THIS likewiſe, called the Tinker-Sparrow, differs very little from
the former, except in Bigneſs ; this now deſcribed being leſs.
The HUMMING-BIRD.
TI
n
HIS Bird derives its Name from the humming Noiſe it makes as
it flies.
Pliny juſtly obſerves, Natura nuſquam magis quam in minimis tota eſt :
This is ſufficiently evinced in the Make and Qualities of this, which is the
ſmalleſt of Birds ; for what it wants in Strength and Bigneſs, is fufficiently
made up in its Swiftneſs in Flying, and its Dexterity in making uſe of its
ſharp Bill ; by which means it is capable of overcoming the largeſt and
ſtrongeſt Bird that flies in theſe Parts of the World.
This

Book III.
iſland of BARBADO S.
75
:
a
This Species of Birds are diſtinguiſhed into the large and ſmall Sort.
One of the latter, which I have now before me, weighs but Forty-
eight Grains. From the Tip of one Wing to the oppoſite, extended, is
Five Inches; and its Length, from the Tail to the Extremity of its Bill,
near Four : Its Feet are compoſed of Three Claws before, and One be-
hind. The Feathers under the Belly, the Tail, and the long Quill-feathers,
are of a footy Black: Thoſe which cover the Back and Neck have a fine
Mixture of Green : The Bill is about half an Inch long, and black : The
Tongue, which is about an Inch long, is forked. This, darted into the
Bloſſoms, fucks
up the Honey-dew from moft Flowers : There are a few
Feathers, which jut out higher than the reſt, a little above the Bill, of an
almoſt inimitable ſhining Green : A little higher up ftands erect another
Feather of a flaming Purple : Theſe look very beautiful, eſpecially when
reflected to the Eye by the Rays of the Sun.
The other Sort have a longer Bill, and are every way conſiderably
larger than this now deſcribed.
Theſe Birds make their Nefts under the Eaves of Houſes thatched with
Straw, or in the Boughs of ſhady Trees : Theſe Neſts are very artfully
made, compoſed of Straw, Hair, and Cotton, which laſt covers the Inſide.
I have ſeen one of the Nefts, which was very extraordinary; for it was
worked quite round the under Part of the Twig, to ſecure the Neſt, which
was above: Had it been tied round with a String of any ſort, it would
not have been ſo ſtrong, What was very particular in it was, that the
Neſt was not built amongſt ſmall Twigs or Leaves, but upon the upper
Part of a ſingle Branch, perfectly free from all Leaves or Twigs.
The Female lays Two ſmall Eggs, ſomewhat bigger than the largeſt
Pea, and longer.
I have taken ſeveral young ones when fledged, and endeavoured to raiſe
them; but never could effect it; for no Art can prepare a Liquid fo
nouriſhing as that which the Parent Bird extracts from the Flowers.
The SMALL YELLOW-BIRD.
THIS is a very ſmall Bird, whoſe Plumage hath a beautiful Mix-
ture of Yellow and Red, eſpecially about the Head.
a
Si
TI
W
BIRDS of PASS A G E.
TE cannot fufficiently admire the Wiſdom of Providence in en-
duing theſe with a Sagacity proper to know their ſtated Seaſons
to migrate from perhaps a colder Climate to warmer, or from a Scarcity
of Food in one Place to a Plenty in another, but more eſpecially at the
approaching Seaſon for breeding.
What afforded me this laſt Hint, and induced me to believe, that their
Migration is chiefly about that Time, was, that ſome Years ago there came
up

70
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book III.
up a prodigious Number of theſe Birds late on Saturday Night, and
alighted on a ſmall Spot of Paſture-Land: A neighbouring Conſtable
pre-
vented their being diſturbed on Sunday, during which time they were ob-
ſerved to be almoſt inceſſantly treading.
Their Flight is always from the South-weſt towards the Eaſt: But
what ſeems moſt ſurpriſing is, that they direct their Courſe, unvaried, and
unbyaſſed either by contrary Winds or Storms, over wide-extended Oceans,
reaching yearly to their reſpective Stations, with an Exactneſs ſcarce credi-
ble to an heedleſs Obſerver ; tho', after the moſt diligent Search into the
anatomical Structure of their bodies, there can be found no Analogy be-
tween their ſeveral Organs, and thoſe deſigned in the human Species, for
thoſe exalted Ends of Thinking, and providently Reaſoning.
Therefore the ſublimeſt Genius muſt, with Humility, own, that we
know but in Part; and that by ſearching we cannot (till God is pleaſed
farther to unveil his now fecret, tho' always wiſe Ends) find out the
Cauſes and Effects of ſeveral Phenomena, which future Ages may poffi-
bly diſcover.
Moſt of theſe Birds of Paſſage never fail to appear here between the
Nineteenth and the Twenty-ſeventh of Auguſt, eſpecially if it be then
wet Weather ; but if about that time it is very dry, the greateſt Part of
them are ſeen to fly very high, and to keep their direct Courſe towards
the Eaſt; and, as Milton expreſſes it,
In Figure wedge their way,
Intelligent of Seaſons ; and ſet forth
Their airy Caravan, high over Seas
Flying, and over Lands ; with mutual Wing
'
Eaſing their Flight : So ſteers the prudent Crane
Her annual Voyage, borne on Winds : The Air
Floats as they paſs, fann'd with unnumber'd Plumes.
The WILD Wood-PIGEON.
TH
а.
a
а.
THIS is about the Bigneſs of an Houſe-Pigeon.
The Head is of a blackiſh Colour ; and, from the under Bill to the
Breaſt, of a light Mouſe-colour; from thence to the Belly and the under
Part of the Tail
, of an Aſh-colour ; the upper Side of the Neck, Back,
and Wings, of a dark Aſh-colour, growing lighter towards the Extremi-
ties of the Wings.
Theſe come hither, tho' in no great Number, about the latter End of
July or Auguſt
, always alighting upon Trees, and feeding upon the Ber-
ries of them.
The

Book III
77
Ifand of BARBADOS.
T
The WILD-Duck.
THE very few that migrate to this Iſland, of this Kind, are of the
fame Make and Species with thoſe in England.
The TEAL.
A
S this differs little, or not at all, from thoſe in England, it will not
be neceſſary to give a particular Deſcription of it.
It will be fufficient to obſerve, that in England they are ſeen every
Winter, tho' hither they come but once a Year, and very few in Num-
and ſome Years there are none at all.
ber;
T
The CROOKED-BILL CURLIEU.
HE Bills of every Species of Curlieus are ſomewhat crooked ; but
of this more than any other : From thence therefore it derived
its Name.
Its Bill is about Five Inches long ; the Head ſmall, in proportion to
;
the Body ; the Neck long and ſlender ; as are likewiſe the Legs.
Its Feet have each Three Toes before, and One behind.
The Feathers of the Head, Neck, Back, and Wings, are thickly
ſpeckled with blackiſh, rufſet, and white Spots.
The Length from the Tip of the Bill to the End of the Tail is Eleven
Inches; and from the Extremity of each Wing, extended, Fifteen Inches.
It weighs, when fat, about Three Quarters of a Pound, and ſometimes
a
more.
This, among the reſt of the Birds of Paſſage, viſits this Iſland in the lat-
er End of July and Auguft; eſpecially if we have any Southerly Winds,
and rainy Weather, at that time.
The SHIVERING CURLIEU.
TH
'HESE, as well as moſt other Curlieus, often come over in great
Flocks.
They are next in Bigneſs to the Crooked-bill Curlieus, having their
Feathers on the Back, Breaft, and Tail, of a browniſh Red, ſlightly
ſtreaked with Black. .
The STONE CURLIEU.
HIS is fomewhat ſmaller than the laſt deſcribed, and marked with
THI
larger and blacker Spots upon the Back, having likewiſe ſome of the
Pen-feathers in their Wings, as well as ſome of the Tail-feathers white.
Theſe feed moſt commonly on the Sea-ſhore; and therefore have a
Taſte ſomewhat fiſhy.
X
The

98
Book III
2 The Natural Hiſtory of the
The BLACK-BREAST PLOVER.
Tuo all the s
T
HOʻ all the Species of Plovers, that make their periodical Viſits to
this Iſland, are more or leſs ſpeckled ; yet as this is more remarkably
fo, and as they are by far more numerous than any other Species, I ſhall
begin with its Deſcription.
The Length of this from the Tip of the Bill, which is about an Inch
long, to the End of the Tail, is Nine Inches ; and the Breadth over the
Wings, extended, Eighteen.
The Head is ſomewhat large, in proportion to its Body.
The whole Bird is ſpeckled all over with white and black Spots.
2.
Trees.
The RING-NECKED PLOVER.
THIS is much leſs than the Sandy-breaft; and derives its Name from a
white Ring incircling its Neck.
The Colour of the Feathers upon the Back is not ſo much ſpeckled as
the large Plover already deſcribed.
This
, as well as the other Plovers, has no hinder Claw; ſo that they
cannot alight upon Trees.
The SANDY-BREAST PLOVER.
ག ་་་་ ལ་
THIS differs chiefly from that already deſcribed, by being ſomewhat
- ſmaller, and the Colour of its Breaſt not ſpeckled, as in the former,
but of a pale White.
The Head of this is ſomewhat leſs than the other, and more propor-
tionable to its Body.
*They likewiſe come ſomewhat later to the Iſland than the ſpeckled Sort.
This is about Eight Inches long from the Bill to the End of the Tail,
and Sixteen over the Wings, extended.
THIS
T!
,
Of the MOPUS E S.
HERE are three Sorts of theſe, diſtinguiſhed into the Large and
Small, and the Hiding Mopus.
The latter, which is the biggeſt, derives its Name from its immediately
concealing itſelf, as ſoon as it alights, in ſwampy wet Places, amongſt
Ruſhes or Sedge-graſs ; nor will they attempt to riſe, till you come very
near them. Their Bill is Two Inches long; from this to the Extremity
of the Tail is Ten Inches; and over the Wings, extended, Fourteen.
The Feathers upon the Back are of a reddiſh Brown, marked lengthways
with black Lifts.
The Two other kinds of Mopuſes are leſſer than this, differing not in
Colour, or in ſcarce any other Circumſtance, except that theſe do not
conceal themſelves, but alight often in open Grounds, and in Flocks.
The

Book III.
79
Iſland of B A R BA B
DO S.
The LONG-LEGS.
HESE are diſtinguiſhed into the large and the ſmall Kind, both dif-
fering from the Plover, in having a hind Claw.
The largeſt
, which is called the Cackling Plover, weighs often near
Seven Ounces.
They derive their Name from the Length of their Legs.
Nature hath given theſe, as well as all other Birds that ſeek their Food in
muddy wet Skirts of Ponds, long Legs, Necks, and Bills, theſe being ab-
ſolutely neceſſary in ſuch a Situation ; their Legs to prevent their finking
in the Mud; and the Length of their Bills enabling them to penetrate deep
into the Mire, in Search of Worms and Fiſh, which are their Food.
The GREAT SNIPE.
THER
THERE are ſeveral Species of Snipes, that come in the wet Sea-
fons to this Iſland.
lat come me
Theſe are diſtinguiſhed by many uncertain and different Names, as
well as Marks; tho the real Difference between ſo many is but ſmall.
I ſhall therefore reduce them into the large and ſmall Sort.
པས། ད་
WE
The LITTLE SNIPE. I stogo bogil sonno
THI
THIS is likewiſe called a Nit.
The Name was perhaps given them from their very diminutive Size,
when out of Feathers; for they then ſeldom weigh above two Ounces each.
A few of theſe are to be ſeen here in every Month of the Year, with-
out any Regard to the periodical Seaſon.
blo 300
They are of a greyiſh Colour, fpeckled with Black upon the Back
a
and Wings, and the Breaſt and Belly of a whitiſh Colour. *es or oldenois
Their Length from the Tip of the Bill to the Feet, extended, is Six
Inches; and, over the Wings, Nine. soronligid snoda a 'UT
Theſe feed generally about the Skirts of Ponds.sk tovo nasixta bas
21
a
a
иляна
dor
OF
or go to get wild 1990

80
Book III.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
O F
T
F LY I N G IN S E C T S.
GASIN 9 HO' unthinking and incurious People may look
upon
theſe
to be the moſt uſeleſs Part of the Animal Creation ; yet,
upon a narrow Inſpection into the Uſe of every Species, we
find a providential Deſign, in not only their Make and Qua-
lities, but likewiſe in the Time and Seaſon of their Appear-
ance, which never happens till ſo late in the Spring, that he, who filleth
every thing living with Plenteouſneſs, hath provided them with Leaves of
Trees, their proper Food, whilſt in their reptile State.
They likewife at that Seaſon (except what Providence reſerves to con-
tinue and propagate the Species) become exceedingly uſeful, being then
the deſtined neceſſary Food of young Birds.
But, when theſe crawling Worms come to their full Growth, they ſpin;
and, after a wonderful manner, inwrap themſelves in a Tomb of their
own making.
Here they reſt for a while; and, in a ſhort time after, they break thro?
this temporary Priſon, and become Butterflies.
In this State, decked in all the gaudy Pride of Colours, they wanton in
the Air ; and, by their careleſs irregular Flights, ſeem to have ſcarce
any
other Buſineſs in Life, but ſportive Diverſions. This perhaps may be in-
tended by Providence to make Amends for the ſhort Duration of their
Exiſtence.
Flies, l.kewiſe, eſpecially thoſe of the ſmaller Kind, are a very uſeful
Part of the Creation ; eſpecially as they are in the Summer Seaſon the moſt
common Food of Freſh-water Fiſh.
a
.
a
The LARGE BLACK BEE.
TH
HIS is the largeſt that we have here of the Bee-kind. The Head
is large and Aattiſh.
The lower Part of it, ſomewhat about the Mouth, is provided with a
ſtrong Forceps : With this it makes deep Holes in ſeveral kinds of dry
foft

Book III. Iſland of BARBADOS.
81
ſoft Timber, which ſerve as a Shelter from the Weather, as well as Neſts
to depoſit their Honey, and rear their Young in.
In the upper Part of the Mouth there is a Dart, or rather Proboſcis,
pointing perpendicularly downwards : This is about a Quarter of an Inch
long, black and ſhining ; and, as the above-mentioned Nippers or For-
cipes were deſigned to bore Holes in Trees, ſo this, by being divided, or
capable of opening as a Forceps, may perhaps be deſigned to take and
kill its Prey ; for I always found their oppoſite Sides to be hollow, capa-
ble of retaining the Juices of their Prey, with this additional Conveniency,
that, from the Centre between theſe Two Claſpers, darts out a bearded
reddiſh Tongue.
Its Eyes, which are Two, are ſmall, ſhining, and hemiſpherical, ſituated
near the
upper Part of the Head, for the Conveniency of ſeeing before, as
well as behind.
Below theſe ſtand Two Horns, or Feelers, of about an Inch long.
The Back is black and ſhining, joined by a ſtrong Ligament to the Ab-
domen, which is made up of Six Annuli, or Sections.
The Rapidity of its Flight depends upon Four gloffy Wings.
The Body, likewiſe, when upon the Ground, is ſupported by Eight
ſhaggy, or rather hairy Legs, each ending in a Claw or Fork. The Two
hindermoſt and oppoſite Legs being the longeſt, theſe about the Thighs
are generally loaded with a granulated yellow Subſtance, like Bees-bread.
The Extremity of the Abdomen is guarded with a black Bee-like Sting,
This Bee makes an humming Noiſe as it flies.
a
The MASTICH-FLY.
TH
HIS is about an Inch and a Quarter long, and of a gloſſy purple
Colour, inclinable to a Green.
It hath Two Feelers, each Five Inches long. It derives its Name from
the Tree it feeds upon.
ve
The Cock-Roch.
जमा
THE
"HE Body of this Fly is near an Inch long, and ſomewhat flattiſh,
and of a very dark Snuff-colour.
It lays many ſmall browniſh Eggs.
It flies about in the Evenings, eſpecially in wet Weather, and gene-
rally into the Houſes, where they breed, and are very troubleſome, being
voracious of moſt kinds of dreſſed Victuals, as well as deſtructive to Cloaths,
Books, or any kind of Paper, by gnawing it to Pieces; beſides they are very
offenſive, by the ſtinking Smell they leave behind upon every thing they
touch, eſpecially Meat : So that the Words of Virgil may be juſtly applied
to theſe :
Diripiuntque dapes, contactuque omnia fædant
Immundo.
Y
The
:

82
8 The Natural Hiſtory of the Book III.
T
6 The beſt Method of deſtroying them is to grind to Powder the Back-
bone of a Gar-fiſh, and then mix it with ſomething that they like beſt to
feed upon : If they eat of this Mixture, they generally die.
It is ſaid, that the Abdomen, boiled in Oil, and poured into the Ear,
cures the Patient of any aching or throbbing Pain.
19-eu
The FIRE-FLY, or Jack LANTERN.
TH
HESE Flies, which are of the Glow-worm Kind, are in great
Number in North-America upon the Continent ; but in the
warmer Climates ſo very rare, that I have never ſeen any in this Iſland;
tho' I am credibly informed, that they are ſometimes to be found here.
hefs ni do that
-
The KNOCKER
TH
THIS Fly is ſomewhat larger and blacker than a Cock-Roch; and
derives its Name from the tinkling Noiſe it makes.
The Head and Back are hard and ſhining ; the former divided from
the latter by a broad cloſe Joint.
As it bends its Head backward, the upper Joint falls as a regular
Spring into the Socket of the lower; and, when it tows its Head for-
ward, it opens with a ſharp tinkling Note, as the Spring of the out-
ward Caſe of a Watch, when preſſed.
1910M boh To insso
i blind os seis The HARD-BACK.
ooo
TH
THIS Fly is about half an Inch long, having a very ſmall Head,
a
is provided with Two ſmall Feelers.
Its Eyes are round, black, and ſhining; the Neck thick, and ſpeckled
with White and Black : Its membranaceous Wings are defended with
Sheaths, or Shell-wings. 100.
Without fuch a Covering, the exquiſitely fine Texture of the Wings
would continually be liable to be torn by the leaſt Touch of an harder
Subſtance, ſuch as the Blades of Canes, Corn, or the Branches of Trees.
Its Body is ſupported by Six Legs : Each of theſe, near the Extremity,
is divided into Three clofe Joints, white, and flat underneath : Theſe are
very finely croſs-indented, like the Surface of a File.
Beſides, each Foot ends in a ſharp, ſomewhat crooked Point; by which
means it ſtrongly graſps its Prey.
bestaba
FIDDLERS
THIS Fly, in Shape, Colour, and Number of Legs, much refem-
bles a Cock-Roch, except that it is ſmaller, and longer, in propor-
tion to its Bulk.
It
a
•
a
:
.

Book III. Ifand of BARBADOS.
83
TI
T
It is called a Fiddler from the ſhrill Noiſe it makes, when held and
10 10 910
ſqueezed between the Fingers.
nogu.by
It generally flies about in the Evening.
15.5
bisait
end
C.
The CUCKOLD-FLY.
HIS is of the Beetle-kind, of about half an Inch long, and of a
dark-red Colour.
The Back and Abdomen are covered with a Pair of hard Wings, or
rather Covers for its membranaceous Wings, which are large, and of an
elegant fine Texture. The Head, Neck, and Abdomen, are cloſely joined
together.
It is ſupported by Four Legs on each side ; and flies chiefly in the
Dusk of the Evening.
The CARRION or FLESH-FLY. a evitab
er y 2111
T
IT
HIS is the ſame with the common Carrion-fly in England ; at
;
leaſt, it differs in no material Circumſtance.
Dedid solo
10 Hiburad i A
1. volodt to slood ad omni giga
The MASON-FLY.
Saturdaiwaniston how
webco
ditews15 bir
T is called a Maſon, from the great Quantity of Mire and Morter
which it carries into Houſes and elſewhere, wherewith to build its
Neſts, which it generally does on the Cielings, or the Roofs.
. In theſe Neſts, which are above an Inch long, they lay Two or Three
Eggs; and then carry in a great Number of young Spiders ; and after-
;
wards cloſe up the Entrance into the Neſts with Clay. 107 ou eat al
From each Egg, thus depoſited, there is in time hatched a ſmall white
Maggot,.which feeds upon the Spiders, till it comes to its Aurelia-ftate :
Then they ſpin and wrap themſelves up in a tough Bag, or Web, \ till
they turn into young Maſons.
od vino blow
8 bul wonsilduse
The BAT-FLY.
Cena vhod el
Stor babivibi
HE Original of this is a Tobacco or a Fig-tree Worm; for this,
after its Aurelia-ſtate, turns into this Fly, which is about an Inch
and a Quarter long.
The Head is guarded with a Pair of Horns, or Feelers, finely indented,
about Three Quarters of an Inch in Length.
Its Two Eyes are large, ſpherical
, and black.
The Back, as well as the Abdomen, which is divided into Six Annuli,
is of a reddiſh-yellow Colour, covered with a ſoft whitiſh Down.
it
I
a
T.
a
Datot It

84
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book III,
a
T.
а.
و
It hath Two Pair of membranaceous Wings, the upper by far larger
than the under.
From its Mouth it darts a twirling Proboſcis, with which it fucks the
Honey-dew from moſt Flowers, but eſpecially from Nightſhade-flowers.
Its Legs are Four, Two on each side.
If kept confined in a Box, or otherwiſe, it turns from a Fly-bat into
a long black Worm, ſuch as is found in the Earth in Potato-ground,
The BUONAVISTA CHINK.
THIS is a ſmall green fattiſh Fly, which generally feeds upon the
green Pods of Buonaviſta; and ſmells, when killed, like a Bug.
It is very deſtructive to ſeveral kinds of Pulſe.
The Pond-FLY., .
THI
HIS is an Inch and an half long, and of different Colours.
The Head, near the Mouth, is of a light Sea-green.
The Mouth is provided with Two Pair of Nippers, or Forcipes, with
which it deſtroys its Prey.
The Eyes, being Two, are very large, prominent, and ſhining ; and of
an oval Form.
The Head is fixed to the Body bý a very ſlender Ligament.
Its Breaſt is likewiſe very prominent, as well as the oppoſite Part of the
Back high and convex; the upper Part of which ſupports Four narrow
membranaceous Wings.
The whole Body is ftrait, about an Inch long, and ends in a forked
Tail, which is alternately fpotted with Green and Black.
It hath Six Legs, the hindermoſt by far the longeſt ; the lower Part
of each being thickly covered with ſtiff Hairs, the Extremity of each
Foot being forked.
The Wings above-mentioned are narrow, and a full Inch long ; the
Texture reſembling a Sea-feather, but infinitely finer.
The POPE-FLY.
THIS Infect is better known to the Inhabitants, by the great Deftru-
ction it cauſes in almoſt every ſort of Grain, than by its Shape; for
it fpares neither Pulſe nor Grain of any kind, if they have been for any
confiderable time gathered in.
However, in general, they reſemble a Wevil in their Make.
The Locust, called here, the Afh-coloured GRASHOPPER
THIS is about Two Inches long.
Its Eyes are black and oval.
The Head is provided with Two hairy Feelers, and is covered, as
far as the Back, with an hard unpliable Cowl, ſtreaked with Ruffet and
Black.
Its
а.
а.

Book III.
iſland of B A R BA DO S.
85
a
a
Its Wings are large, in proportion to the Body; and of a greyiſh-ruffet
Colour.
The Body is ſupported by Three Pair of Legs; the hinder, with which
he ſprings or jumps, are about Two Inches and an half long.
The Thighs, which are of a rufſet Colour, finely poliſhed, and ſtained
with black Liſts, extending lengthways, are of an hexagonal Form ;
and the Legs are elegantly ſtudded with a great many white ſmall
Prickles, ſet on, like the Teeth of a Saw, alternately, .
This Kind of Graſhopper is generally to be ſeen among the Blades of
Sugar-canes ; and, when the Guiney Corn is ripe, they feed much upon it.
The moſt ignorant and ſuperſtitious of the Inhabitants are very appre-
henſive of ſome approaching Illneſs to the Family, whenever they fly
into their Houſes in the Evening, or in the Night.
There were bred, or came to the Iſland, ſuch vaft Swarms of theſe in
the Year 17 34-5. that they deſtroyed almoſt every green tender Plant.
So great was the Deſtruction that they cauſed, eſpecially among the
Potato-Vines, upon whoſe Roots the poor People chiefly fubfift, and ſuch
the Scarcity of Food, occaſioned thereby, eſpecially in St. Philip's
Pariſh, that there was a Collection made for the Sufferers thro' the reſt of
the Iſland. Theſe differ not in their Make from the Locuſts that are to
be ſeen in the Repoſitories of the Curious.
The GREEN GRASHOPPER.
HIS is ſomewhat leſs than the Afh-coloured Graſhopper already
THI
deſcribed; but differs in no other material Circumſtance.
The BLACK-SPOTTED BUTTERFLY:
THI
'HIS is larger than any hereafter deſcribed.
Its Wings have a few pale-red and whitiſh Spots intermixed
with the Black.
The GREENISH-YELLOW BUTTERFLY.
a
THIS is about Three-quarters of an Inch long.
The Back is covered with a ſoft greeniſh Down.
The Abdomen is divided into ſeveral Annuli, or Sections, tho' ſcarce
perceivable.
Its Antenna are about half an Inch long, and its Legs Six in Number.
It hath Four very thin membranaceous Wings, covered with a fine
yellow Mealineſs.
This mealy Duſt, when viewed thro' a Microſcope, appears to be ſo
many regular Quills, feathered with the utmoſt Exactneſs and Proportion.
Z
The

86
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book III.
The Body of this, as well as of the following ones, is decked with a
Profuſion of Beauty : And all, in the Words of the great Milton,
wave their limber Fans
For Wings, and ſmalleſt Lineaments, exa&t
In all the Liv’ries deck'd of Summer's Pride,
With Spots of Gold and Purple, Azure and Green.
Should any one impertinently ask, What Uſe theſe are of in the Crea-
tion ? it may be anſwered, in the Words of the ingenious Mr. Ray, that
they are deſigned ad ornatum univerſ, & ut hominibus ſpectaculo fint ; ad
rura illuſtranda, velut tot bractea, inſervientes. Quis enim eximiam earum
pulcritudinem & varietatem contemplans mira voluptate non afficiatur ?
Quis tot colorum & fchematum elegantias naturæ ipfius ingenio excogitatas,
artificii penicillo depictas, curiofis oculis intuens, divinæ artis veſtigia eis
impreſſa non agnofcat & miretur ?
The WHITE BUTTERFLY.
THIS exactly reſembles the laſt deſcribed, in every Particular,
except its Colour
Theſe are chiefly to be ſeen flying about Ponds of ftagnated Waters
in the moſt beaten Roads.
TI
The DARK-RED BLACK-SPOTTED BUTTERFLY.
TH
T
THIS is about an Inch long, from the Head to the Tail.
Its Antenne are Three-quarters of an Inch long ; and its Two
Eyes black, round, and ſhining.
The Wings are of a dirty Red, irregularly impanelled with black
Liſts; and the Margin or Border of each Wing much darker than the
reft; and here-and-there adorned with many white Spots, as well as the
Head, Back, and Breaft.
The Abdomen is of a dark ferrugineous Colour, and compoſed of
Seven Annuli.
The CLINKER, or GULLY-BELL: .
THIS is of the Cricket-kind, and derives its Name from the tinkling
,
Noife it makes at Night, which much reſembles the ſhrill Note of
any muſical Inſtrument.
This Noiſe, which is repeated Three or Four times without ceaſing,
may, in a ftill Evening, be heard above an Hundred Yards off.
But as theſe Creatures live generally in inacceſſible Gullies, they are
very feldom, if ever, caught; and therefore their Shape is known but to
very few, much leſs the Cauſe of fo furpriſing and regular a Note.
The

Book III.
87
Trand of BARBADOS.
The LONG-SPOTTED Fly or LADY-BIRD. ou
FLY
-
ΤΗ
HIS Fly exceeds niot half an Inch in Length.
Its Back and Head are finely ſpotted with Red : The interme-
diate Spaces are of a rufſet Colour.
There is likewiſe a ſmall red Lady-bird generally to be ſeen upon
Ochra-leaves.
a
The GOLDEN LADY-BIRD.
TH
'HIS very beautiful Inſect is very feldom ſeen.
It is about the Bigneſs of the laſt deſcribed.
Its Head, Wings, and Feet are; as it were, covered with burniſhed
Gold.
The CANE-FLY.
HIS is a ſmall whitiſh Fly, with Two membranaceous Wings.
It is chiefly to be ſeen among thick-planted ripe Canes.
а.
The CORN-FLY.
THI
HIS is a ſmaller Fly than the laſt, and is to be ſeen hovering over
Heaps of Guiney Corn, when in the Granaries.
Its Colour is much the fame as that of the laſt-mentioned.
The MUSCHETTO-FLY.
THIS derives its Name from Muſca, a general Name in the Latin
Language for a Fly.
Perhaps the Name of Merry-wing, applied to another Fly, from the
Noiſe it makes with its Wings, would be more properly applied to this,
if the Acceptation of the Word had not rendered it almoſt univerſal, at
leaſt among Engliſh Writers.
WE VILS.
THIS is ſo commonly found in decayed Corn and Flour in every
Part of the World, that it ſcarce deſerves a particular Deſcription.
It is a black ſcaly Fly, of near a Quarter of an Inch long.
T
The MERRY-WING.
THIS
HIS is a very minute Fly, very troubleſome, eſpecially in calm
Mornings and Evenings, to thoſe Inhabitants who live on a fandy
Soil near the Sea,
They

88
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book III.
.
They ſeem to be exactly of the ſame Species with the Gnat in England.
They ſwarm upon the Face and Hands, as well as upon every other
Part of the Skin expoſed to the Air; and almoſt in an Inſtant dart a ſmall
Proboſcis from their Mouths, and penetrate ſo deep as to draw Blood,
leaving generally an angry little Tumor behind.
As the Wind riſes, they are no more to be ſeen, except behind Doors or
Window-ſhutters, till the Return of the calm Mornings or Evenings, not
being able to ſtand againſt the Wind that blows in the Day-time.
T
Of REPTILES and INSECTS.
THE former are denominated from their creeping or crawling upon
their Bellies, either with Feet, as the Caterpillers, or without
Feet, as the Snakes and Earth-worms.
The latter are likewiſe generally divided into Aquatic and Terreſtrial.
Theſe, tho' often vile in Appearance, yet all of them, in their ſeve-
ral Ranks and Stations, proclaim aloud the Wiſdom and Power of their
Creator.
Their Variety, their Diſpoſitions, their Sagacity, their Policy, their In-
duſtry, the wonderful Proportion of their Organs, the Delicacy of their
Structure, and a Thouſand other Curioſities, obſervable in every Species,
are Matter of wonderful Delight and Pleaſure to a curious and inquiſitive
Genius : But, were we able to examine them in a nearer View ; could we
be capable of knowing all the direct Purpoſes of infinite Wiſdom in their
Creation, in the Relation they bear, and the harmonious Proportion
they ſtand in, to the univerſal Syſtem; it would afford us endleſs Matter of
Aſtoniſhment and Surprize, as well as of religious Reverence and Ado-
tation to their omnipotent Creator.
Tho' ſmall and contemptible they appear to us, they are really formed
with the moſt exquiſite Symmetry, the moſt delicate Proportion. An
attentive Eye, aſſiſted with the Uſe of Microſcopes, diſcovers in them
aſtoniſhing Marks of Wiſdom, arming, cloathing, and accommodating
them with all the Inſtruments and Faculties neceſſary to their Condition.
The SNAKE
.
W!
E have but one Species of the Snake-kind in this Iſland, of which
I have not ſeen above Seven in Seven Years.
The largeſt that I ſaw was not above Three Feet long.
They are not at all hurtful, except to young Pigeons and Poultry, or
ſmall Birds, Mice, &c.
I cannot here omit a remarkable Inſtance of Superſtition of a Negro,
with regard to one of thoſe Snakes.
A Man

Book III.
Iſland of B A R B A D O S.
89
A Man who had killed one of theſe, happened to be afflicted with the
Rheumatiſm ſoon after, eſpecially in his Arm: He then immediately con-
cluded, that it was a Puniſhment upon him for killing the Snake : He
perſuaded himſelf, that the different Degrees of Intenſeneſs of the Pain
he felt in his Arms, were exactly in proportion to the Pain he gave the
Snake. It hath been his Cuſtom ever fince, by way of Atonement, to
feed all the Snakes that come near his Hut, with ſome Offals of his Re-
paſt, and Water ; eſpecially the latter, which he daily puts in the moſt
likely Place for them to find.
The FORTY-LEGS.
"HIS takes its Name from the Number of its Feet, being every way
THI
much of the fame Make with what we call in England Multipes, or
Centipes ; but thoſe here are far larger, being ſometimes Four Inches
long.
The Back is of a dark Copper, ſcaly and jointed, the ſeveral Annuli
being equal in Number to the oppoſite Feet.
The Head is guarded with a Pair of hairy Feelers, and a ſtrong For-
ceps : This they can open or extend above a Quarter of an Inch wide,
and again cloſe it very nimbly together, either to hold its Prey, or annoy
its Enemy.
The Forty-Legs often lay above an Hundred ſmall white Eggs, which are
depoſited in an Hole in the Ground, generally under a looſe Stone : Round
thefe the Female coils herſelf, until they are hatched : If at that time ſhe
is diſturbed, ſhe immediately ſwallows her Young.
The old ones, among other things, feed upon young Cock-Roches
E
a
and Spiders.
The Bite of a Forty-Leg is very painful for at leaſt an Hour, or ſome-
times a great deal longer.
There are ſome of theſe Vermin that are ſlightly tinged with a bluiſh
Colour: Theſe are ſmaller than the above-mentioned, and more poiſonous.
The Forty-Legs in Surinam are a great deal larger than what are bred
in Barbados. Of this we may ſee an Inſtance in the Repoſitory of the
Royal Society
The INDIAN-ROOT CATERPILLER.
T
HIS Worm feeds upon the Leaves of that Plant which we call here
the Indian Root.
It is generally about Two Inches long.
Its Head is guarded with Two black ſoft Horns or Feelers, of about a
Quarter of an Inch long,
The different Annuli, or Joints of the Back, are ſtreaked with yel-
lowiſh and whitiſh Lifts. The Tail-part hath likewiſe a black Pair of
Feelers, or Horns.
This from its Aurelia-ſtate turns into a reddiſh Butterfly.
The
a
a
Аа

90
Book III.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
This is about Three-quarters of an Inch long, and of a dark-brown
The FIELD CRICKET.
--
Colour; the Head and Body cloſely joined together.
Its Two Eyes are oval and prominent.
From under theſe riſe Two half-inch long hairy Feelers.
The Abdomen is divided into many Annuli ; and from its Extremity
iſſues a Spear of half an Inch long, and on each side of it Two other
ſhorter Darts.
Its Two upper brown ſhining Wings, or rather Coverings, guard Two
other membranaceous ones.
Its Legs are Six in Number, Three on a Side ; the hinder Pair being
ſtrong, and of a great Length, in proportion to the reſt : The ſmaller
Parts of this Pair are thickly and regularly ſtudded with ſmall ſharp
Teeth, like thoſe of a Saw.
The Breaſt and Thighs are of a dark-yellowiſh Colour.
What is moſt remarkable in this kind of Cricket is, that it not only
produces its own Likeneſs from Eggs; but that it gives Birth alſo to an-
other Animal, quite different in its Nature from the Cricket itſelf: For the
ſmall wriggling Worms, which are about Seven or Eight Inches long, and
often to be ſeen in ſtanding Water, and by the Vulgar ſuppoſed to be ani-
mated Horſehair, and therefore called Horſehair Snakes ; theſe are evi-
dently propagated by Crickets ; ſince they are found in them, and have
been often obſerved to be voided by them (when fit to ſhift for themſelves)
thro' the Anus: Theſe afterwards are cheriſhed by the Heat of the Sun,
and
grow
to the Length above-mentioned, and I ſuppoſe lay Eggs before
they die.
Theſe may be, and, in all Probability, are, picked up by the Crickets,
whoſe Bodies prove a proper Nidus for them : By this very furpriſing
foſtering Care is this Species preſerved.
Theſe Crickets are generally to be met with under looſe Stones, and
Clods of Earth ; and are much coveted by Poultry of every Kind.
TH
The ASH-COLOURED, or SICKLY CRICKET.
'HIS is near One-third larger, eſpecially in the Length of its Legs,
than either the Field, or the Houſe-Cricket; and, if purſued, ſecures
itſelf more by running, than by taking ſtarting Leaps, which is always the
Refuge of the Two other Sorts ; tho' this, if in Danger, faves itſelf at
laſt by the fame Method.
This Kind makes a diſagreeable ſcreaking Noiſe ; and ſome of the In-
habitants are ſo weak as to believe, that, when their unwelcome Sound is
heard in their Houſes, it is an Omen of Death to ſome of the Family,
The

Book III.
91
Iſland of BARBADOS.
The HOUSE-CRICKET.
TH
"HIS differs very little, if any thing, in Shape, from the Field-Cricket
already deſcribed, except that the Noiſe it makes is loud and pur-
ring
When they make this Noiſe, I have obſerved their Poſition to be ſtand-
ing very upright upon their Legs, with their Wings extended archwiſe,
the middle Part ſwelling from their Bodies, and their Extremities touch-
ing them near the lower Part of the Abdomen.
The Fly-CATCHER.
THIS
HIS is of the Spider-kind, differing from it chiefly by a Pair of For-
cipes, which riſe from each Side of the Neck.
It hath Four Legs on each side.
They jump or dart forward often full Ten Inches, to ſeize the Flies,
which are their Prey.
The HOUSE-SPIDER.
T
HIS is a dark-brown hairy Spider, having a large Head joined to
the Abdomen by a ſlender Ligament.
The Body is ſupported by Eight Legs; the Two foremoſt extending
above Two Inches afunder.
Near the Mouth come out Two ſhort, tho' ſtrong, Feelers.
It carries its Young in a white ſmall Bag under its Belly.
Tho' the Sight of theſe Spiders is not agreeable ; yet are they ſervice-
able in Houſes, by deſtroying Cock-Roches, which are both offen-
five by their Smell, and deſtructive to Victuals, Cloaths, and Books.
song abod terw
The FIELD-SPIDER. Bartoftet
ra
THIS very much reſembles thoſe of the ſame Species in England.
.
The FLAT-BACK'D SPIDER.
THIS, in the Number of its Legs, and the Make of its Forceps, re-
ſembles the Italian Tarantula; differing chiefly in the Number of its
Eyes, which in the latter are Eight, in the former Two.
The Bite of this is very near as painful as the Stinging of the Surinam
Scorpion, cauſing an immediate Swelling, with acute throbbing Pain,
which continues for ſeveral Hours without Intermiffion.
The GOLDEN SPIDER.
THIS
HIS is called the Golden Spider, from the bright Gold-colour Liſts,
with which its Legs, and ſome Part of the Body, are marked.
It

92
Book III.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
It ſpins its Web in the open Air, generally, among the Branches of the
large American Torch-thiſtle.
The SLENDER-LEGG'D SPIDER.
HIS ſpins a Web, and very much reſembles that ſo often found
among Hay or Stubble-ground in England, in Harveft-time.
a
a
The Pot A TO-LOUSE.
HIS is a ſmall reddiſh Inſect, ſcarce perceptible to the naked Eye:
Yet, when viewed thro' a Microſcope, it is evident, that its exter-
nal and internal Parts, whether we conſider the Diſpoſition of its Limbs,
or the curious inward Fabric of its Heart, Lungs, Veins, and Arteries, are
as regular, and as perfect, as the largeſt Elephant, or the huge Leviathan.
Had Pliny known the Uſe of Microſcopes, with what greater Juſtice,
Surprize, and Admiration, would he have faid, In magnis fiquidem corpo-
ribus facilis officina ſequaci materia fuit : in his tam parvis, atq; tam nullis,
qua ratio, quanta vis, quam inexplicabilis perfetio (5) !
The INDIAN CORN-WORM.
TH
HIS is a ſhort thick Worm, preying upon the Pith in the Inſide
of the Stalk, and by this means rendering the Ear at the Top very
imperfect, having ſcarce any Grain on it.
a
The EARTH-WORM.
an Inch.
а.
TH
HIS differs, at leaſt to the naked Eye, in nothing from the Earth-
Worms in England.
The GROUND-Ass, or the LION-PISMIRE.
THIS is of the Colour of an Hog-Louſe; in Length about a Quarter of
The Back is convex, not ill reſembling the Back of a Tortoiſe in
Miniature ; but ſomewhat longer in proportion.
The Head is ſmall and long, when compared to the Bulk of the Body.
This is ſupported by Six Legs, the Pair next the Shoulder being the
longeſt.
What is moſt remarkable in this Animal, is its Motion, which is always
retrograde ; and this not by walking, but by quick Starts, ſpringing back.
Theſe generally live in very looſe Duſt or Sand, under Logs of Wood
of ſuch Coverings : In theſe Places they artfully make a circular Hole of
about
(5) Pliny, Lib. XI. Cap. II.
a

Book III. Eſland of BARBADOS.
93
а.
about an Inch Diameter, of a Funnel-Shape; in the Centre of which
this Creature lies unſeen, watchfully waiting for his Prey.
As ſoon as an Ant, or ſometimes a Fly, walks upon or near the cir-
cular Brink of this Hole, the Lion-Piſmire either ſees his Prey, or more
probably hath Notice of it, by fome Grains of Duſt falling to the Centre:
He then, by a ſudden Start, at the Bottom, undermines the duſty Sides of
the whole Fabric: Then the Prey upon the Brink falls precipitately, with
the falling Duſt of this ſhelving Funnel, into the Centre : Whilſt the Prey
is thus immerſed in Duſt, he ceaſes his Work, and devours it; and foon
after repairs to his Cell, and lies concealed like a Spider in the Centre of
it, till the next Prey calls him forth to repeat his unhoſpitable Talents.
This Animal is well deſcribed in Spectacle de la Nature.
THE
The WOOD-ANTS.
HE Wood-Ants are the moſt pernicious of all others, being ſo
very
deſtructive to Timber of moſt forts, that, if not prevented,
they will in a few Years time deſtroy the whole Roof of an Houſe, eſpeci-
ally if it be foft Timber.
They have likewiſe cauſed great Loſſes to Shopkeepers, by boring
Holes thro' whole Bales of Linen, as well as Woolen Cloths.
They are very expeditious in building their Neſts, which are long hol-
low Tubes, the Outſide being an Incruſtation of a gritty clayey Matter.
The Method of deſtroying them is, to make a ſmall Hole near the up-
per End of the Neſts, and pour into it a little Arſenic, which generally
kills thoſe that are preſent; and the reſt, that follow, eat up the Carcaſes
of the ſlain, and almoſt inſtantly ſwell, burſt, and die.
or
The GREAT-HEADED ANT.
THE
HE Head of this (which is joined to the Body by a ſmall Ligature)
is
very large, in proportion to the Bulk of the Body.
It no-way differs from the laſt deſcribed, but by the Bigneſs of its Head,
from whence it derived its Name.
а
.
The SMALL RED ANT.
THIS
HIS is a very ſmall Ant: Yet the Part of the Skin it bites conti-
nues painful for near Four Hours afterwards.
If theſe are likewiſe killed, and rubbed upon the Skin, they raiſe a Bliſter.
The Bodies of theſe Ants are thickly covered with ſharp fine-pointed
Briſtles, imperceptible to the naked Eye.
THIS
The STINGING ANT.
HIS appears to be the ſame with what is to be ſeen in England in
the Summer Seaſon in moft Pafture-Lands.
Bb
The

94
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book III.
U
be
À
The HORSE-ANT.
THI
HIS is the largeſt-ſized Ant, and is often to be met with both
within and without Doors ; and hath nothing peculiar in its Make
or Qualities.
The SUGAR-ANT.
THIS is a ſmall whitiſh Ant, very fond of Sugar, or any ſweet and
oily Liquids; and conſequently very troubleſome to good Houſe-
;
wives, it being difficult to keep them from every kind of Vi&uals. .
Donato
sono
The WINGED ANT.
THO' there are ſcarce any Neſts of Ants of any kind but have ſome
--060 winged Ants among them, which are eſteemed the She-Ants
yet, when we ſpeak of theſe as diſtinct from the ſeveral other already de-
ſcribed, we may obſerve, that they generally live under-ground, and are
ſeldom ſeen to come out of their Holes but in rainy Weather.
Suicide S 19
ugh hineid on
The LAND-SNAIL.
THESE are generally of an Ath-colour, or black: The latter is rather
a Diſtinction of Age than Species.
Theſe are chiefly to be ſeen among green Herbage, eſpecially Potato-
Sin The SMALL SPIRAL SNAIL.
are not above half an Inch long, very lender, and ſharp-
pointed.
The Colour of the Shell is of a rufſet Grey,
They are often found cleaving to the Bark of large Cotton-trees.
To The DUNG-SNAIL.
THESE are very ſmall
, and reſemble, in Appearance, a flat cruſty
Wart, or ſome ſuch Excreſcence.
The ſmall Part is very ſoft, when compared to any other of the Snail-
kind.
The Inſide likewiſe is of a tough, reddiſh, Jelly-like Conſiſtence.
They ſtick to, feed upon, and thus deſtroy, ſeveral kinds of ſucculent
Vines, eſpecially the Granadillo-Vines.
Vines.
THESE
.
a
HAVING now taken a View of the Brute-Animal Part
of the Crea-
tion, let us turn our Thoughts to the great Author of all Beings ;
and gratefully acknowlege his Bounty, in making Man the Lord over
the Whole: Let us admire that Wiſdom, which is always preſent to every
one of them, fupports and governs them.
And

Book III. Iſland of BARBADOS. .
95
rel
And left, upon Compariſon with their ſuppoſed Meanneſs, we ſhould
think too highly of our own Knowlege ; left our ſcanty Portion of Wif-
dom and Power make us vain ; let us make a Compariſon between our-
ſelves and our Creator.
After this Survey we ſhall find very little Occaſion of Boaſting; we
ſhall find, that our greateſt Knowlege is but ſplendid Ignorance; and
that we ſee no farther than the Surface and the Outſide of Things, as
directed by the general Laws of Motion. All beyond this is mere Gueſs-
work, Conjecture, and Uncertainty.
Let the wiſeft Man go out of himſelf, and ſurvey the immenſe Extent
of Nature, the Variety of its Works, the Regularity of its Motions, and
the Harmony of Providence ; and let him ſeriouſly pronounce, how little
is his real Knowlege, how great his Ignorance !
Let him take a Proſpect of the vaſt Dimenſions of thoſe aſtoniſhing
Heaps of Matter, that lie within the Reach of his Senſes : Let him con-
ſider the ſtupendous Motion that agitates the vaſt Maſs of Matter, and
whirls about the numberleſs Bodies, that take their Courſes thro' the un-
meaſurable Space ; and carry his Thoughts into that Immenſity, where
Imagination itſelf can find no Limits : Let him conſider that infinite
Duration, which is before and after him ; and, finding his own Life in-
cluded in it, let him obſerve the little Scantling of it, that falls to his
Share.
ooonile
It is juſt to acknowlege (what hath been undeſignedly omitted), that
fome of the above Reflections, as well as Part of thoſe in Page 88. are
owing to the learned Mr. Hildrop's Works.
spode mat ons GHT
Berlar to woo AT
o bucol to 915 vedt
The End of the THIRD Book.
Wanita BHT
baino
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a legate
ell as O ENSAI
Sebo
mais
ab ogged THE

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Acadiation
pacitonealdaarib
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भाजीulouTER
an

T H E
NATURAL HISTORY
OF THE
Iſland
Inand of BARBADOS.
ОЇ
BOOK IV.
. Of VEGETABLES.
N treating of theſe uſeful and beautiful Parts of the
Creation, I ſhall take particular Notice of ſuch as
are curious in their Make, or uſeful in their Phyſi-
cal, or other remarkable Qualities: And when I am
I
obliged to differ materially, or circumſtantially,
from other Writers, it is with no other View but
that of diſcovering the Truth ; and after the joint
laborious Inquiries of the paſt, as well as the pre-
fent Age, into fo extenſive a Subject, we may ſtill
ſay with Seneca, Multa venientis ævi populus ignota nobis ſciet. Multa ſe-
culis tunc, cum memoria noſtri exoleverit, refervantur ; i. e. “Many are thoſe
“ Secrets which are hid in Obſcurity from the preſent Age, and are reſerved
to bleſs Pofterity with their Diſcoveries.”
In our Inquiries into this Part of the Creation, we ſhall be entertained
with an agreeable Mixture of Knowlege, Profit, and Pleaſure. We ſhall
сс
find
e.
<C

98
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IV.
find every Individual replete with unerring Deſign, Elegancy, and Wif-
dom, each contributing to the Harmony of the Whole.
The Eye is raviſhed with beholding the majeſtic Height, and agreeable
Verdure, of ſome ; whilſt the Flowers of others delight us with their Pro-
fuſion of Sweets, and varied Beauties : “ And, (6) could our Eyes attain
" to the Sight of the admirable Texture of the Parts, on which the ſpe-
“ cific Difference in Plants depends, what an amazing and beautiful Scene
“ of inimitable Embroidery ſhould we behold! What Variety of maſterly
“ Strokes of Machinery! What evident Marks of conſummate Wiſdom
" ſhould we be entertained with! The little that we do know of their
« Make and Structure is ſurpriſing !”
What Power leſs than Divine could provide them with ſuch Number
and Variety of Veſſels, endued with dilating and contracting Qualities,
capable, by Expanſion, to give room to the excrementitious Juices to fly
off, and by Contraction to force back their remaining unconcocted Parts
to be purified by a farther Circulation and Secretion!
How greatly are we at a Loſs, even to conjecture, much more explain,
how an Aloe-Plant, and a Sugar-Cane, tho' planted in the fame Tub of
Earth, and abſorbing the ſame common Juices; yet each ſhall concoct
theſe Juices, ſo as to render them ſuitable to their reſpective Natures ;
the one producing a very ſweet, the other the moſt bitter of Juices !
If from the amazing Structure, and inimitable Beauty, of Plants, we
explore their other Uſes, we ſhall find their great Author's Bounty, not,
like the Patriarch’s, confined to one Bleſſing, but as boundleſs as the
World: Theſe are not only pleaſant to the Eye, but good for Food.
The Delicacy and Poignancy of their Fruits, the Fragrancy of their Gums,
Oils, and Balſams, their healing Qualities, and the grateful Taſte of their
Juices in Liquors---all proclaim, that theſe are thy Works, O God! and
convince us, that in Wiſdom thou haſt made them all.
As this Treatiſe, with regard to Vegetables, is confined within a narrow
Sphere, it cannot be ſuppoſed to compriſe Rules for a regular Syſtem of
Botany ; nor doth it therefore require me to deſcend to every minute Cir-
cumſtance neceſſary, and expected only to be expatiated upon by thoſe
who undertake to write Botanic Syſtems.
The Method I have taken, in claſſing the Plants by their Fruits, is, I
hope, the ſhorteſt and plaineſt, and conſequently the eaſieſt to be under-
ſtood by common Readers.
It would perhaps ſeem an invidious Task every-where to particularize
many of thoſe leffer Circumſtances, wherein I am obliged to differ from
other Authors. Mr. Miller, of Chelſea, as far as he hath feen our Weft-
India Plants, hath deſcribed them with gréat Judgment and Accuracy.
As to my Weft-India Readers ; when theſe ſhall compare my Deſcrip-
tions with the Originals, they muſt do me and themſelves the Juſtice to
chooſe Specimens from perfect Plants, growing in ſuch a Situation as they
naturally love : For the fame Species of Plants, which would flouriſh, and
grow
(6) Vide Dr. Hale's Veget. Stat.
e
a

Book IV. Iſland of B A R BA DO S.
99
grow luxuriant, in a particular Soil, or in the Shade, might perhaps be
ſcarce kept alive, if too much expoſed to the Sun, or unnaturally ſituated :
Nor are Specimens from Hot-houſes in cold Climates to be depended
upon ; for the Inconftancy of artificial Heat, cauſing ſudden Tranſitions
from the required natural Degree of Heat to unnatural Cold, frequently
occaſions great Alterations in them. This, among many other Inſtances,
may be clearly ſeen in the irregular Growth of the American Torch in
moft Green-houſes.
And, indeed, after all our Accuracy, it muſt be owned, that as the
Growth of Plants depends ſo much, even in their natural Climates, upon
the different and uncertain Seaſons of the Year, it would be more raſh
than judicious to pretend abſolutely to aſcertain the determinate Size of
the Leaves, or the exact Growth of any Species of Plants.
Nor is the Colour of the fame Plant always the ſame. Thus the
young Leaves of the Sea-fide Grape are intirely red; but, when old, alto-
gether green, except the middle and tranſverſe Ribs.
It will likewiſe be of Uſe to obſerve, that as, in the Infancy of ſettling this
Iſland, Caprice and Chance had a greater Share, than Botanic Skill and
Judgment, in impoſing Names upon our Vegetables ; ſeveral of our
Plants have many and different Names in different Parts of the Iſland.
With this Caution to my Readers, I ſhall, I hope, not only myſelf
eſcape the Charge of Omiſſions, but they will likewiſe avoid that Con-
fuſion, which would otherwiſe, in the Courſe of this Work, be almoſt un-
avoidable.
As to our ſeveral Trees, Shrubs, and Plants, that abound with Oil,
Gums, or Balſams; the curious Inquirer muſt likewiſe take Notice, that
theſe, generally ſpeaking, are not to be expected but from Vegetables
that are full-grown, and at particular Seaſons of the Year.
After all my expenſive Care and Trouble, and a ſtrict Attachment to
Truth in all my Obſervations ; yet I make no doubt but this Treatiſe
hath many unavoidable Imperfections. For, to ſpeak with the Poet,
Whoever thinks a faultleſs Piece to ſee,
Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, nor e'er ſhall be .
Pope's Eſſay on Crit.

ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ,
20 ore
ਉਸ ,

Book IV.
fot
The Natural Hiſtory, &c.
a
а
a
Of NUCIFEROUS TREES, SHRUBS, and PLANTS.
T
HO' theſe are not generally eſteemed among the moſt delicious
Fruits ; yet the Kernels of many of them are not only agreeable
to the Taſte, but valuable alſo for the great Quantity of Oil they afford
;
nor are they deſigned for the Uſe of Man only, but likewiſe to be the moſt
common, and almoſt the peculiar Food of a certain Species of (1) Animals.
Thoſe who think meanly of this, or any Part of the Creation, are ge-
nerally Men of narrow Conceptions, and ſcanty Knowlege, which barely
skims over the Surface of Things
Hence ariſes that partial Judgment, which would confine the Good-
neſs of God, as the (2) Syrians of old would his Power, within narrow
and local Bounds.
Theſe ſhort-fighted Obſervers conſider not, that the Chain, of which
they ſee but a Part, reaches to the Ends of the Earth.
When we extend our Views, and give our Inquiries a greater Scope,
the more will our Ideas be inlarged, when we find the common Father
of All, every-where preſent; pouring forth his Bleſſings with a bounti-
ful Profuſion; then every diſtinct Part, which we had before inadvert-
ently looked upon as mean and trivial, will gradually riſe in our Eſteem,
and
appear in its native Beauty,
For Inſtance; Let an Inhabitant of a Northern Climate, where theſe
Fruits we are treating of, are not very inviting to the Palate, trace the
different Species of this kind into other Regions, growing under the be-
nign Influence of a warmer Sun; let him examine the various Species
which the lofty Palms alone produce, and he will find them no leſs nume-
rous than uſeful, till he comes at laſt to the moſt remarkable and valuable
of all others, the Coco-nut.
When he fees and conſiders the admirable Texture of the Whole of this
ſurpriſing Fruit, eſpecially the thick husky Covering with which it is ćaſed,
to prevent the piercing Rays of the Sun from abſorbing the limpid Water
it contains, ſo grateful to Man, and ſo neceſſary to give Riſe and Nouriſh-
ment to its delicious Kernel : This, and its Growth, will appear ſtill more
wonderful, as well as more replete with Wiſdom and Goodneſs; eſpecially
when he confiders the Situation of thoſe Countries, and the Soil wherein
they generally grow ; and how great will his Admiration be, when he
finds, that Providence hath ordained theſe to thrive and flouriſh in the
moſt barren and ſandy Deſarts of Ethiopia, Africa, and Arabia, where
Nature denies almoſt every other Herbage!
Let us likewiſe (at leaſt in Imagination) follow our Fellow-Creatures the
Inhabitants of theſe Climates ; let us fanfy we view the fainting Traveller
paſſing thro' theſe inhoſpitable Deſarts, where neither a grateful Verdure
chears the Eye, nor the Murmurs of even a diſtant Stream the Ear; view him
hungry and thirſty, doubting, murmuring, and almoſt ſaying aloud with
the Iſraelites, Can God find Food in the Wilderneſs ? when, on a ſudden,
fome intervening Hillock is paſt, which forbad the pleaſing Proſpect; a
(1) Squirrels. (2) Kings xx. 23.
thick
* D d

102
Book IV
The Natural Hiſtory, ,
&c.
thick Grove of theſe Trees appears. The Beauty of their grateful Verdure,
their waving Foliage, and the cool Shade which they promiſe, infuſe freſh
Vigour ; a few Moments more he is reclined under its welcome Shade,
and there refreſhed with the moſt delightful Viands theſe Nuts afford.
Thus, as in the reſpective Stages of human Life, Providence hath pro-
vided Pleaſures and Enjoyments ſuitable to every diſtinct Period of it; ſo
in every Climate the fame unerring Hand hath adapted to each, by Weight
and Meaſure, its proper peculiar Advantages, generally far overbalancing
its Inconveniencies.
If Egypt is denied the refreſhing Rains ; the Nile fupplies that ſeeming
Want: If Palæſtine is not bleſſed with ſuch a providential Alotment; yet
its Hills and Valleys copiouſly drink of the Dew of Heaven : The Hills, by
their high Summits, arreſt the paſſing Clouds, and cauſe them to deſcend
on the Valleys in the former and the latter Rain.
Where dreary Deſarts deny Support to the generous Horſe, there the la-
borious Camel, patient of great Labour, and long Thirſt, is adapted by
Nature to bear the Wants and Fatigues of Journeys thro' ſuch Sun-burnt
Regions.
In ſhort, were we capable of taking a general Survey of the Face of
Nature, we ſhould find that Providence hath enriched every Climate with
,
Bleſſings peculiar to itſelf, and adapted to the Neceſſities of its Inhabitants;
and for this Reaſon we may conclude, that the Abundance of Coco Nut-
trees found in this Iſland, and ſuch Places, was graciouſly calculated and
intended for the Comfort and Refreſhment of thoſe whom Providence
hath there placed.
:
one Side.
The DATE-TREE.
TH
HIS Tree grows to a conſiderable Height, often Fifty Feet.
Its Leaves much reſemble thoſe of the Cabbage-tree; but their
Pinnæ are harder, and aculeated.
The Branches, as well as the Spines or middle Ribs of the Leaves, are
guarded with Three-inch-long triangular Prickles, always chanelled on
The ſtraiteſt and youngeſt Branches which grow near the Summit of
the Tree, are much uſed here by the Jews, upon their Feaſt of the Taber-
nacles : Theſe they uſually gild, and adorn them with various Flowers, and
then
carry them in Proceſſion to their Synagogue. Whether this is the
fame kind of Palm that was uſed by the Iſraelites, we know not, or whether
it is not here ſuccedaneouſly uſed as bearing the neareſt Reſemblance
to it. The Branches are ſet on ſquammatim, leaving, when they fall
, very
deep Impreſſions upon the Trunk.
The Dates grow in large ſpiral Cluſters, about the Bigneſs and Shape
of a middling Olive; but never come to the Perfection here of being eatable;
for they have a very auſtere and acerb Taſte; yet the Swine feed upon them
greedily : This crude rough Acidity of the Fruit fhews, that they have a
great deal of effential Salts.
THE
:

Book IV.
103
The Natural Hiſtory of, &c.
Τ Η Ε
Coco NUT-TREE ; Lat. PALMA NUCIFERA.
.
EROR
WHY
ar
T
HO' every Part of this Tree, either in its Make or Uſe, is
ftamped with ſo many evident Signatures of Divine Wiſdom,
as to make it juſtly the Object of our Admiration ; yet, in
deſcribing it, we ought not to add to it (as moft Writers
have done) pretended Qualities; and Excellencies foreign
to its Nature.
For as the Light of the Sun cannot be heightened by that of a Candle,
ſo neither can the perfect Works of God require the Aid of our weak,
much leſs falſe Embelliſhments, to ſet them forth in a ſtronger and more
advantageous Light, left he ſhould ſay unto us, Who requireth this Thing
а
at your Hand?
>
As the ingenious Mr. Ray was one of the firſt Perſons of Character
who was impoſed upon, moſt other Authors fince his Time, depending
upon
his Deſcription, have repreſented this Tree as actually capable of,
and really producing, Bread, Water, Wine, Vinegar, Brandy, Oil, Honey,
Cups, Spoons, Beſoms, Mafts, Nails, Needles, and Covering for Houſes.
But, ſince many of theſe Qualities are merely chimerical, I ſhall endea-
vour to deſcribe this Tree according to its outward Appearance, and real
Properties.
Its Roots are many, very much reſembling, in Colour, Make, Texture,
and Extent, thoſe of the Cabbage-tree, being very ſmall, and many in
Number.
The Trunk of this likewiſe ſomewhat reſembles the former, having
near the Top, ſurrounding the Heart of the Tree, many Flakes of that
eatable Cabbage-like Subſtance.
But the Body of this Tree hath no Claim to a juſt Proportion in
Growth, being often near as thick at Thirty Feet high, as it is within Three
Feet from the Ground ; and it generally leans one way or another,
occaſioned, in ſome meaſure, by the great Weight of Nuts it fuſtains
whilft young, which determines the bending of the Tree, which Side
D d
foever

IQ4
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book IV.
.
ele
a
ſoever they project ; and, if likewiſe they grow upon the Brink of a Pond,
the Trunk of ſuch Trees always bend towards the Water.
Some of them grow to Sixty Feet high.
The Bark is more deeply pitted by the Veſtigia of the fallen-off
Branches, than that of the Cabbage-tree.
There is likewiſe this very remarkable Difference: That this keeps its
Aſh-colour Bark to the very Place where the Branches begin ; the other,
as hereafter deſcribed, always diſcovers the Space of near Five Feet, of a
beautiful deep Green, between the Aſh-coloured Bark, and the Part where
the Branches begin: The lowermoft Branches likewiſe in a Cabbage-tree
expand almoſt horizontally; whereas thoſe of a Coco Nut-tree bend
more wavingly and irregular.
The Branches come to their full Growth in about Three Months, and
are, in a flouriſhing Tree, about Twenty-eight in Number.
Every Branch hath a great Number of pennated Leaves : Theſe are
of different Size, the largeſt always near the Trunk, the reſt growing leſs
towards the Extremity of the Branches : The former are often near Three
Feet long, and reſemble
, in their Make, thoſe of the Cabbage-tree, except
that they want thoſe ſtrong Thread-like Filaments, which the Cabbage-
leaves afford.
And as the Branches of the Coco Nut-tree are often about Fifteen Feet
long, they would be liable to be broken down by high Winds, eſpecially
thoſe that are preſſed upon by the Weight of the large Bunches of Coco
Nuts. Indulgent Nature hath therefore fortified and wrapped the Foot-
ftalks of every Branch with a ſtrong, cloſe-woven, reticulated, web-like
Subſtance ariſing from the Tree. This Subſtance is of a reddiſh Colour.
What is farther remarkable in this is, that it becomes peculiarly
adapted to the different Growth of the Branches ; for, as theſe increaſe
in their Growth, by eaſy gentle Degrees, this Web, tho' of a very ſtrong
Conſiſtence, is yet fo elaſtic and pliable, that, growing with the Branch,
it never prevents its Growth by too cloſe a Bandage, nor ſuffers it to be
liable to the Injuries of Storms by too lax a Stricture.
This Contrivance of Nature (if I may uſe fo low an Expreſſion) is not
only curious in its web-like Make ; but, being often a Foot and an half
long, may, where extreme Neceſſity calls for ſuch Shifts, be capable of
being ſewed together, and made into a kind of Garment, which would
at leaſt keep off the Heat of the Sun : And this is the moſt probable
Pretenſion the Writers of Wonders have, to ſay that this Tree affords
Cloaths.
As to its being fit for Maſts of Veſſels; this is a moſt prepoſterous Sup-
poſition, or rather an Impoſition upon Mankind; for, without being
well verſed in Sea Affairs, every one is ſenſible, that a Maft of any Veſſel
ought to be, and always is, made tapering from the Bottom to the Top;
whereas this Tree is, for the moſt part, almoſt as thick at the ſetting on
of the Leaves, as it is near the Ground : And as the Inſide is ſoft and
pithy,
а.
.
С
a
a

Book IV. Iſland of BARBADOS.
105
as this.
:
on the
a
а.
pithy, and its whole Strength conſiſting in the outward ſtrong ligneous
Part, which is not above Two Inches thick; this prevents the Poſſibility
of its being made tapering by the Uſe of Tools.no
As to many other of its pretended Qualities, they are as groundleſs
Foto
But to return to my Subject : This Tree, if planted in a rich ſandy
Soil, will begin to bear Fruit in the Fourth or Fifth Year ; fometimes not
ſo ſoon, if the Soil and Situation are not indulgent to it.
Its firſt Appearance of bearing Fruit is a ligneous, pod-like, husky
Spatha, of about Two Feet long, and about Three Inches broad, narrower
towards its Footſtalk than towards its Extremity. The Whole is of a
browniſh Green on the Outſide, and white within: It comes to its full
Growth in Three Months from its firſt Appearance.
As the Foot-ſtalk is continued thro' this husky Spatha, there it wreaths
and twines itſelf, as well as its partitional ſurrounding Twigs, into many
Bendings. When the Spatha comes to its Maturity, it burſts in the Middle,
upper Side ; and the incloſed Twigs appear thick-ſet with pale-
:
white Flowers, inclinable to a yellow Colour.
Each of theſe are compoſed of Three rigid ſharp-pointed Leaves.
From the Middle of theſe riſe Six yellow Stamnia, with a ſhort whitiſh
Style, cleft at the Top into Three Parts : Theſe Flowers have a weak
faint Smell; and, in about Five Days from their firſt Appearance, they
fall to the Ground : Then the Nuts, by degrees, are formed : Theſe, when
young, are round, and their Shell of a ſoft Texture. The outward husky
Covering is of a ſomewhat reddiſh Colour ; each Nut round the Foot-
ftalk being cloſely embraced with the Calyx, which is compoſed of many
ftiff roundiſh Leaves, which cloſely ſtick to the Nut, like ſo many lami-
nated Scales.
borbotte
The Cavity in the Nut, whilft thus young, is narrow and ſmall, grow-
ing both larger and rounder with Age.
Each Nut, on the Part next the Stem, hath in it Three Holes clofely
ſtopped ; one of theſe being both wider, and more eaſily penetrated, than
the reſt : From this, when the Nut is planted, riſes the Germen, or young
Tree: Thro' theſe Holes likewiſe is the Water copiouſly diſtilled into the
Nut from the Roots of the Tree. This is evident from the Saltneſs of
the Liquor in theſe Nuts, if the Tree grows near a brackiſh Spring ; but,
if they are planted in an agreeable Soil, the more fandy and looſe, the
better. The Water in young Nuts, from ſuch Trees, is very limpid, and
extremely ſweet.
When the Kernel begins to grow, it incruſts the Inſide of the Nut in
a bluiſh jelly-like Subſtance : As this grows harder, the incloſed Liquid
becomes ſomewhat acid, but ſtill of a ſweetiſh agreeable Taſte, and far
more palatable than any Mixture of theſe Two Ingredients from the beſt
of Artiſts.
As
a
•

106
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IV.
a
happens
:
As the Nut ripens, the Kernel becomes ftill more ſolid; and lines at
laſt the whole Inſide of the Nut for above a Quarter of an Inch thick as
white as Snow, and of the Flavour of an Almond.
Theſe Nuts, when at their full Growth, which they generally are in
Six Months after their firſt Appearance, contain from half a Pint to fome-
times above a Pint of the above-mentioned Liquor.
In about Three Months after the Kernel is in its full Perfection, the
husky or outward Coat of the Nut, in a ſhort time, begins to be
ſomewhat ſhriveled ; and the Nut ſoon after falls from the Tree. This
in the Tenth Month from its firſt Appearance.
In this Stage the whole Fruit is of a blunt oblong Shape, near, and often
above, a Foot in Length, and otherwiſe proportionable : The Outſide is
likewiſe bluntly marked in a triangular manner : The husky Part, which
covers the Nut, for near an Inch thick, is of a pale Brown on the Sur-
face, and of a reddiſh Colour within. This conſiſts of ſo many ſtrong
ſtringy Filaments running lengthwiſe, that it is not without Difficulty
ſeparated from the Nut; but when taken off, and cleared of the inter-
mixed pithy Subſtance, it then reſembles coarſe Oakum; and it is ſo called
by moſt Authors, and may perhaps, in Caſes of Neceſſity, be uſed as ſuch.
The Nut likewiſe, when cleared of its husky Tegument, appears
ſlightly marked on the Outſide with Three Sutures, the whole Nut being
of a blackiſh Colour.
If theſe are planted, the Kernel will
, ſome time after, firſt bud, and
ramify, and fill the whole Cavity of the Nut; and then ſhoot out at the
above-mentioned Hole in the Top, and ſoon appear atove-ground in Two
narrow Leaves.
As the Kernels of moſt Nuts are more or leſs pregnant with Oil, it
will perhaps be here worth obſerving, that tho' Oils in general, when in
the common Way extracted, are not miſcible with Water; yet they may
be brought to mingle with it in the Form of Cream.
For Inſtance; Let any Quantity of Coco Nut-kernel be pounded in a
Mortar, with a Quantity of Water ſufficient to penetrate into the broken
Interſtices of the Kernel : This, being again mixed with a great Quantity
of Water, and ſuffered to ſettle for a few Hours, will neceſſary contract
a white creamy Subſtance upon the Surface, in which Form the Oil then
appears.
Its Parts, by being thus pounded, and abſorbed in the branny Subſtance
of the Kernel, and mixt with Water, are rendered too ſmall to cohere,
and to form viſible Drops.
On the other hand, if the Oil, drawn from the Kernel by Expreſſion,
be ſhaken ever ſo much in Water, it will almoſt inſtantaneouſly collect its
ſeparated Parts, and form itſelf into its genuine tenacious oily Drops :
Which Oil, when firſt expreſſed, is very mild, and of an infipid Taſte; but
in a few Days, unleſs kept very cool, which is ſcarce practicable in hot
Climates, it will become rancid.
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Book IV. Hand of BARBADOS .
107
a
а
The great Boerhaave obſerves, that the freſh Oil of Sweet-Almonds,
taken in a Linctus, proves an excellent Emollient, where the Fauces are
grown rough with an Angina : And yet, if the ſame ſhould be taken by
a Perſon in Health, after it had ſtood in the Heat of a Summer's Day, it
would corrode and inflame them. Add to this, that the ſweeter theſe
Oils are, when freſh, the more acrid they are, when they are old and rancid.
Hence the ſame ingenious Author obſerves, how abominable are
Almonds, Walnuts, and Piſtach-nuts, when they once become rancid ;
and how eaſily they will cauſe an Angina, and raiſe a Fever, by inflame-
ing the Throat, Oeſophagus, Stomach, and Inteſtines.
How inexcuſable therefore muſt thoſe Practitioners in Phyſic here be
who for the above Purpoſes uſe the rancid Oil of Almonds, when they
might every Day extract the beſt and ſweeteſt of Oils from the Coco
Nut-kernel!
From this ſeeming Digreſſion, concerning the Nature of Oils
, we may
proceed to obſerve, that, if the Liquor in the Nut be firſt fermented, I
make no doubt of its producing, upon Diſtillation, a ſtrong Spirit ; and
likewiſe, if a conſiderable Quantity of it were boiled for a long time, it
would probably yield a ſmall Quantity of Sugar.
This Tree is delineated in Plate III.
The BARREN Coco NUT-TREE.
THI
' HIS differs very little, if any thing, in its Shape and Texture, from
that already deſcribed : However, this never bears any Nuts, but
ån husky Subſtance only, reſembling in Shape a common Coco Nut.
Theſe are ſo rare, that I never ſaw any myſelf; but had them deſcribed
by a Perſon of great Veracity.
The CABBAGE-TREE ; Lat. PALMA MAXIMA.
THI
HIS Tree is by fome Authors called The Palmeto Royal. And well
may it be called Royal from its great Height, majeſtic Appearance,
and Beauty of its waving Foliage: Neither the tall Cedars of Lebanon,
nor any of the Trees of the Foreſt, are equal to it in Height, Beauty, or
Proportion ; ſo that it claims among Vegetables that Superiority which
Virgil gives to Rome, among the Cities of Italy :
Verum hæc tantum alias inter caput extulit urbes,
Quantum lenta ſolent inter viburna cuprefi.
.
Ecl. I.
Imperial Rome o'er other Cities tow'rs,
As lofty Cypreſs humble Shrubs o’erpow'rs.
Its Roots are innumerable, reſembling ſo many round Thongs, of a
regular determinate Bigneſs, feldom exceeding the Size of the little Finger,
Еe
but

108
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IV.
but of a great Length, penetrating ſome Yards into the Earth, eſpecially
where the Soil is ſandy, or otherwiſe porous : Theſe Roots are of a dark-
brown Colour.
morda
The Trunk jets or bulges out a little near the Ground, by which means
it hath the becoming Appearance of a ſubſtantial Baſis to ſupport its
towering Height. It is generally as ſtrait as an Arrow; and ſcarce can a
Pillar of the niceſt Order in Architecture be more regular, eſpecially when
it is of about Thirty Years Growth : And as there is a natural involuntary
Pleaſure ariſing from the Harmony of juſt geometrical Proportions, ſtrike-
ing the Eye of the moſt unskilful and ignorant Beholder, it is not ſtrange
that theſe Trees are univerſally admired.
Writers of Wonders repreſent fome of them to be Three hundred
Feet in Height : However, the higheſt in this, where they are more nu-
merous than in any of our neighbouring Iſlands, is but an Hundred and
Thirty-four Feet.
The Trunk of this, near the Earth, is about Seven Feet in Circum-
ference, the whole Body growing tapering to the Top.
The Subſtance of the Tree, for about Two or Three Inches of the Out-
fide, but within the Bark, is of a blackiſh Colour, and extremely hard
and ſolid : This ſurrounds the inner Subſtance, which is a whitiſh Pith,
intermixt with ſome ſmall Veins of a more ligneous Texture.
The Colour of the Bark much reſembles that of an Aſh-tree, and is
very. faintly clouded, at about the Diſtance of every Four or Five Inches,
with the Veſtigia of the fallen-off Branches : This Colour of the Bark
continues till within about Twenty-five or Thirty Feet of the Extremity
of the Tree: There it alters at once from an Aſh-colour to a beautiful
deep Sea-green, and continues to be of that Colour to the Top.
About Five Feet from the Beginning of the green Part upwards, the
Trunk is ſurrounded with its numerous Branches in a circular Manner ;
all the lowermoſt ſpreading horizontally with great Regularity; and the
Extremities of many of the higher Branches bend wavingly downwards,
like ſo many Plumes of Feathers.
fo
Theſe Branches, when full-grown, are Twenty Feet long, more or leſs ;
and are thickly ſet on the Trunk alternately, riſing gradually ſuperior one
to another : Their broad curved Sockets fo furround the Trunk, that the
Sight of it, whilſt among theſe, is loft, which again appears among the
very uppermoſt Branches, and is there inveloped in an upright green conic
Spire, which beautifully terminates its great Height
The above-mentioned Branches are ſomewhat round underneath, and
ſlightly grooved on the upper Side: They are likewiſe decorated with a
very great Number of green pennated Leaves : Some of theſe are near
Three Feet long, and an Inch and an half broad, growing narrower towards
their Points, as well as gradually decreaſing in Length towards the Extre-
mities of the Branches.
AS

Book IV. iſland of BARBADOS .
109
a
As there are many Thouſand Leaves upon one Tree, every Branch
bearing many Scores upon it, and every Leaf being ſet at a ſmall and
equal Diſtance from one another, the Beauty of ſuch a regular lofty Group
of waving Foliage, ſuſceptible of Motion by the moſt gentle Gale of Wind,
is not to be deſcribed.
The middle Rib, in each Leaf, is ſtrong and prominent, ſupporting it
on the under Side, the upper appearing ſmooth and ſhining. The pithy
Part of the Leaf being ſcraped off, the inſide Texture appears to be fo
many longitudinal thread-like Filaments.
Theſe, being ſpun in the ſame manner as they do Hemp, or Flax, are
uſed in making Cordage of every Kind, as well as Fiſhing-nets, which
are eſteemed ſtronger than thoſe uſually made from any other Material of
the like Nature.
It is obſerved, that the lowermoſt Branch, for the Time being, drops
monthly from the Tree, carrying with it an exfoliated circular Lamen of
the green Part of the Tree, from the Setting on of the Branches to the
Afh-colour Part, which is about Five Feet in Length, and, in Breadth, the
Circumference of the Tree at that Part. This, and the Branch to which
it is always fixed, fall together.
When the Loſs of this lower Leaf happens, then the green conic Spire,
which iſſues from among the Centre of the uppermoſt Branches, and riſes
ſuperior to all, partially burſts, and thruſts from its Side a young Branch,
which continues the uppermoſt, till another of the lowermoſt Branches
drop off : Then the Spire, the common Parent of all the Branches, ſends
forth again another Branch, fuperior in Situation to the laſt : So that the
annual Loſs of the Branches below is providentially ſupplied in this
manner by thoſe above.
The green-coloured Part of the Tree, already mentioned, differs from
the Aſh-coloured Part no leſs in Subſtance than Colour : The former, in-
ſtead of being extremely hard on the Outſide, and pithy within, is com-
poſed of ſo many Coats, or ſeparate Lamina, of a tough bark-like Sub-
ſtance of near a Quarter of an Inch thick, and ſo very cloſely wrapped
together, that they jointly compoſe and conſtitute that green Part of the
Tree.
As the lowermoſt, as well as each other higher Branch, when they ſuc-
ceſſively grow to be old, is joined by the broad Socket of its Foot-ſtalk
to this outward Coat, Lamen, or Folding, it is obſervable, that ſome time
before the lowermoft Branch is intirely withered, this green circular Coat,
which to the Eye appeared fome Days before to be a ſolid Part of the
Tree, ſlits open lengthwiſe, from the Setting on of the Branches to the Aſh-
coloured Part beneath, being about Five Feet in Length, and the Circum-
ference of the Tree in Breadth; and, peeling off, it falls with the falling
Branch to which it is joined by many ſtrong Cartilages, leaving the next
fucceeding Coat, to appear for a time as a conſtituent Part of the Tree,
till a ſucceeding withered Branch carries this off likewiſe.
Having
a

110
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IV.
Iaving felled one of theſe ſtately Trees, to examine its Make, Tex-
ture, &c. I obſerved, that the ſeveral Exfoliations of its green Part were
equal in Number to the Branches.
The Firſt, Second, Third, and ſometimes the Fourth of theſe Lamine
are green on the Outſide, and perfectly white within : All the remaining
inner Coats, or Foldings, are of a bright Lemon-colour without, and
white within.
When theſe very tough husky Exfoliations are taken off, what is called
the Cabbage, lies in many thin, ſnow-white, brittle Flakes; in Taſte
ſomething like the Kernel of an Almond, but fweeter: It is ſo full of
Oil, that a curious Obſerver may ſee ſeveral very ſmall Cells abounding
with it. Theſe Flakes are called, from ſome Reſemblance, when boiled, the
Cabbage, which then eats fomewhat ſweet and agreeable: Yet I have
always thought it the Height of Extravagancy and Luxury to fell fo ftately
a Tree, which would be an Ornament to the moſt magnificent Palace in
Europe, to gratify the Taſte of any Epicure, eſpecially as there is but a
very
ſmall part of it eatable.
What is called the Cabbage-flower, grows from that Part of the Tree
where the Aſh-coloured Trunk joins the green Part already deſcribed.
Its firſt Appearance is a green husky Spatha, growing to above Twenty
Inches long, and about Four broad ; the Inſide being full of ſmall white
ſtringy Filaments
, full of alternate protuberant Knobs, the ſmalleſt of
theſe reſembling a Fringe of coarſe white Thread knotted : Theſe are
very numerous, and take their Riſe from larger Footſtalks ; and theſe
Footſtalks likewiſe are all united to different Parts of the large Parent-
ſtalk of all.
As this husky Spatha is opened, while thus young, the farinaceous
yellow Seed, in Embryo, reſembling fine Saw-duft
, is very plentifully di-
ſperſed among theſe ſtringy Filaments, which anſwer the Uſe of Apices in
other more regular Flowers : Theſe Filaments, being cleared of this Duſt,
are pickled, and eſteemed among the beſt Pickles, either here or in
Europe.
But if this Spatha is not cut down and opened, whilft thus young ; if
it be ſuffered to continue on the Tree till it grows ripe and burſts; then
the incloſed Part, which, whilſt young and tender, is fit for pickling,
will, by that time, have acquired an additional Hardneſs, become ſoon
after ligneous, grow buſhy, conſiſting of very many ſmall Leaves, and in
time produce a great Number of ſmall oval thin-thelled Nuts, about the
Bigneſs of unhusked Coffee-berries : Theſe, being planted, produce
young Cabbage-trees.
The greateſt Number of theſe Trees uncultivated, are in Mrs. Alleyne's
Wood, in that part of the Iſland called Scotland ; at Mr. Holder's, and
at Codrington's-College ; and by far the longeſt planted Walk is at Mr.
Ball's Eſtate, commonly called Farmer's Plantation in St. Thomas's Pariſh:
But the moſt regular in Growth, Proportion, and Beauty, either in this
Iſland,

ap
anddo
dala
berbal
aktor
ne bi voltar
har odoma bahan
big
.
GE
be

Plate IV.
p. 111.
POBRE
OLIQUI MA
COSTO
UN
UNUT
ENSE
ĐIỆN
ICH
To His Royal Highness
.
OFREDERICK
Prince of SSales
.
This Plate is moft-humbliyefuforibed
c
9. D. Gret. delin is fuis

Book IV. Iſland of BARBADOS.
ift
Iſland, or perhaps in the World, is a ſmall Walk at the Eſtate of Mrs:
Warren, at the Black-Rock; and another, tho' much inferior to it, at the
Eſtate of Joſeph Terril
, Eſq; in St. Lucy's Pariſh.
It is obſerved, that when theſe ſtately Trees are felled, either inten-
tionally, or by the Violence of the Wind, there breeds in the Pith of the
Trunk a kind of Worms, or Grubs, about the Size and Length of the
firſt Joints of the Thumbs : Theſe are eaten, and eſteemed great Delica-
cies, by the French of the neighbouring Inands:
Theſe Trees grow on the Tops of Hills, as well as in Valleys. The
hard outſide Part makes very durable Laths for Houſes.
This beautiful Tree is delineated in Plate IV.
THIS
The ſmall CABBAGE-TRE E.
even at its greateſt Growth, is far leſs than the Cabbage-tree
already deſcribed, having likewiſe the green Part, near the Top, much
leſs in proportion to its Bulk, than the former ; and the Spatha likewiſe
is fomewhat redder.
As the Trunks of theſe Trees are ſo convenient to make long and
durable Pipes, or Gutters, to convey Water, and other Liquids, from one
Building to another, there are ſcarce any of them left growing in the
whole Iſland.
The PALM OIL-TREE; Lat. PALMA OLEOSA.
THIS grows about Fifty Feet high, .
Its Roots much reſemble thoſe of the Cabbage, or Coco Nut-tree.
The Trunk is leſs tapering than the former, but generally ſtraiter than
the latter : It is likewiſe very deeply marked with the Veſtigia of the
fallen-off Branches, tho' not ſo ſcaly and rough as that of the Date-tree.
Its Branches fomewhat reſemble thoſe of the Cabbage, or Coco Nut-
tree; but they are far more ragged, leſs uniform, ſhorter, and leſs ver-
dant, than either the Cabbage, or Coco Nut-leaves.
The Spine or middle Rib of each Leaf is likewiſe thickly ſtudded with
ſharp-pointed Prickles, each Two Inches long.
The firſt Appearance of the Fruit is an husky Spatha. When this opens, ,
it expoſes to view a great many ſmall Nuts : Theſe are covered with an
husky Tegument of a yellowiſh Colour, containing in its many Interftices,
when ripe, a conſiderable Quantity of fine fweet Oil
, which the Slaves,
after the whole Fruit is firſt roaſted in the Embers, greedily fuck.
When this outward husky Covering is taken off, the Nut appears :
This is of a ſomewhat blunt conic Shape, the Inſide being filled with a
white Kernel, of the Nature of the Coco Nut-kind, but in Tafte not
ſo agreeable.
The Nut, being bored and emptied of its Kernel, is much worn by feve-
ral Nations of Negroes, by way of Ornament, about their Necks.
Ff
IC
.
а.

II2
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book IV.
It is evident from the Hiſtory of Moſes, that this Tree was of great
Value and Eſteem among the Iſraelites. This appears from the ſeveral
Portraitures of it in the Temple, even in the moſt ſacred Place.
Several Cities in Palæſtine were likewiſe called the Cities of the Palm-
trees, eſpecially Jericho : And Deborah, when ſhe judged Iſrael, dwelt
under the Palm-tree, between Ramah and Bethel.
Theſe, and the Olive-trees, were of great Eſteem; becauſe they afforded
ſuch a Quantity of Oil, which was of ſo much Service, both in facred
and common Uſe.
As to the Firſt, the Nature of my Subject will neither require, or even
permit me to ſearch into the Origin of that Cuſtom. As to the latter,
we have numberleſs Inſtances to prove, that the Jews mixed it with Flour,
to make, at leaſt, their unleavened Bread; eſpecially from the Anſwer of
the Widow-woman of Sarepta to the Prophet Elijah, when he deſired
her, in the time of Famine, to ſupply him with a Cake of Bread : And
ſhe ſaid, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a Cake, but an Handful of
Meal in a Barrel, and a little Oil in a Cruſe: And, behold, I am gather-
ing two Sticks, that I may go in and dreſs it for me, and my Son, that we
may eat it, and die, 1 Kings xvii. 12.
Neither was this the only domeſtic Uſe of Oil among the antient Jews ;
for they made great Uſe of it to anoint their Bodies, which is plain from
ſeveral Expreſſions of the Royal Pſalmiſt; eſpecially when he ſays, That
he ſhall be anointed with freſh Oil : And in another Place, after enume-
rating the ſeveral temporal Bleſſings received from God, he mentions that
of Oil to make his Face to shine.
The Inhabitants of Africa, where Palm Oil-trees abundantly grow,
are living Comments upon theſe Two Parts of Scripture; for, to this
;
Day, they mix Oil with their boiled Rice, and other Victuals; and anoint
their Bodies with it, to ſupple and relax their ſtiffened Nerves, as well as
to prevent a too plentiful Perſpiration.
This is ſo univerſal a Cuſtom, that all the Slaves, brought now from
any Part of Africa to this, or any of our neighbouring Iſlands, are always,
before they are brought to Market, anointed all over with Palm Oil,
which, for that Purpoſe, is brought from Guiney : Being thus anointed,
their Skins appear ſleek and ſhining.
This Cuſtom, however, was not peculiar, even in the earlieſt Ages, to
the Jews alone ; for the Perſians, Greeks, and Romans, at certain Seaſons,
eſpecially at their Feaſts, anointed themſelves with Oil, which was mixed
:
with Spices.
Alexander, when he took the Tent of Darius, found there ſeveral
Caskets of Ointments and Perfumes.
Many Inſtances from Homer make it evident, that it was then in Uſe:
And the warlike Spartans, at the Streights of Thermopyla, are repreſented
combing their anointed Hair, in Sight of the numerous Army of Xerxes.
And that it was a Cuſtom among the Romans, will appear from the
following Paſſages :
Tyrrhena

Book IV.
113
Iſland of B A R BADOS
loze Tyrrhena Regum progenies, tibitoit obhat
Non ante verſo lene merum cado
bunale
Cum flore, Mæcenas, rofarum, &
otto
Preſa tuis balanus capillis
ostava
Jamdudum apud me eft. --- Hor. Carm. L. III. Od. 29
Labas
broits yoda --- Dum licet, Aſyriaque nardo
Dum licet, Allyriaque nardo do
Potamus unéti. -
Hor. Carm. L. II. Od. II.
a
Theſe are ſome, out of the many Inſtances, ſuch as perfuſus liquidis
odoribus---nitidi capilli--- with many others too tedious to be mentioned.
Nor was this Cuſtom intirely diſuſed, nor the Ointment thought of
little Value, even ſo late as the time of our Saviour : For, when a Woman
in Bethany poured on his Head a Box full of precious Ointment, there
were ſome who had Indignation among themſelves, and ſaid, Why was
this Waſte of the Ointment made ? for it might have been ſold for more th
than
Three hundred Pence.
From what hath been ſaid, with regard to the Cuſtom of Anointing
among the Jews, I would not be underſtood to mean, that Palm Oil
alone was made uſe of; fôr the Oil of Olives is what is chiefly mentioned
in Scripture : However, there are ſome Circumſtances, which
may
induce
us to believe, that both theſe Oils were promiſcuouſly made uſe of.
This, I think, is very probable, from the ſeveral Places of Scripture,
where the Growth of the Palm-trees is made a Part of the Bleſſings of
the Land of Canaan; and the very natural, eaſy Method of coming at
their Oil makes it more than probable.
Theſe Trees are very ſcarce in this Iſland, except at Drax's-Hall, the
Eſtate of Henry Drax, Eſq; and even there they exceed not Twelve in
Number.
loc
Among theſe, there is one young Tree about Twenty-five Feet high,
which is remarkably incorporated within a growing Fig-tree; nor was the
following manner of its being thus inveloped, leſs furpriſing.vn
About Nine Years ago, a ripe Fig, carried by Birds, or otherwiſe, was
dropped among the upper Branches of the Palm-tree : As theſe are large
and ſcooping near the Parent Trunk, and being ſet on in Scales, they re-
tain a conſiderable Quantity of Duſt, and rotten Leaves, as well as
Moiſture, their curve Shape, and cloſe Juncture to the Trunk, being capa-
ble of retaining both. The Fig, depoſited in ſuch an earthy moiſt Place,
ſoon germinated, and took Root; and, in a ſhort time, its new-produced
Roots, which extended themſelves among the Sockets of the neighbour-
ing Branches, meeting there with the like Nouriſhment, vigorouſly grew,
and ſurrounded the Top of the Trunk in ſeveral cartilaginous Thongs :
From thence, growing downwards, theſe innumerable fibrous pliable
Roots ſwathed the Tree with many Bandages, which in time reached the
Earth, and took freſh Roots : By this means their Growth was ſoon
greatly
a

114
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IV.
greatly advanced, by the Nouriſhment they received from thence. This
new Supply gave likewiſe Birth to many Branches of the Fig-tree, riſing
from the Top, and growing among the natural Branches of the Palm-
tree; the Roots of the other, in the mean time, continuing daily to ſur-
round the Trunk of the Palm, which, at preſent, being almoſt intirely
caſed or covered by the Fig-tree, is deprived of a great Part of its
former Nouriſhment ; and the few remaining Branches are far from being
in a thriving Condition
So, obſcur'd
By creeping Ivy, or by fordid Moſs,
Some lordly Palace, or ſtupendous Fane,
Magnificent in Ruin lies. -
Glover's Leonid.
.
a
There is another Inſtance, ſimilar to this, on Horfam's-Hill, in the
Pariſh of St. Peter's; where, in like manner, a Fig, depoſited among the
Branches of a Cherry-tree, hath grown, and will, in a few Years, intirely
caſe, if not deſtroy it.
The MACKAW-TREE.
TH
"HIS is of the Palm-kind, having a great many ſtrong Roots, like
thoſe of the Cabbage-tree, or Coco Nut-tree.
The Trunk is very ſtrait
, round, and tapering : This is almoſt intirely
covered with black Prickles, of about the Length, and very near as
fine, as a large Stocking-needle.
The Leaves much reſemble thoſe of a Coco Nut, except that the mid-
dle Spine of this is always thickly covered with Prickles, and the
Branches always ending in a Square, rather than a ſharp Point, as if their
Tops were ſheared or clipped off.
The Inſide of the Body of the Tree affords what we have, in the Coco
Nut-tree, called Cabbage.
From among the Branches riſes up an hard falcated Spatha, or Sheath,
much reſembling that of a Turkiſh Scimiter : This is near Three Feet
long ; and, when it opens, it diſcovers a round cartilaginous ſtrong Twig,
which runs the whole Length of the Pod, a great many thin-ſhelled Nuts,
and ſomewhat bigger than a Sloe.
a
.
a
ز
a
The SAND-BOX TREE; Lat. HURA.
THIS
grows to a large Tree, often to Forty Feet high ; yielding a
Shade of as many Feet Diameter.
The Trunk, which is of a light-coloured Bark, is thickly beſet with
ſhort ſtubbed Prickles; and the Branches, cloathed with ſhining-green
-
ſharp-pointed Leaves, are ſet on alternately : Theſe are about Four Inches
long, and Three broad. The Extremity of the Branches bears both Male
and Female Flowers.
The

Plate 5.
la. 114
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Chiller
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GAMTEN TES-AUT
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Fr'hij (prave the Duke of Dorlet,
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Book IV. Iſland of BARBADOS.
115
а.
а.
The former are of a blunt conic Shape, having their Surface thickly
ftudded with reddiſh Knobs, each incricled with Two Rows of farina-
ceous whitiſh Duft: The Female Flowers are funnel-like Tubes, of a red
Colour, whoſe thick Labia are much deflected back, and cut into Fifteen
or Sixteen blunt Segments.
This is ſucceeded by a very flat round Fruit, deeply ſegmented into,
generally, as many regular Diviſions, or ſeparate Cells, each incloſing a
flat Kernel.
Theſe, if eaten, operate by way of Purge; tho' it ſometimes proves
an Emetic.
This Tree is of very quick Growth, eſpecially if planted in a ſhady
Place, and near a Spring of Water.
The Trunk of one of theſe, planted in ſuch a Situation, may be now
ſeen at the Eſtate of Richard Elwick, Eſq; and is not above Fifteen Years
old, which girts round Nine Feet within Two Feet of the Earth; and its
Top hath ſeveral Branches proportionably large.
There is another at the Eſtate of the Reverend Mr. Reynold Foſter, the
Diameter of whoſe Shade is above Sixty Feet.
And, tho’I have taken the Dimenſions of theſe Trees myſelf; yet, as
their Stature is ſo very extraordinary even here, I thought it proper to
mention the Place of their Growth, that the Curious may, if they pleaſe,
be further ſatisfied in this Particular : And I am well aſſured, that, if any
one takes the ſame Trouble I have done, he will find their Dimenſions
conſiderably larger than I have repreſented them.
There is another Tree of this kind, near the Manſion-houſe in the
Leeward Eſtate of George Hannay, Eſq; in St. Lucy's Pariſh, which is little
inferior to the above-mentioned, in its great Growth.
Theſe Trees are called Sand-boxes, from the Uſe that is made of their
Fruit to that Purpoſe.
This is delineated in Plate V.
The PHYSIC-NUT-TREE; Lat. RICINOIDES.
TH
"HIS is generally a knotty ſhrubby Tree, ſeldom growing above
Twelve Feet high.
The Extremities of the Branches are covered with Leaves, ſomewhat
round, having their Edges waved, as well as ſlightly indented.
The Flowers are of a green herbaceous Kind, and pentapetalous, fet
on in an Umbel-faſhion round the Extremities of the Branches, but eſpe-
cially the main Stalks.
Theſe are ſucceeded by as many Nuts, whoſe outward Tegument is green
and husky: This, being peeled off, diſcovers the Nut, whoſe Shell is black,
and eaſily cracked : This contains an Almond-like Kernel, divided into
Two Parts : Between this Separation lie Two milk-white thin membra-
naceous Leaves, eaſily ſeparable from each other : Theſe have not only
Gg
a bare

TIS
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IV.
A16
.
a bare Reſemblance of perfect Leaves, but have, in particular, every Part,
the Stalk, the middle Rib, and tranſverſe ones, as viſible as any Leaf
whatſoever.
The Kernel is not only eatable, but hath a delicious Almond-taſte.
It is the common Opinion, that the purgative or emetic Quality lies
in the Two membranaceous Leaves, that ſeparate the Kernel into Two Par-
titions : But this is a Miſtake; for I have, as well as others, tried it both
ways; and its phyſical Effects were, with or without theſe, always the
fame.
The Leaves, and tender Buds, emit a milky Juice, which either by In-
folation, or being rubbed on the Palm of the Hand, turns to the Con-
fiſtence of a Salve, which is looked upon to be very good to heal any
a
green Wound.
The Nut likewiſe, when ripe, pounded and boiled, will yield a conſi-
derable Quantity of Oil: A Spoonful of this ſwallowed, whilſt freſh, is
looked upon to be a good Purge, to abate Swellings in Dropſical Dif-
orders.
The FRENCH PHYSIC-NUT; Lat. RICINOIDES
TH
HIS Shrub often grows to be Ten Feet high.
The main Stalk divides into very few Branches, and is covered
with a greyiſh white Bark.
The Leaves ſtand upon Six-inch Footſtalks, ſurrounding the main
Stalk, generally near the Top, in an irregular Order : Theſe are very
deeply digitated : Each Digit, by the ſeveral Subdiviſions that grow from
its Sides, in Shape, much reſembles a Branch of the palmed Hart's-horn.
The Flowers grow in Bunches, Umbel-faſhion, upon the Extremities
of each large Stalk, very much reſembling, at their firſt Appearance, a
Bunch of red Coral : Theſe afterwards open into ſmall five-leaved pur-
ple Flowers, and are ſucceeded by Nuts, which reſemble the common
Phyſic-nuts in Shape and Qualities.
This is delineated in Plate VI.
a
The CEDAR.
TI
HIS grows to be a large Tree, with a dark-coloured Bark.
Its Leaves are of a pale Green, about Two Inches long, one broad
and ſharp-pointed ; their Edges being irregularly ferrated.
The Flowers are ſucceeded by a Fruit as big as a Damaſcene: Theſe,
when ripe, are of a rufſet Colour, and ſplit into Four Parts, diſcovering a
thin flat Seed.
This differs from the Carolina Cedar, chiefly by the far cloſer Grain of
the Wood : It wants alſo the fragrant Smell of the former,
a
а.
The

Plate 6 P115*
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277
Book IV. Iſland of BARBADOS.
116
a
The CALABASH-TREE.
THE
HE Fruit called Calabaſhes are of Two Sorts ; the one ſmall and
round, containing (when the pulpy Subſtance, and numerous white
flattiſh Seeds, are ſcooped out) from One to Four Pints; the oval Sort
often containing Fifteen Pints.
The Tree bearing the former is taller, and hath a leſſer Leaf, and is
alſo of a paler Colour, than the latter.
The Bark of both Trees is rough and ſhagged, if not fulcous in ſome
old Trees; and what ſome Authors call Capſular Leaves, are only a Se-
paration in the green husky Part of the Calyx ; for this Tegument ſeems
indeed to have been deſigned by Nature only to protect the Fruit, whilſt
tender, and in its infant State ; and when that hath expanded itſelf on
the Inſide, and is become ſtrong enough to bear the Air, it then burſts
its Way thro' the former Covering.
This Tree, when full-grown, is about Eighteen Inches Diameter ; and,
in Height, from Fifteen to Twenty-five Feet ; dividing generally into
many ſpiral Branches, ending in a blunt Point.
The Flower is a large yellow Cup, freckled with Red, a Piſtil riſing
from the Middle. The Stamina take their Riſe from the Side of the Petals.
The Fruit is often fo large as to contain (when cleared of its Seed, and
white ſoft Pulp, with which it is filled) Two or Three Quarts, eſpecially
thoſe which grow of a blunt oval Shape; but the round fort are much
ſmaller. Each make very convenient Drinking-cups, and are ſerviceable
to many other Uſes.
The GALL-TREE.
A
S there are very few, if any, of theſe Trees, left undeſtroyed in the
Island, I am obliged to repreſent it from the Deſcription of it given
me by a Perſon of equal Knowlege in Plants, and Integrity in deſcribing
them.
This Tree ſeldom riſes above Twelve Feet high, covered with Leaves
of the ſame Make with, but ſomewhat longer than, thoſe of the baſtard
Lignum Vitæ.
The Trunk, which is covered with a whitiſh Bark, foon divides into
very many buſhy Branches : The Extremities of theſe bear many ſmall
bluiſh Flowers in Groups, which are ſucceeded by numerous Berries, or
Galls hanging on ſhort Footſtalks: Theſe are about the Bigneſs of a Sloe,
of an Aſh-colour on the Outſide, and black within.
This, with the Pods of Achaſee, boiled together, makes good Ink.
The NEGRO OIL-BUSH , Lat. Palma CHRISTI.
TH
'HIS ſhrubby Plant is diſtinguiſhed into the red and white Sort.
The Oil, extracted from the Berries of the Red, is leſs rank than
that of the other; and is ſometimes made uſe of by ſeveral Nations of
Negroes in their Soups.
The
a
.

118
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book IV.
a
و
The Trunk of this Shrub, which often grows to above Five Feet high,
is ſtrong, and cloſely jointed.
The firſt-mentioned hath a reddiſh, and the other a greeniſh Stalk
both generally clouded over with a glaucous Mealineſs.
The Leaves are many, ſurrounding the main Stalks, as well as the
Branches (eſpecially towards the Top): Theſe are very large, often above
Twenty Inches Diameter, being cut into ſeveral, ſeldom leſs than Eight,
ſharp-pointed Diviſions : They are ſupported upon Footſtalks of about
Thirteen Inches long, centring in almoſt the Middle of the Leaf.
The Flowers, which ſurround the Summits of the main Stalks, for
about Seven Inches in Length, firſt appear in the Form of ſmall green
Capſule, of a blunt conic Shape, which ſoon divide into Five ſharp-
pointed green Leaves ; and by deflecting towards the Footſtalk, diſcover
innumerable ſmall, pale, yellow, ftamineous Flowers, tipped with Apices.
Theſe Flowers, at firſt, are ſucceeded by greeniſh Berries, thick-ſet
with harmleſs Spinulæe : As they grow riper, theſe drop almoſt intirely off,
and the ſoft browniſh Husk of the Nut is diſcovered.
This is of a triangular Shape, divided into Three Parts, touching one
another at Right Angles, and compoſing one Body, ſlightly rimmed with
a browniſh Fur, the Nut ſtanding upon a pendulous bluiſh Footſtalk.
When the outward Skin is taken off, it diſcovers a ſpotted Kernel.
Theſe are ſo oily, that Ten Pints of them, being bruiſed, and
then boiled, afford a Pint of Oil.
This Plant, or rather Shrub, thrives beſt in a fandy Soil, near the
Sea; and as the Heat in ſuch Places is intenſe, from the very ſtrong
Reflexion of the Sun from the Sand, I am of Opinion, that Nature in-
tended it fuch a Situation, to ſerve (as it were) inſtead of an Alembic, to
force up to the Extremities of the Branches, where the Berries are, ſuch a
great Quantity of Oil.
The BLACK NICKER-TREE.
"HIS grows to be a conſiderable large Tree, covered with a Bark
of a greyiſh White.
The ſmaller Branches are thickly cloathed with ſeveral Pairs of pen-
nated Leaves : Theſe are Four Inches long, and an Inch and an half
broad, ſmooth-edged and ſharp-pointed.
The Flowers are ſucceeded by a round Snuff-coloured Fruit, fome-
what bigger than a large Cherry, or rather of the Make of the ſmall
round white Plumb in England.
The outward Subſtance is tough, and very gummy: This, when ripe,
ſeparates from the Nut within, which is black and round.
When this dark-red ſhelly Covering is broken, it diſcovers a white bit-
terith Kernel.
If the outward Husk, which is no thicker than a Crown-piece, is put
in Water, it will raiſe a Lather much ſooner and ſtronger, than an equal
Quantity of any Soap would do
.
The
.
THIS
a
.

Book IV.
119
Iſland of B A R BA DOS
а.
The JACK-IN-A-BOX; Lat. HERNANDIA.
THIS
HIS is of a very quick Growth; and, when at Maturity, is very
feldom ſhort of Forty Feet high.
Its main Branches are numerous and ſtrong: Theſe are ſubdivided into
ſeveral lefſer ones, which are alternately cloathed with large Heart-like
Leaves, being Ten Inches long, and Six broad.
The Flowers iffue in Bunches from the Extremities of the Branches :
Theſe ſtand upon Two-inch long Footſtalks, and are compoſed of three
whitiſh ſeemingly capſular Leaves
, ſurrounding Three leſſer white Petals :
Theſe alſo incloſe ſeveral ſhort Stamina; tipped with yellow Apices.
The Socket of the Flower diſcovers, near the Roots of the Stamina,
ſeveral ſmall yellowiſh farinaceous Grains.
As the Piſtil grows in Strength, it becomes the Rudiment of the Fruit;
which, when ripe, is of a blackiſh Colour, narrow at each End, and Three-
quarters of an Inch long.
From each Extremity, it grows in the Middle to a roundiſh Body, of
about Two Inches and an half in Circumference, deeply furrowed into
ſeveral irregular Chanels.
This blackiſh Coat incloſes a Nut, whoſe Kernel is very near as large
as a ſmall Nutmeg, and much reſembles it in the Colour of its Veins.
The Whole of this Fruit is ſurrounded with a thin husky brittle Cafe,
or Covering, which never touches the Fruit, nor the Stalk, but where it
ſurrounds it at the Bottom. This hollow Capſula is of a tawny yellow
Colour, which is capable of containing, at leaſt, a Gill of any Liquid,
having an Aperture, at its Extremity, of about half an Inch Diameter :
Thro' this the Fruit may be eaſily ſeen in the Cavity or Womb of
this capſular Husk; which, when ripe, hath a very ſtrong fragrant
Smell.
The Tree is never known to be without both Fruit and Flowers.
The Wind, blowing into the Cavities of theſe Husks, makes a very ſono
rous whiſtling Noiſe.
The incloſed Kernels are very oily.
It
grows chiefly in ſhady Places.
The End of the FOURTH Book.
Hh
THE
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Τ Η Ε
NATURAL HISTORY
OF THE
Iſland of BARBADOS.
BOOK V.
OF TREES, SHRUBS, and PLANTS,
of the POMIFEROUS Kind.
G
Y Pomiferous Fruits, I would be underſtood to mean
I
all of the Apple-kind, ſuch as have a thick fleſhy
Subſtance, incloſing many Seeds.
It is obſervable, that where the Climates begin to
В
be too hot for the Growth of ſuch Apples as are pro-
duced in ſome Northern, and all temperate Climates;
there the gradual Chain is progreſſively carried on,
and the delicious Afiatic Fruits begin to take place,
ſuch as the Pine-apples, Shaddocks, Forbidden
Fruits, and Oranges.
It is alſo worthy our Notice, that moſt of our Summer Fruits, eſpeci-
ally in hot Countries, tho' delicate in their Taſte, have a great Mixture
of a latent Acid in them, which is neceſſary for the Preſervation of Health
in

I 22
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book V.
in hot Climates. And as moſt kinds of ſuch Fruits are beſt adapted to
qualify by their Coolneſs the Heat of the Body in Summer Seaſons ; ſo
we find, that they grow, and are in Plenty, in Winter Countries, only at
ſuch times as they are moſt wanted : But as the Climates within the Tro-
pics have, almoſt without Exception, a continual Summer, ſo the fame
Divine Hand hath provided for the Wants of thoſe Places, by bountifully
fupplying them with a conſtant Series of various freſh Fruits of this kind.
a
•
The MANCHANEEL-TREE ; Lat. MANCANNILLA.
TH
HIS, among many others, is very imperfectly deſcribed by all for-
mer Authors: And, tho' the Juice of this Tree is confeſſedly poi-
ſonous ; yet the Force and Malignity of its Poiſon are extravagantly
enhanced.
One (1) Hiſtorian, in particular, who loved to dwell upon the Marvel-
ous, fays, That the Heads of People, who happen to ſleep a ſhort time
under its Shade, ſwell ; and thoſe who have ſo ſlept, grow blind; but if
they ſleep for a conſiderable time, they recover their Sight; likewiſe, that
if the Leaves but touch the naked Skin, they raiſe Puſtles, which cauſe
deadly Pains, unleſs helped with Water and Salt, or faſting Spittle ; and
that even ſmelling the Wood is dangerous.
This Deſcription is fabulous in every Article: For ſleeping under its
Shade hath no manner of bad Effect upon the Head or Eyes ; nor is any
ill Conſequence to be feared from the Leaves touching the naked Body,
unleſs theſe are bruiſed, and the white milky Juice they contain is fuffered
to pervade the Pores; which if it does, it raiſes Bliſters, like thoſe of the
Confluent Sort in the Small-pox, cauſing acute Pains ; but the ſimple
Drops of Rain-water, falling from theſe Leaves upon the Skin, will not,
as is falfly afferted, have any bad Effect; which I have often, upon re-
peated Trials, experienced.
There are fome ſeeming Inſtances urged to confirm the contrary; eſpe-
cially of a Perſon waſhing in Indian River, who, upon an unexpected
Storm of Rain, and high Wind, ſheltered himſelf naked under the adja-
cent Shade of this Tree; where he had not been long before he felt fome
Part of his Skin, about the Shoulders, ſmart, and ſoon afterwards an
Eruption of painful corroſive Bliſters. emol basob
"I will lay no Streſs upon the great Heat of the Sun, during the time
of his Bathing, which often, near thoſe ſandy Bays,
raifes Bliſters
upon
the Part expoſed out of the Water ; but am ſatisfied, and well convinced,
that theſe Bliſters were occaſioned by Drops falling from this Tree ; tho?
at the ſame time, I muſt deny, that they were merely Drops of Rain-
water : However, we cannot be at a Loſs to account for the Bliſtering,
and its painful Cauſe. If we recollect, that the Wind was very high in
this
(1) Peter Martyr.

Book V. Íſland of B A R B A D O S.
123
а.
is
a
a
this Inſtance, and the Rain very heavy, the former, by violently toſling
and beating the tender Buds and Leaves againſt one another, bruiſed
them; by which means, the milky poiſonous Juice iſſued out in great
Plenty, and waſhed off from the Leaves, with the Drops of Rain, upon
the Perſon ſheltering under the Shade.
From theſe Remarks upon the Miſtakes of others, I proceed to give
the beſt Deſcription I am able of this Tree, both with regard to its out-
ward Appearance, and its real Qualities.
The firſt thing that is to be obſerved, is, that it is of a very quick
Growth, and ſeldom or never found growing to any Perfection, but in looſe
ſandy Soil, near the Sea, or other Water.
Its Roots are ſtrong and numerous.
The Trunk of a full-grown Tree is, generally ſpeaking, from Two Feet
and an half to Three Feet Diameter, branching, moſt commonly, from
Three to Fifteen Feet high from the Ground.
The Heart, which is very ſmall, in proportion to the Bulk of the Tree,
very hard and ſolid, of a pale Yellow, with a greeniſh Caſt, interſperſed
with ſmall blackiſh Veins, the Grain ſmooth, and the Wood durable ;
the Bark of a ſleek whitiſh Grey, the Branches many in Number, and full
of thick, ſmooth, ſhining Leaves.
There are here and there, among the Branches, long pendulous Kat-
kins, which are produced at remote Diſtances from the Embryo’s.
It bears a Fruit much of the fame Make as the round fort of Crab
apples, which we have in England; and both, when ripe, have the ſame
fragrant Smell.
The Pulp of theſe Manchaneel-apples exceeds not, in Breadth, one
Seventh of an Inch, the Inſide being an hard ftony Kernel, deeply and
irregularly ſulcated; in which are included the Crab-like Seeds.
The Juice of the Apple is of the ſame Colour and Quality, as that of
the Leaves.
But however ſtrong the Poiſon really is at ſome Seaſons, and at certain
Growths of theſe Apples; yet I have known a Woman, big with Child,
who longed for them, to have eaten of them, without any apparent bad
Effect: However, I cannot ſay, that the Fragrancy of their Smell, or
their tempting Looks, have induced others to try and follow her Example
by ſo dangerous an Experiment.
If ſome of this crude milky Juice falls upon even an Horſe, the Hair,
from the Part affected, ſoon falls off, and the Skin riſes up in Bliſters,
which will require a long time to heal.
One Inſtance of its Malignancy happened about Two Years ago in
Speights-Town: A certain Slave, conceiving herſelf injuriouſly treated,
poured into her Maſter's Chocolate about a Spoonful of this Juice : Im-
mediately after he had ſwallowed it, he felt a violent Burning in his Throat
I i
and
a

124
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book V
а.
and Stomach ; and, fuſpecting he was poiſoned, he ftrove, and with good
Succeſs, to vomit; and, having taken after this ſeaſonable Diſcharge, a
regular Emetic, his Stomach was, in a great meaſure, ſuddenly cleanſed
of the Poiſon, tho' it coſt him a long time to perfect the Cure.
I am likewiſe of Opinion, that the Vehicle, in which it was conveyed,
contributed not a little to prevent its otherwiſe very ill, if not fatal Effects;
for, as moſt Oils are Antidotes againſt Poiſon, the Chocolate, being rich
of the Nut, might be ſo very oily, that the poiſonous Salts were ſheathed
or blunted in that Vehicle.
It hath been alſo obſerved, that Fiſh, as the Barracuda, and others,
which eat theſe Apples, dropped caſually into the Sea, are often found
dead in the Waſh of the Water ; and, if taken, whilft alive, and eaten,
often prove poiſonous; and even the large white Crab, that burrows in
the Sand, is not, if near theſe Trees, to be made uſe of for Food.
I ſhall conclude the Deſcription of this Tree with a remarkable Obſer-
vation, generally found to be true; which is, that where-ever a Manchaneel-
tree grows, there is found a White-wood, or a Fig-tree, near it;
the Juice of either of the latter being an infallible Antidote againſt the
Poiſon of the former.
Salt Water is no leſs efficacious; and as theſe always grow up by the
Sea-fide, this Remedy is near at hand.
Formerly no one dared to cut down theſe Trees, without firſt having
made a large Fire round them, in order to burn the Bark, and dry up
the Spry and Juices that fly from them in cutting : But now naked Ne-
groes venture to cut them down green, only uſing the Caution of
pre-
viouſly rubbing their whole Bodies with Lime-juice, which prevents the
Juice from corroding or ulcerating their Skins.
Bruiſing and maſhing the tender Leaves and Boughs, in Fiſh-ponds,
hath often been likewiſe a roguiſh Practice of taking and deſtroying Fiſh;
for the Fiſh very ſoon after will grow ſtupid, float, with their Bellies up-
wards, on the Top of the Water, and often die.
The SHADDOCK-TREE; Lat. AURANTIUM FRUCTU
MAXIMO INDIÆ ORIENTALIS.
THE Tree, bearing the large white Shaddock, hath many ſtrong Roots
.
When full-grown, it is often above Sixteen Feet high, divided near
the Top into many ſtrong Branches, cloathed with numerous blunt-
pointed Leaves, of about Four Inches long, and near Three in Breadth,
of a deep Green above, and pale underneath; reſembling, in their Make,
that of a ſour Orange.
The Flowers are like the Orange, furrounding numerous Stamina,
tipped with Apices.
Theſe are fucceeded by the Fruit, ſomewhat in the Shape of a Pear ;
but far larger, and ſomewhat rounder.
The outſide Skin is yellowiſh and ſmooth,
This
a

Book V. Iſland of BARBADOS.
125
This Fruit was brought firſt from the Eaſt-Indies, by Captain Shad-
dock ; from whom it derives its Name.
ជាតិនេះ
The Leſer SH ADDOCK-TREE.
THI
HIS is about the Bigneſs of a China Orange-tree; the Leaves dif-
fering in this only, that they are not above Two Inches and an
half long, and about an Inch and an half broad.
The Flowers are monopetalous, deeply ſegmented into Five ſeeming
white Petals, ſurrounding a great many Stamina, tipped with Apices.
The Fruit is diſtinguiſhed into the red and white Sort, each larger than
either an Orange, or a Forbidden Fruit; and is juſtly eſteemed to have a
fine delicious Taſte.
The WILD SHADDOCK; commonly called, The Large
LIME-TREE.
TI
HIS grows ſomewhat larger than an Orange-tree ; tho' the Leaves
of this, as well as of all other Trees of this Clafs, differ very little
in their Shape ; and the Difference in their Flowers is hardly percepti-
ble.
This is by far the largeſt Fruit in the Iſland, growing often to be
Twenty Inches in Circumference.
The ſeveral rough Indentings and Knobs on its Outſide, as well as the
internal Make and Taſte of its Juice, determine it to be rather of the
Lemon, than either of the Shaddock or Lime-kind.de
I have known near half a Pint of four Juice ſqueezed out of one of
theſe Fruits.
This ferves to ſupply the Want of Limes or Lemons in making Punch.
25 es The SouR ORANGE-TREE; Lat. AURANTIUM.
be
THIS grows in a rich Soil, to the Height of about Seventeen Feet.
a
Its Roots are ſtrong, deeply penetrating into the Earth.
Its Branches are numerous, eſpecially towards the Extremity of the
Tree; and are cloathed with ſharp-pointed ſmooth Leaves, of a deep
Green above, and ſomewhat pale underneath."
Theſe are about Three Inches long, and near Two broad, ſupported
by an Heart-like Footftalk, an Inch in Length.
The Bark of the Trunk is generally of a dirty-grey Colour, and of the
finalleft Branches, towards the Top, of a deep Green.
Its numerous white Flowers are monapetalous, divided into Five Sec-
tions, ſo deep, that they reſemble pentapetalous Flowers.
Theſe are ſucceeded by the Fruit, which is too well known to require
à Deſcription
If

1 26
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book V.
If theſe Fruits are not gathered when ripe, thoſe which drop not off,
will ſeemingly wither upon the Trees; yet theſe will revive, flouriſh,
and be again, as it were, ripe, at the uſual Seaſon in the following Year.
I have ſeen an Inſtance of this kind in the Eſtate of the Honourable
Colonel John Maycock, in St. Lucy's Pariſh.
The larger Branches of this Tree are, in common with all Orange,
Lemon, Shaddock, Forbidden Fruit-trees, and Lime-trees, ftudded with
many ſharp ſtrong Prickles.
The CHINA ORANGE-TREE.
T!
HIS Tree, either in regard to its Roots or Size, Diſpoſition or Make
of its Leaves, differs very little, if any thing, from the four Orange-
tree already deſcribed, unleſs that its Leaves have an Heart-like Appen-
dix joined to them, ſerving as Footſtalks : Theſe are ſomewhat narrower,
or ſharper pointed, than in the former.
The Flowers are of the fame kind as thoſe of the four Orange already
deſcribed, except that theſe are alſo leſs, and the Petals not ſo thick or
fleſhy.
The GUINEY ORANGE.
THIS Fruit, I think, ought rather to be called the Sour. Forbidden
,
Fruit; for in every Circumſtance (except in the Sourneſs of its
Juice) it reſembles that Fruit; but it is much leſs than the eatable For-
bidden Fruit.
The GOLDEN ORANGE-TREE.
HIS Tree differs not in either its Trunk, Leaves, or Flowers, from
that already deſcribed.
It bears a large fine Orange, of a deep Yellow within ; from whence it
derives the Name of a Golden Orange.
This Fruit is neither of the Seville or China kind, tho' it partakes of
both, having the Sweetneſs of the China mixt with the agreeable Bitter-
neſs and Flavour of the Seville Orange.
a
.
The PUMPLE-NOSE-TREE.
THI
' HIS Tree reſembles the Shaddock in every material Circumſtance.
The Fruit nearly repreſents, in its Make, that of the leſſer Shad-
dock; and is in Bulk ſomewhat leſs than a Shaddock, and larger than the
largeſt Orange.
Theſe Fruits are eatable, their inward juicy Veſicule being much the
ſame as thoſe of Shaddocks : However, they are often too four to be
eſteemed a very deſirable or delicious Repaſt. .
:
.
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Platey. P. 127
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To the right Reverend
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Sipas
nina
Ehret, de
Auften

Book V.
127
Iſland of BARBADOS
a
.
The BURGAMOT-TREE.
THIS
HIS Tree, in its Bulk, Make of its Leaves, or Colour of its Bark,
differs very little, if any thing, from the laſt deſcribed.
It bears a Fruit ſomewhat larger than an Orange, whoſe Inſide affords
very little Juice; and what it yields is not palatable, being too four to
be eatable.
What is moſt valuable in this is its Oil, which is extracted, by ſlicing
the outward Skin, and ſqueezing both the Oil and Spry into a Glaſs : The
Oil will immediately ſeparate from the Juice, and ſwim upon the Surface.
This, being carefully drained off, and preſerved, is what alone ought
to be called the genuine Burgamot Oil.
The Portugueſe have a Method of molding the Rind of this Fruit, to
make Snuff-boxes: Theſe Boxes retain, for a very long time, the grateful
Fragrancy of the Oil and Spry.
FORBIDDEN-FRUIT-TREE.
THI
HE Trunk, Leaves, and Flowers of this Tree, very much reſemble
thoſe of the Orange-tree.
The Fruit, when ripe, is ſomething longer and larger than the largeſt
Orange; and exceeds, in the Delicacy of its Taſte, the Fruit of
every
Tree in this or any of our neighbouring Iſlands.
It hath ſomewhat the Taſte of a Shaddock ; but far exceeds that, as
well as the beſt Orange, in its delicious Taſte and Flavour.
This is delineated in Plate VII.
a
a
The CITRON-TREE.
"HE Encomiums that are often, by European Writers; beſtowed uponi
this Tree, and generally uſhered in with a pompous Deſcription of
the Beauty of its Flowers, Fruit, and delightful Shade, are ſomething like
the poetical Repreſentation of a Shepherd's Life, embelliſhed with purling
Streams, and ſhady Groves; but not a Word of their coarſe Fare, nor of
their enduring the uncertain Viciſſitudes of Heat and Cold !
What bears the Name of a Citron-tree is, in Reality, fo far from afford-
ing a friendly Shade, that it is but a groveling prickly uncouth ſhrubby
Tree, having neither Beauty in Appearance, nor Deliciouſneſs in the
Fruit, unleſs what the Rind affords by Diſtillation.
The Leaves, which are ſet alternately upon the Branches, are about
Four Inches long, and ſharp-pointed.
The Flower reſembles that of an Orange ; and the ſucceeding Fruit is
large and yellow, when ripe; the Outſide being irregularly indented,
mixt with numerous Protuberances: The Infide reſembles that of a Lemon.
There lies between the outward Coat, and the juicy Part, a thick
ſpongy whitiſh pithy Subſtance.
Kk
The
a

128
Book V.
& The Natural Hiſtory of the
а.
THI
The ST. HELENA LEMON=TRÉ E.
be
HIS is rather a prickly branching Shrub, than a Standard.
It branches
very
near the Ground; and, as the Branches are many
in Number, they interfere with each other; and their Tops, eſpecially
when loaded with Fruit, bend wavingly downwards, almoſt to the Ground.
The Leaves, which are fet alternately, are longer and paler than thoſe
of the Orange-trees, and want likewiſe their Heart-like Footítalks.
Its Bloſſoms reſemble thoſe of the juſt-mentioned Tree; and the
Fruit, when ripe, is of a pale-yellow Colour, and oblong in Shape, end-
ing with a Nipple-like Protuberance.
bf. Theſe are but very moderately four, and very grateful to the Stomach :
Therefore it is much made uſe of in all Sawces, which require any Acid.
It grows beſt in ſhady Places.
Gulielmus Piſo, in his Natural Hiſtory of the Weſt-Indies, has been pro-
fuſe in his Encomiums upon the Virtue of Lemons; which appears from
the following Words :
Peritiſſimi nonnulli Indiarum orientalium &º occidentalium medicaſtri, præ-
ter vulgares illas toto orbi celebratiſſimas limonum & citreorum vires, quas
quoq; perpetuo commendabiles habent, plus præfidii a duabus his limonum
partibus (ſemine, ſcilicet, &9 medulla) ponunt contra malignos morbos,
peſtilentes febres, atq; ipſa deniq; venena, quam in lapide bezoardico, & fa-
ſtidioſa theriacæ compoſitione. Piſo, p. 314.
Anſam mihi fuppeditari autumabam aliquid ad artis noftræ incrementum
ediſcendi ; idque aliquoties tentans, non infeliciter proceffit: in febribus, ſci-
licet, intermittentibus, circa initium paroxyſmi, hauftu calido fucci limonum,
cum ſacchari & aquæ fontana tantillo
, ſemel atq; iterum exhibito, exacer-
bationes vel in totum cefalje
, vel faltem indies præter expectationem, fimul
cum fiti, deferbuiffe, & intra paucos dies plane filuiſſe, deprehendi, ſuble-
quente utiq; manifeſto affectu urina, ſcilicet, & 'imprimis ſudorum larga
promotione. Ibid. p. 315. Vide p. 313.
p
The SPANISH LEMON-TREE ; Lat. LIMON.
TH
HIS groveling ſhrubby Tree ſeldom grows to what we may properly
call a Standard ; for it generally divides near the Earth into many
weak Branches, which riſe about Ten Feet high; and then, eſpecially if
loaden with Fruit, they bend downward, often fo low as to touch the
Ground.
The Leaves are about Four Inches long, and about Two in Breadth,
of a faint yellowiſh-green Colour, and ſet on the Branches alternately.
The Flowers are the ſame with the foregoing; and are ſucceeded by
an oblong yellow Fruit.
The
а.

Book V.
129
iſland of BARBADOS.
The LIME-TREE.
TH
"HIS Tree, generally ſpeaking, foon divides into many Branches, and
,
theſe into ſtill leffer ones, thickly cloathed with Prickles, as well as
deep-green ſmooth ſharp-pointed Leaves, which are near Two Inches
long, and above an Inch broad.
It bears a very great Number of ſmall white monopetalous Flowers,
divided into Five ſeeming Petals.
Theſe are ſucceeded by the Limes, which are a round Fruit, about as
big as a Crab-apple.
Theſe are yellow, when ripe; and afford a great Quantity, conſidering
their Bulk, of a thin and very four Juice.
This, or the Juice, or Lemon, is the chief Ingredient of the acid kind
in both Sherbet and Punch.
The Inſide affords a great many ſmall white Seeds of the Apple-kind.
The Trees are propagated from theſe Seeds, planted about an Inch
deep in the Earth.
The Limes, when young; are preſerved, and make a Part of our Bar-
bados Sweet-meats.
The SUGAR-APPLE TREE; Lat. GUANABANUS.
"HIS is of a middle-ſized Growth, cloathed with weak pale thin
Leaves, of about Four Inches long, one in Breadth, and ſmooth-edged.
Theſe are ſet on the Branches alternately,
The Flowers are compoſed of Three thick riarrow herbaceous Leaves;
white within, and green on the Outſide.
From the Centre of theſe grows the Fruit ; which at firſt appears in a
green Button; but as it grows, enlarges, and becomes of a blunt conic
Form; the Outſide divided into ſeveral bluiſh irregular ſquamous Protu-
berances.
Theſe afford a ſoft, ſtringy, ſweet, pulpy Subſtance, incloſing a blackiſh
oblong Stone or Kernel.
The Fruit is looked upon to be wholſomne.
a
а.
ΤΗ
а.
The MONKEY APPLE-TREE.
T
HIS grows to about Twenty Feet high.
Its Branches are thickly covered with Leaves, much reſembling
thoſe of a Sourſop-tree.
It bears a large round Apple, the Inſide reſembling the Sourſop-fruit.
The Tree, Leaves, and Fruit, emit a very offenſive Smell in rainy
Weather.
The Fruit hath its Name from its being eaten by Monkeys.
The
.

130 2 The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book V.
1
а.
The AVIGATO PEAR-TREE ; Lat. PERSE A.
THIS grows to be a large wide-extended Tree, whoſe Branches are
cloathed with many large ſharp-pointed Leaves.
The Flowers, which are hexapetalous, appear at the Extremities of the
Branches, each ſucceeded by a large Fruit of a Pear-ſhape.
Theſe are of Three Kinds ; the Red, the Purple, and the Green fort:
The laft is eſteemed the beſt.
The pulpy Part of this Fruit is ſoft, when ripe.
It is looked upon to be very nouriſhing.
The moſt common Method of eating it is, to mix this Pulp with a
little Sugar and Lime-juice.
The Stone or Kernel is very large, and of a pale-rufſet Colour.
The POMGRANATE-TREE ; Lat. PUNICA.
T!
HIS is a ſhrubby Tree, ſeldom ariſing above Sixteen Feet high.
Its Branches are very many and ſlender.
Its Flower is of the brighteſt Red, compoſed of a blunt red conic
husky Calyx, divided, at the Margin, into Six ſharp-pointed Sections, in-
cloſing as many Roſe-like ſcarlet Leaves.
Theſe likewiſe furround a great many red ſhort Stamina, tipped with
yellow Apices:
The ſucceeding Fruit is round, and as big as a large Apple, decorated
at the Top with a Corona, as a Pear.
The outſide Rind is ſtrong and husky, and generally, when ripe, of a
maiden-bluſh Colour.
The Inſide is divided into ſeveral partitional Cells, incloſing a great
Number of granulated ſmall Acini, taſting ſomewhat like, but more de-
licious than, white Currans in England, when not over-ripe.
The outward husky Peel of this Fruit, when dried and pulverized, is
good for Fluxes, and much uſed for that Purpoſe.
The Fruit of ſome of theſe Trees is ſo ſharp, that they are not eatable.
They are generally diſtinguiſhed into the white and red Sort.
There are of each fort ſome particular Trees bearing ſweet, others bear-
ing ſour Fruits.
Theſe Trees flouriſh in every Part of the Land of Palæſtine ; and were
in fo great Eſteem among the Jews, that the Chapiters of the Pillars, in
Solomon's Temple, were adorned with the Repreſentation of theſe, as well
as of Palm-trees.
The ſmall PomGRANATE-TREE; Lat. PUNICA
AMERICANA.
HIS is a ſmall woody perennial Shrub, which ſeldom riſes above
Four Feet high; and is chiefly planted for Border-hedges in
Gardens.
It

Book V. Iſland of B A R BA DO S.
131
It is thickly covered with ſmall longiſh blunt-pointed green Leaves.
The top Branches fuſtain a great many red blunt conic husky Calyxes.
Each of theſe is divided, at its Margin, into Six regular ſharp-pointed
Sections.
This Calyx ſurrounds Six Roſe-like ſcarlet Petals.
Theſe likewiſe incloſe a great many red Stamina, tipped with yellow
Apices.
When the Flower drops, the Calyx becomes the Rudiment of the Fruit,
which grows ſomewhat larger than a large round Crab-apple; the Top
decorated with a Corona, like a Pear.
The Inſide is divided, by thin membranaceous Lamina, into ſeveral
larger partitional Cells.
Theſe are filled with granulated Acini, cloſely joined together ; and are
generally too four to be eaten.
.
a
;
و
The SOURSOP-TREE ; Lat. GUANABANUS fructu e viridi
lutefcente molliter aculeato. Plum.
TH
*HIS is a middle-ſized Tree, having many Branches, and theſe
cloathed with numerous ſharp-pointed Leaves.
The Fruit is of an Heart-like Shape, but ſomewhat longer, and gene-
rally bending towards the Point; the Outſide of a glaucous Green, ſtud-
ded here and there with ſoft-pointed Prickles.
The Inſide is a ſoft pulpy Subſtance, which is eaten, and looked upon
to be a good Cooler in Fevers.
.
The ANCHOV EE APPLE-TR E E. adam
od to
HIS
T!
grows to the Bigneſs of a large Apple-tree.
Its Branches are many, cloathed with ſmooth green ſharp-pointed
Leaves, which are Six Inches long, and almoſt Three in Breadth.
Theſe are ſet on the Branches alternately, whoſe Summits ſuſtain a
ſhort conic husky yellowiſh Pod, opening into Three Partitions ; the
Inſide diſcovering Seven other yellowiſh imperfect husky thick Leaves.
In the Centre of theſe is the Fruit in Miniature, which is then about
the Bigneſs of a Button, incruſted all over with a pale-yellow granulated
Subſtance.
When the Fruit grows fufficiently ſtrong, to bear the ſeveral Viciſſitudes
of the external Air, the Leaves drop off, and the Fruit continues to grow
to the Bigneſs of a very large Ruſſet-apple ; nor doth its outward Coat ill
reſemble that Apple in Colour.
Its Shape is rather of a very blunt Cone, than round.
The Inſide is of a fine Yellow; and the Pulp, which ſurrounds a great
many Lamina of oblong flattiſh Seeds, is of an agreeable ſweet Taſte.
а.
L 1
The

132
Book V.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
T
a
grow to
a
The GUAVA-TREE ; Lat. GUAJAVA.
"HE Fruit called the Guava is diſtinguiſhed into Two ſorts ; the
White and the Red and theſe, with regard to their Shape, into
the round, and the Pear-faſhioned, or perfumed Guavas.
The latter have a thicker Rind, and are looked upon to be of a more
delicate Tafte, than any other : However, I think the Difference is very
,
ſmall.
This Tree, if carefully cultivated, and in a good Soil, will
about Eighteen Feet in Height.
Its Bark is very ſmooth, and of a reddiſh Grey.
The Leaves are aboutThree Inches long, ſharp-pointed, and high-ribbed.
The Flowers are white, and pentapetalous, guarded with Four capſular
Leaves, green without, and white within.
The Petals ſurround a great many ſhort Stamina, tipped with pale-
yellow Apices.
Theſe incloſe the Stylus, which is the Rudiment of the Fruit; which,
excepting the perfumed Guava, is round, and about the Bigneſs of a large
Tennis-ball; the Rind, or Skin, generally of a Ruſſet, ſtained with Red;
the Top adorned with a Corona, as a Pear.
The Skin, or Rind, is lined with an Apple-like Subſtance, as thick as
a Crown-piece.
The Inſide of this is full of an agreeable Pulp, mixed with innume-
rable ſmall white Acini or Seeds.
The Rind-part of the Guava, when ſtewed, is eaten with Milk, and
juſtly looked upon to be preferable to any other ſtew'd Fruit.
From the fame Part is made Marmalade; and from the whole Fruit,
the fineſt Jelly perhaps in the World.
Theſe Trees grow in moſt Parts of the Iſland.
The Fruit is ripe about October.
а
.
а.
The SAPPADILLA-TREE ; Lat. CAINITO.
THI
"HE Roots of this Tree are conſiderably large.
The Bark is very much furrowed, and of a greyiſh-white Colour.
The Branches are very many, and ſpreading.
Theſe are thickly covered with very ſmooth ſharp-pointed ſhining-
green Leaves, of about Three Inches long, and an Inch and an half broad.
It tears many ſmall monopetalous Flowers, of a pale White, deeply
laciniated, at their Tops, into many Diviſions, reſembling diſtinct Petals
ſurrounding a green Piſtil.
From the sides of theſe ſeeming Petals riſe many ſhort Stamina, tipped
with yellow -Apices.
Theſe Petals are guarded with Two Sets of capſular Leaves ; one of
a brown, and the other of a pale White.
The

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Book V.
Iſland of BARBADOS.
133
The Piſtil becomes the Rudiment of the Fruit; which, when full-ripe,
hath a rufſet rough Coat, with a Corona upon the Top of it.
This, in Shape, Bigneſs, and Taſte, doth not ill reſemble a Burgamot
Pear, except that it is ſweeter and ſofter ; the Pulp of it incloſing ſeveral
longiſh black Seeds.
The Leaves, as well as their Footſtalk, and tender Buds, emit, when
broken, a white clammy Milk.
The MAMME E-TREE.
TH
"HIS grows to be a large ſhady Tree.
.
The Bark of the Trunk, as well as of the main Branches, is fome-
what fulcated.
The Leaves, which are very thickly ſet on in an alternate Order, are
round-pointed, and ſmooth, of a very deep Green, about Five Inches
long, and near Three broad.
The Flowers are white, and pentapetalous, ſomewhat larger than
Orange-flowers.
Theſe are ſucceeded by a round rufſet Fruit, full as big as the largeſt
Ruffet-apple.
The outward Coat is rather an husky, than a skinny Tegument.
This peels off as the Rind of a Tree in the Spring does, and diſcovers
the catable Part of the Fruit, which is of a pretty ſolid Subſtance, of a
fine yellow Colour.
This is about half an Inch thick, ſurrounding Two or Three large
Stones, ſo joined together, that the Whole makes a circular Figure.
The eatable Part is well taſted, and hath an agreeable Flavour.
а.
The FRENCH WILLOW.
'HIS is a ſhrubby Tree, feldom growing above Sixteen Feet high.
Its Branches are very numerous, and very thickly cloathed with
Leaves of Six Inches long, and a Quarter of an Inch broad.
Theſe, as well as the tender Stalks, when broken, emit a conſiderable
Quantity of thick milky Juice.
The Extremities of theſe Branches ſupport ſeveral yellow Flowers,
compoſed of Five Leaves.
Theſe are ſo cloſely joined together, that the Flower exactly reſembles
the Bell-faſhion kind; and are ſucceeded by an Apple of about the Big-
neſs of a large Crab-apple.
The Pulp of this ſurrounds a flattich Kernel, which is white and ſoft ;
and the Top of it marked with Two unindented Seams croſſing one
another at Right Angles.
This is delineated in Plate VIII.
The

134
Book V.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The GARLICK PEAR-TREE.
TH
HIS is a middle-fized Tree.
-
The Colour of the Bark, eſpecially on the upper Branches, is of
a Dark-grey, interſperſed with whitiſh Specks.
The Leaves are of a fine clear Green, of about Four Inches long, and
ſharp-pointed.
Theſe are ſet upon long Footſtalks, in a tripartite Order. .
The Flower is compoſed of Five ſmall Spoonlike Petals, growing very
flender, and ſmall at the Bottom.
From the Inſide of theſe riſe about Fifteen purple Stamina, tipped
with yellowiſh-green Apices.
From the Centre riſes the Stylus, which bears upon its Top the Rudi-
ment of the Fruit.
As this grows in Bigneſs, the Stylus grows in proportion ; and at laſt
becomes ligneous, able to ſupport the Fruit, which in time grows to be
as big as a large Guava ; the Inſide being full of an agreeable Pulp, in-
terſperſed with ſmall granulated Seeds.
The tender Buds, from the young Branches, being bruiſed, and applied
as a Cataplaſm to any Part of the Body, will in time raiſe a regular Bliſter.
It would perhaps be beneficial, if ſome of the Learned in Phyſic
would inquire, whether it would intirely anſwer the End of the Cantha-
rides; eſpecially as it may not affect the urinary Veſſels, and conſe-
quently not cauſe a Strangury.
Whilft this Tree is in Flower, it is much frequented by Humming-
Birds, which come to fuck the Honey-dew from the Bloſſoms; and But-
terflies lay their Eggs in great Abundance upon the Leaves of this Tree.
a
The DUNK-TREE, or MANGUSTINE.
THIS
HIS is a middle-fized Tree.
The Branches are numerous ; and, after growing to about Fifteen
Feet high, they bend wavingly downward, with a conſiderable Sweep,
till they nearly touch the Ground, leaving a circular fine Area between
that, and the Body of the Tree.
The Bark is of a reddiſh Grey.
The Flowers, which are many and ſmall, are white ; each conſiſting
of one ſtellated Leaf, whoſe Diſcus is ſurrounded with Four ſhort white
Stamina.
Srial cod
The ſucceeding Fruit is, in Shape and Colour, like a ſmall Crab-
apple, except that both Ends are ſomewhat more depreſſed.
Its Taſte is very agreeable ; and therefore eſteemed by moſt people,
The Tree, when in Bloſſom, emits a very fetid offenſive Smell.com
ci
The

Book V.
135
Iſland of BARBADOS.
T
The CashW-TREE; Lat. ANACARDIUM.
HIS is a low wide-ſpreading Tree.
Its Branches are generally crooked and ſtraggling, cloathed with
oval Leaves, whoſe middle Ribs are ſtrong and prominent; the tranſ-
verſe ones running almoſt directly croſs the Leaf.
It bears ſmall white five-leaved Flowers.
Theſe are ſucceeded by the Fruit, which is diſtinguiſhed into Three
Sorts ; the Large White, the Large Red, and the Red-and-white.
Theſe are not unlike, in Shape, to an Apple, called in England, the
Pearmain.
The Inſide is very ſtringy, full of rough, aſtringent, yet pleaſant Juice.
Upon the Top of each ſtands a Nut, incloſing a Kernel. This Fruit is
the Anacardium of the Antients.
Its Shape is like an Hare’s Kidney, affording a great Quantity of
cauſtic Oil ; and the inſide white Kernel is roaſted and eaten.
a
The COCHENE EL SHRUB.
T
very much reſembles the Pimploe Shrub already deſcribed ;
and differs chiefly from it by its greater Height, which is often
Twelve Feet.
Its Leaves likewiſe are very prickly.
It bears upon conic Footſtalks, ſuch as the prickly Pear Footſtalks, fe-
veral roſaceous Flowers, of a deep Scarlet, ſurrounding a Tuft of purple
Stamina, tipped with whitiſh Apices.
In the Middle ſtands the Piſtil, divided at the Top into Six Starlike
Diviſions.
The Flowers are ſucceeded by a Fig-like Fruit; which, when ripe, is
full of a deep-purple Pulp, as well as Juice.
It is to be wiſhed, that the fine Colour it ftains Linen with, could be
fixed.
The AMERICAN TORCH; Lat. CEREUS MAXIMUS,
" HE Roots of this are fibrous and many.
The reticulated Body of the main Stem, as well as the outward
Lamina,.covering the Whole, exactly reſembles the Texture and Colour
of Pimploes, already deſcribed. The Body of this, near the Ground, riſes
into ſeveral upright lefſer Stalks, from whoſe Top riſe others, till by ſuch
a Multiplication the Whole grows often to Eighteen or Nineteen Feet high.
Each of theſe are nearly of a Bigneſs, being about Eight Inches in Cir-
cumference ; and, from Joint to Joint, about Three Feet in Length.
Theſe are regularly chanelled from Top to Bottom into about Ten
deep-gouged Furrows.
The
M 1m

136
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book V.
The Edges or Eminences of each Furrow are thickly beſet, at the
Diſtance of half an Inch, with Star-like Tufts of whitiſh ſlender Prickles,
from an Inch to an Inch and an half long.
Theſe, while young, are nurſed and guarded at the Bottom with a
Cotton-like woolly Subſtance, which flies off when theſe are fufficiently
ftrong to endure the Viciſſitudes of the Weather
From near the Top of ſome of the largeſt Stalks riſes a longiſh fcaly
green Pod-like Subſtance, here-and-there marked with white Spots ; from
which grow many yellowiſh ſharp ſlender Prickles. Son "
The Flower, which is at the End of this Pod-like Subſtance, is com-
poſed of a great many round-pointed Petals, of a yellowiſh-red Colour.
The Piſtil and Stamina are tipped with yellow Apices.
When theſe Flowers drop, the above-mentioned green Calyx becomes
the Rudiment of the Fruit; which, when ripe, is full of ſmall Acini, af-
fording a purpliſh Juice.
The TURK's HEAD; Lat. MeLOCACTUS AMERICANUS.
T!
HIS, I ſuppoſe, derives its Name from its diſtant Reſemblance to a
high-raiſed Turbant.
Its outward Texture is a very green skinny Tegument; its Shape of a
very blunt Cone, whoſe Sides are deeply ftriated; each intermediate Rife-
ing thickly ſtudded with long ſharp-pointed Prickles.
Near the Summit appear very many red roſaceous fmall Flowers.
Theſe are fucceeded by ſmall oval red Berries, full of an agreeable
Pulp, interſperſed with ſmall Acini.
The Root of theſe Flowers and Fruit is guarded with a ſoft Cotton-
like Subſtance.
The MUSKMELON VINE; Lat. Melo.
THIS
"HIS Fruit is diſtinguiſhed, by the Colour of its Pulp, into the white
and red Sort ; each deriving its Name from the Fragrancy of its
Smell.
As this Fruit is ſo well known, both here, and in England, a particu-
lar Deſcription of it would be fuperfluous.
I ſhall therefore only obſerve, that the Vine is rough, almoſt to a
Pricklineſs, bearing ſmall yellow monopetalous Flowers.
Each of theſe divides into Five Sections, ſo deep, that they reſemble
pentapetalous Flowers.
The WATER-MELONS.
HESE, as well as the former, are diſtinguiſhed, by the Colour of
their Pulp, into the White and Red ; each deriving its Name of a
1
Water-Melon from the great Quantity of that Liquid they contain.
By
THESE

Book V. Iſland of BARBADOS . 137
By their cooling and diuretic Quality, they are ſo ſerviceable in hot
Climates, that the poorer Sort in Perfia and Turky; eſpecially in the
Levant, for the Summer Months, live almoſt ſolely upon the Musk and
Water-Melon, Cucumbers, and Milk.
The Vine producing the Water-Melon is long and trailing
PUMKINS; Lat. PEPO.
TH
HE different Species of theſe are generally diſtinguiſhed by the
Names of the White, the Blue, the Marbled, and the Garden Pumkin.
The latter differs from all the reſt, by having no Seed; but is propa-
gated by Slips.
Theſe are all eaſily produced, and of a very quick Growth.
They make a great Part of the Food of the poorer Sort, in the Sum-
mer-time, as well in Aſia and Africa, as in America.
The Vines, bearing theſe different Sorts, are each rough and hairy,
both Stalks and Leaves ; and the Flowers are yellow, monopetalous, and
very large, divided at the Top into Five deep Sections,
The Piſtil is ſurrounded with yellow farinaceous Duſt, which, by Three
open
Slits at the Bottom, drops into the Ovary.
The ſucceeding Fruit is generally, gwhilft young, of a Mixture between
a deep Blue, and a pale White.
They are boiled and eaten with Fleſh-meat.
I have ſeen a Species of theſe Fruit at Paris, which exceeds any in the
Weſt-Indies in Bigneſs.
It is much uſed by the poorer Sort in Soups.
a
SQU ASSHES; Lat. MELOPEPO.
THI
HE Squaſh-vine is long and trailing, the main Stalk multangular
and hairy
It ſupports itſelf by its numerous Claſpers and Tendrils.
The Leaves are large, and very rough.
Their Edges are irregularly ſerrated, as well as the Leaves in general,
fomewhat ſcalloped.
From the Bloffom of the Leaves riſe ſeveral Pedicles, ſupporting the Fruit
in Miniature ; whoſe Top is decorated with a large reddiſh-yellow Blof-
ſom, which continues on the Fruit, till it is eatable; which it generally
is, when as big as a Walnut.
When boiled, they are by moſt People eſteemed to be very
delicate
eating
Theſe are of Two forts; the Long and the Round.
The

138
Book V.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
а.
а.
The large Gourd VINE; Lat. CUCURBITA.
ΤΗ
HIS Vine is long and trailing, of a multangular Shape, and very
hairy
The Leaves, which are large, and almoſt circular, are covered with
ſoft Villi, or Hairs.
Theſe Leaves ſmell ſtrongly of Musk.
The Flowers, which ſtand upon Footſtalks Six Inches in Length, are
monopetalous, divided into Five deep Sections, and of a dirty-white Colour.
Theſe are incloſed in a ſmall hairy Calyx, divided alſo into Five
Sections ; and are ſo tender, that they are cloſed up as ſoon as the Sun
ſhines upon them.
When theſe Flowers drop, they are ſucceeded by the Fruit, which
grows ſomething Pear-like in Shape.
The outſide Tegument, as it ripens, grows hard, ſomething reſembling
a Nut-ſhell, but fofter. The Inſide is of a ſoft white Subſtance, intermixed
with fattiſh Seeds, like thoſe of Melons.
Some of the largeſt Species of theſe Gourds are capable, when
cleared of their Pith, to contain Twenty-two Gallons : However, ſuch
are very uncommon.
The largeſt of theſe that I ſaw, was at Mr. Richard Jackman's, in St.
Peter's Pariſh.
The ſmall GOURD; Lat. COLOCYNTHIS.
ΤΗ
'HIS Vine is round, ſoft, and hairy, provided with numerous Claſp-
ers. With theſe they cling to the neighbouring Buſhes.
The Leaves are large, and of almoſt a circular round Shape, ſtanding
upon Footſtalks, Four Inches in Length.
Theſe are ſet on alternately; the Flowers, which are white, and com-
poſed of Five white Petals, ſurrounding ſeveral Stamina.
Theſe are ſucceeded by the Gourd, which is yellow, when ripe.
The ſhelly or husky Outſide incloſes a white bitter Pulp, interſperſed
with whitiſh flat Seeds.
An Hole being made in one of theſe ripe Gourds, if a Glaſs of
Rum be poured in, and ſuffered to remain there for Twenty-four Hours,
and then drunk, it proves a ſucceſsful Purge ; but is ſo bitter, and leaves
ſuch a Nauſea behind, that it is ſeldom uſed.
a
The SWEET GOURD.
TH
HIS Gourd differs from the laſt deſcribed, by its very great Length
and Narrowneſs ; being often above Two Feet long, and about
Six Inches in Circumference.
It differs likewiſe from all others, by its Pulp being rather ſweet than
bitter.
When

Book V. Iſland of B A R BA DO S.
B A B
139
a
When theſe are ripe, the inſide ſoft wateriſh Pulp and Seed are ſcooped
out: Then there remains, next to the husky or fhelly outward Part, a
Pulp of a more folid Subftance, than what is ſcooped out.
This
, being likewiſe taken out in Slices, and ſomewhat dried of its na-
tural Juice, is put into ſeveral Syrups ; and at laſt, candied or froſted
over, becomes an agreeable Sweetmeat.
om
felue alone ա to
BATCHELOR'S PEARS; Lat. SOL A NUM fructu pyriformi
inverſo.
THE
HESE are of Two forts; the one almoſt ſpherical ; the other hath
the Reſemblance of a Nipple upon the Top.
The Plant that bears theſe, grows to about Three Feet in Height, fup-
ported by very few Roots.
It hath many Side-Branches, which are very prickly.
Theſe are cloathed with deep ſegmented rough Leaves, which are
about Six Inches long, and Three broad.
Their middle Ribs, as well as the tranſverſe, are guarded with a great
many fharp-pointed Prickles.
The Flower, which is compoſed of one ſingle Leaf of a whitiſh Blue,
expands itſelf horizontally.
This is ſupported by Five ſmall ſharp-pointed capſular Leaves.
From the Centre riſe Five yellow deep-chanelled Stamina.
Theſe are ſucceeded by the Fruit above-mentioned ; which, when ripe,
is of a golden Colour, and about the Bigneſs of a Tennis-ball; the In-
fide being full of ſmall Seed.
This Plant grows chiefly in very rich Ground, eſpecially upon Dunghils.
BREAD AND CHEESE ; or, SUCKING-BOTTLE. .
HIS is a ligneous Wyth, with dark Iron-coloured Leaves, each like
thoſe of an Orange, having a longiſh Heart-like Stalk.
Theſe are about Three Inches long, ſharp-pointed, and here-and-
there ſnipped on the Edges.
The Stalk of the Vine, as well as the middle Ribs of the Leaves, is
of a purple Colour.
The Flowers are ſucceeded by yellow conic capſular Pods, ſomewhat in
Shape like a Bottle, each dividing into Three Partitions, having one Seed,
which, at one End, is covered with a whitiſh rough Pith, which is ſome-
times eaten.
The Root of thisVine, mixed and boiled with Lime-juice, and the Ruſt
of Iron, by way of Plaiſter, cures the Body-Yaws.
CUSTARD.
a
Nn

The 49 Thin
140
Natural Hiſtory, &c. Book V.
bacool 316 bega bun alu' drew slot sinnesten
Otom
Cust ARD-APPLE ; Lat. GUANABANUS fructu aureo, &
-50to perb for molliter aculeato.
Plum. seisda
gone
TI
"HIS Tree is about the Bigneſs of the laſt-deſcribed.
It bears a Fruit nearly round, and of a yellow Colour, when
ripe.
The Inſide is full of a ſoft white pulpy Subſtance, from whence it
derives its Name.
Dovre
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DTS 291
One daidw 23 The End of the Fifth Book.
om
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21 THE
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Plate & P.142
Aktion
( WITO
စ၍
G
1
Et
.
To the most rev: Sather in God MATTHEW
Lord Arch Bishop of York
.
this Plate is humbly inscribed.ge?
Erbetode
Bickhamlo
.

यात
T HE
NATURAL HISTORY
дагогтар баталог OF THE TH
Inand of BARBADO S.
T
older
mark
bu
e new BOOK VI.
a
oc
OF TREES, SHRUBS, and PLANTS,
,
of the BACCIFEROUS Kind.is
Sorter
E 2101
Y Berries we are to underſtand thoſe kinds of Fruits,
whoſe outward Texture is generally of a thin flexi-
ble Make, and whoſe Inſides are full of Pulp, mixed
with ſmall Acini.
В.
Several of theſe, by their grateful Tafte, and deli-
cate Flavour, are not only very acceptable to Man;
but Providence intended many Species of them to
be a proper Food for ſeveral kinds of (1) Birds,
which could not ſubſiſt, eſpecially in the Winter
Months, without them.sety
DW torre
FIÉS 160
The
3 OL (1) Quifts and Pivets, &c.
den
o

142
Book VI.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
а.
The LIGNUM VITÆ, or GUAIACUM.
HIS
This very uſeful Tree grows here in Plenty, but not to any great
Its medicinal Virtues, either by way of Docoction, or the Uſe of its
Gum, are ſufficiently deſcribed by ſeveral Authors.
I ſhall therefore only obſerve, that the Berries, which are of a teſticu-
lated Form, and of a yellow Colour, inclinable to a Red, make an excel-
lent Diet-drink, greatly aſſiſting to purify the Blood.
The upper Branches are many, cloathed with ſeveral Pairs of ſmall
roundiſh pennated Leaves, never having an odd one at the End.
The Flowers are pentapetalous, and of the fineſt violet Colour that can
be imagined ; and the Tree is ſcarce ever to be found without Flowers or
Berries.
This is delineated in Plate IX.
That called the White Lignum Vitæ ſcarce differs from this in any
other Particular, but that it bears white Bloſſoms.
raculars
The BASTARD LIGNUM VITÆ.
THIS grows to above Twenty-five Feet high, covered with a rough
.
The Heart of this Tree is almoſt as hard, and as durable, as Iron-wood,
It is ſometimes beautifully clouded with Veins of Yellow, and a dark Red.
The Flowers are ſucceeded by Berries, each near as big as a ſmall
Cherry: Theſe are of a purple Colour, when ripe; and taſte very agreeably.
They are much coveted by wild Pigeons, Sparrows, and other Birds.
:
a
a
a
ATVIA IRON-Wood.
TH
CHE largeſt of theſe in this Iſland grow not above Thirty Feet high,
and the Trunk in proportion ſomewhat ſlender.
This is covered with a whitiſh Bark, whoſe Surface often ſlightly peels
off.
ton
The Bark
upon
the
upper
Branches is of a reddiſh Grey.
The Leaves, which are ſmooth, and of a yellowiſh Green, are Two
Inches and an half long, and above an Inch broad, narrow near the Foot-
ſtalks.
Inta
Dove to
The Flowers are many and white : Theſe riſe in Groups upon one com-
mon Pedicle, and are ſucceeded by ſmall Berries, whoſe outward Tegu-
ment, as well as inward Pulp, is of the fineſt Red, interſperſed with
ſmall Seeds.
man
TOM
It hath the Name of Iron-Wood from its great Weight, its Hardneſs,
and the Cloſeneſs of its Grain ; for it is proof againſt all Weather, and is
ſcarce known to ſuffer any Decay in ſeveral Ages : It is ſo heavy, that it
will ſink in Water.
The

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Pl :
10 Page 343
ber
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QUI
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VICIT
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To
Grace the DUKE of NEWCASTLE
Plate is humbly Inscribd &c.
c
This
shish

Book VI.
143
Ifand of BARBADOS.
The RED-Wood.
T
.
a
'HIS grows, eſpecially if ſheltered from the Wind, to be a very large
Tree, affording Boards of a cloſe fine Grain, of a reddiſh Colour;
remarkably and beautifully clouded with black Veins.
The Trunk is cloathed with a dark-grey Bark, which is ſomewhat ful-
cated.
The Leaves on the upper Side are of a deep Green, and paler on the
,
under : Theſe are ſmooth-edged, and ſharp-pointed, generally about Six
Inches long, and Three broad.
The upper Branches bear many red Flowers, which are fucceeded by
middle-ſized Berries, of a dark-purple Colour, when ripe, containing
many reddiſh ſmall Seeds.
Theſe Berries are eatable, and looked upon neither unpleaſant nor
unwholſome.
It is ſaid, that the young Leaves, applied to the Temples, give great
Relief in the moſt violent Head-ach.
The WILD CINNAMON-TREE; Lat. CINNAMOMUM
SYLVESTRE.
a
'HIS Tree grows to a conſiderable Height.
The Trunk is cloathed with a brown rough ſulcated Bark, which
taſtes hot and biting; and hath ſomething of the Fragrancy of the true
Cinnamon.
Its Leaves are of the Laurel-kind, ſmooth, green, and ſharp-pointed :
Theſe are about Four Inches long, and one and an half broad; and, when
bruiſed, yield an agreeable aromatic Smell.
It bears ſmall yellow Flowers : Theſe are ſucceeded by ſmall red Berries.
The LOBLOLLY-TREE.
a
THI
HIS is a middle-fized Tree, whoſe Leaves, which are about Three
Inches long, are generally in Tufts upon the Extremity of the
Branches.
Among theſe riſe a great many Bunches of white Flowers.
Theſe are fucceeded
by ſmall white Berries.
They ſerve as Food for ſeveral Species of Birds.
The BALSAM; or the SE A-SIDE SAGE.
T
HIS is a large buſhy Shrub, growing ſometimes to about Nine Feet
high, and its Leaves finely ſerrated.
A fubtile refinous Juice perſpires thro' the Leaves, and their ſmall
Footſtalks; which, by the Heat of the Sun, is granated, and intirely incruſts
them.
0 0
This

144
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VI.
ThisIncruſtation, as well as the tranſparent Liquid, which inſtantaneouſly
iffues from the broken Footftalks of the Leaves, hath a fine aromatic Smell.
A few Drops of this, rubbed with the Finger on the Palm of the
Hand, ſoon thicken to the Conſiſtency of a Salve, taſting hot and bitter :
This is excellently good to cure green Wounds.
This is delineated in Plate X.
The POISON-TREE ; Lat. TOXICODENDRON.
TH
"HIS is diſtinguiſhed into Two forts; the one bearing a ſmall ſmooth-
edged narrow Leaf.
The Trunk of this is very folid, and good Timber for Building.
The other bears a large green ſmooth-edged ſharp-pointed Leaf.
The Timber of the latter is very ſoft and periſhing.
From each of theſe Trees iſſues, when wounded, a great Quantity of
milky corroſive poiſonous Juice.
This, when expoſed to the Heat of the Sun, turns ſo very clammy, that
it proves a good Bird-lime, and is with great Succeſs made uſe of to that
Purpoſe.
Each of theſe Trees have their Branches near upright and ſpiral,
cloathed with a whitiſh
grey
Bark.
The Flowers are ſucceeded by a greeniſh-purple Berry, marked with
Night indented Seams into Three Parts.
A Cataplaſm of the new-extracted Juice, applied to the Feet, is of
Service to kill the Vermin called Chigers.
ch
a
The Rod-Wood.
ΤΗ,
'HIS grows to be a large Timber-tree.
The Bark on the leffer Branches is of a light whitiſh Grey.
The Leaves, which are ſet on alternately, are of a yellowiſh Green,
eſpecially the middle Rib.
The Footſtalks of theſe Leaves, at their ſetting off from theſe Branches,
are remarkably welted with a ſtrong greeniſh husky Subſtance, which
furrounds the Footftalk, as well as the Branch. I take it that this Band-
age is intended to ſecure and ſtrengthen the Leaves; for, as the leaſt of
theſe are about Ten Inches long, and Five broad, their Weight would
otherwiſe be too heavy for the ſmaller Limbs to bear.
This Tree bears round white Berries.
The BIRCH-GUM-TREE.
THIS grows to be a middle-fized Tree.
Its Bark is of a reddiſh Colour, and ſmooth, ſomewhat reſembling
that of a Birch-tree.
a
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Page 145
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LaModa
DIGNITATI
To Right
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The Barl of Salfax,
First Lord Commiſsioner of
This Plate is humbly Inscribit)
SO
Trade and Plantations-
&c.
9.D.Chret, detin, & fculp.

Book VI. Iſland of B A R BA DO S.
145
From thence, and from the great Quantity of tranſparent Gum that
its wounded Trunk and Branches afford, it derives its Name.
Its upper Branches ſuſtain a great many ſmall apetalous Flowers.
Theſe are ſucceeded by ſeveral red Berries, near as big as ſmall Cherries.
The Gum is looked upon to be very ſerviceable in all inward Bruiſes,
or Strains, of what kind ſoever.
The Branches of this Tree, being ſtaked into the Earth, will grow ;
and I have known a Branch of it, tho' ſtripped of its Leaves, and expoſed
to Wind and Weather (as Part of an Arbour for a Grape-vine), which, in
this Situation, budded, and put forth young Shoots and Leaves.
,
It grows in moſt parts of the Iſland, .
.
The BAY-BERRY-TREE ; Lat. Myrtus arborea aromatica.
THI
HIS is a beautiful upright Tree, its Trunk often of near Two Feet
Diameter.
Its Bark, until the Seaſon of its peeling off, is very ſmooth, and ſome-
what reddiſh.
The Trunk divides into numerous Branches, the lower always the
longeſt; ſo that towards the Summit it ends pyramidically, being very
thickly cloathed with middle-fized ſharp-pointed ſmooth very green
Leaves.
This continual Verdure, added to its manner of growing, makes it ap-
pear very beautiful.
Its Berries are well known by the Name of Jamaica Pepper.
There is another of the fame Species called the Black Bay-tree.
This differs from the other, chiefly by having its Bark and Leaves of
fomewhat a darker Colour than the above-deſcribed.
a
а.
The Wild Bay-BERRY-TREE; Lat. MYRTUS.
THI
HIS is a far leſs Tree than that laſt-deſcribed. .
Its Bark is as ſmooth as, and much redder than, the former.
Its Leaves and Berries are of the fame Make and Texture with the true
Bay-berry-trees.
However, the Berries want the Virtue, as well as the fragrant Smell, of
the former.
BLACK-BERRY-HUNTERS.
TH
HIS Shrub hath a great many ſtrong Roots.
Its Trunk is covered with a dark-greyiſh Bark.
The Leaves are ſharp-pointed, and in Length above an Inch and an
half, and about an Inch in Breadth.
It bears white ſmall Flowers, fucceeded by ſmall black Berries.
FIDDLE-

146
Book VI.
The Natural Hiftory of the
FIDDLE-WOOD-TRE E.
TH
HESE are common in this Iſland, and grow to a conſiderable
Height
They are diſtinguiſhed into the White, the Red, and the Black fort.
The latter is by far the moſt durable Timber, and not often to be met
with.
The Body of the Trunk is covered with a light-brown Bark.
Its upper Branches are thickly cloathed with Leaves of above Three
Inches long, and an Inch and an half broad.
The Extremities of the Branches end in ſeveral ſlender pendulous green
Strings or Ligula, which are almoſt ſurrounded with ſmall white
penta-
petalous ſweet-ſcented Flowers, each ſtanding in a ſmall green Calyx.
Theſe are ſucceeded by ſmall pulpy Berries, which are at firſt of a
green Colour ; afterwards red ; and, when ripe, black.
а.
13 The BeE-WOOD-TREE.
THIS is a large hady Tree, cloathed with numerous ſmooth green
Leaves, of Four Inches long, and Three broad.
Theſe have a great many round Excreſcencies growing on them in the
Shape of Galls, tho' not much larger than a Grain of black Pepper.
Theſe are Neſts of ſome ſmall Inſects, which make an Hole in each of
them; and then either creep, or fly away.
The Top-Branches bear ſeveral Bunches of ſmall white Flowers.
Theſe are ſucceeded by ſmall Berries, whoſe Pulp is of a purple Colour,
when ripe.com
The FUSTIC-TREE; Lat. MORUS.
ΤΗ
*HIS grows to be a large Tree, having generally a ſtrait Trunk.
The Bark is of a greyiſh Brown, ſlightly furrowed.
It bears Katkins; and the Fruit hath many Acini, which are as large
as a large Strawberry, green within and without.
The Heart of this Tree is very yellow, and is well known for its Qua-
lity in Dyeing,
YELLOW HERCULES.
TH
*HIS grows to a middle-fized Tree, having a great many Roots.
It is chiefly diſtinguiſhed from the White Hercules, by the Yel-
lowneſs of the inner Bark, which, when properly prepared, affords an
excellent yellow Dye : Perhaps it might be very uſeful in that Way, if in
the Hands of skilful Dyers.
The outward Bark is of a reddiſh Grey, thickly covered with ſhort ſtub-
bed Prickles.
The

Book VI. hand of BAR BAD O S.
147
The Leaves, which are ſet on alternately, are about Four Inches long,
and Two broad, having their middle Ribs ſtrong and prominent.
Its numerous ſmall herbaceous Flowers grow in Cluſters at the Extre-
mities of their Stalks; and are ſucceeded by ſmall round Berries.
The inner yellow Bark of the Root, bruiſed, and ſteeped in boiling
Water, tinges it with a yellow Colour.
Waſhing ſore Eyes with this Water hath of late been diſcovered to be
a ſovereign Remedy in moſt Diſorders of the Eyes.
The PYE-CRUST.
THI
HIS is a middle-fized Tree, having many ſtrong Roots.
The Bark of the main Body is of a dark Grey.
The Leaves are very many, thick, ſmooth, and round-pointed, but very
narrow towards their Stalks.
Theſe are of a deep ſmutty Green on the upper Side, and ſomewhat
lighter on the under, and ſet on the Branches in an irregular manner.
They bear ſeveral apetalous Flowers, which are ſucceeded by yellow
Berries, of the Bigneſs of a middle-fized Olive, whoſe yellowiſh bitter
Pulp incloſes Three whitiſh Seeds.
The Texture of the Tree is very brittle, from whence it derived the
Name of Pye-cruft.
The DWARF MANGROVE.
THI
'HIS Shrub grows by the Sea or Pond-fides in wet Places.
The Trunk and numerous Branches are cloathed with ſhining
green Leaves, Two Inches and an half long, and an Inch and an half
broad.
Among the upper Branches are many ſmall tubular Flowers, filled with
yellow Stamina, fucceeded by fmall Berries.
MONT ABBA, alias TRUBBA.
TH
HIS is a low ſhrubby Buſh, divided into many Branches; the out-
ſide Bark of a whitiſh Grey, covered with an hoary Mealineſs.
The Inſide is of a ligneous Subſtance, which ſurrounds a greeniſh Pith.
The Roots are many and white.
The Leaves are ſet on alternately ; and theſe are of a green Colour
;
above, and whitiſh underneath ; their Length about Five Inches, and
above Three in Breadth, eſpecially at ſuch Places where they are bluntly
and irregularly ſcalloped about their Edges.
The Flowers are monopetalous, and of a reddiſh White, expanding, in
the Heat of the Day, almoſt horizontally flat; their Oræ being ſlightly
ſegmented, and divided into Six ſharp-pointed Angles.
From the Centre of the Flower riſes a white Piſtil, ſurrounded by Six
yellow thick triangular Stamina.
The
a
P p
P

148
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VI.
а.
The Flowers are ſucceeded by a Pumkin-like Fruit, of a fine deep Pur-
ple on the Outſide, and whitiſh within ; the Pulp interſperſed with white
flattiſh Seeds.
This Fruit is boiled and eaten as a Pumkin.
The ſmall Red TRUBBA.
T!
HIS Plant grows to about Four Feet high.
Its Branches, as well as the Leaves, are few and ſtraggling; the
latter about an Inch and an half long, and an Inch broad.
Its Flowers are compoſed of Five white Petals, ſurrounding ſeveral
Stamina.
Theſe are ſucceeded by a ſcarlet Button, whoſe Inſide is full of Juice,
and fmall whitiſh Acini or Seeds.
This Fruit is chiefly uſed by Negroes, in their Soups.zbor WOTETT
It hath, when boiled, a bitteriſh Taſte; and is by them looked
upon
as uſeful to alleviate any colicky Diſorder of the Stomach.
TAMMATAS SHRUB; Lat. LYCOPERSICON.
1
"HIS is likewiſe a ſhrubby Plant, much reſembling, in its Make, that
which produces the Bachelor's Pear ; with this Difference, that the
Prickles on this are not ſo ſtiff.
The Fruit is about as big as an Hen's Egg, red when ripe.
They are generally made uſe of, boiled in Broth. ate
Theſe were brought hither by his Excellency Governor Worſley, from
Portugal
.
The MAIDENHE AD.
Boomt te ste
THE
HE ſhrubby Vine, bearing this Fruit, grows very buſhy, and about
- Three Feet high ; its Bark bearing a red Fruit, but not eatable.
а.
а
stone The BuLLY-BERRY-TREE; Lat. CAINITO.
T!
CHIS grows to be a very large Tree, branching chiefly towards the
Top.
It bears a round Fruit, of a ruſſet-yellow Colour, ſtanding upon an
Inch and a Quarter Footftalk.
The inſide Pulp of the Fruit is milky, and of a ſoft ſweet Taſte, not
unlike a Sappadillo.
It is about the Bigneſs of a very large Cherry, but not depreſſed at each
End.
The Pulp incloſes a very ſharp-pointed oval Seed.
SOAP-

Book VI.
149
Iſland of BARBADOS.
SOAP-BERRY-BUSH, or FIRE-BUR N-LE AF; le
Lat. SAPINDUS.
-
.
a
'HIS is a fcandent ligneous jointed Vine, whoſe Heart-like Leaves
are thin, and ſharp-pointed.
Theſe are, in general, of about Four Inches long, Two and an half broad,
and high-ribbed.
Almoſt every Leaf is ſupported by a crooked Tendril, which takes hold
of the neighbouring Trees or Shrubs.lt
The Leaves, when bruiſed, and agitated in Water, will cauſe as ſtrong
a Lather as an equal Quantity of Soap,
The Juice is likewiſe very much eſteemed to heal and cure Fire-burns,
Scalds, or fuch-like Sores.
ge
Wਆਸੀਸੀ 1755
The BASTARD Locust, or FOREST-TREE.
cidad
e de
THIS grows to be a large Tree, cloathed with a whitiſh Bark, red
a ,
Its Leaves are of a dark Green, about an Inch and an half long, fmooth,
and very blunt-pointed.
The Bark is uſed as an Aſtringent.
atsbor
The VERVAIN; Lat. SHERARDIA SPICATA.
2 ad
TH
HE Roots of this ſhrubby Plant are very numerous, and white,
penetrating not deep into the Earth.
The main Stalk, when full-grown, is as thick as one's Finger, woody,
and brittle; foon dividing into many lefſer Branches.
Theſe are jointed, putting forth, at every Joint, Duplicates of winged
Leaves within one another; whoſe Edges are regularly ferrated, and of a
middle Size, ending very narrow towards the Stalks ; the Stalks them-
felves terminating in long ſcaly Spikes.
Round the Middle of theſe riſe ſeveral ſmall naked tubular monopeta-
lous Flowers, of a fine blue Colour ; whofe Edges are divided into Five
Segments, having likewiſe a whitiſh Spot in the Middle.
The Seeds, which are longifh, and ſmall, are included in the ſeveral
Lamina, or Foldings, of theſe Spikes.
The Juice of this Plant is ſo great a Deobſtruent, that a large Spoonful
taken inwardly, for Three or Four Mornings ſucceſſively, hath been
more powerful to bring down the Catamenia, than either the Uſe of
Chalybeats, or any other Method.
This Plant grows in moft Parts of the Iſland.
The MASTICH-TREE ; Lat. CALABA.
HIS often grows to a great Height.
The Colour of its Bark is browniſh.
The

150
2 The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VI.
and are
The larger Branches divide into a great many leſs ones ;
thickly cloathed with deep-green ſhining Leaves, whoſe middle Ribs are
tinged with Yellow.
Theſe are about Three Inches long, and near Two broad.
Their Edges are neatly labiated into ſeveral eafy sinus's, and ſet on the
Branches alternately, ſupported by Footſtalks of about an Inch long.
The Flowers are yellow, and ſucceeded by a Fruit, which hath a diſtant
Reſemblance to a Shrub.
D
This Tree is of a very cloſe Grain, hard and durable ; therefore
much made uſe of in Mill and Houſe-building.
T
The CASSA DO-TREE; MANIHOT.
THE Caſſado-trees, or rather Shrubs, are pithy on the Inſide ; and
feldom grow higher than Five Feet.
They are diſtinguiſhed into the White, and Old Sort; the former
being ready to te rooted up, and uſed, in about Four Months after it is
planted; and its Juice is not ſo ſtrong a Poiſon as the other old Sort.
The Root, which is the Part uſed in both, is large and white, and ſo
ſoft, that it may be eaſily grated.
Theſe Shrubs have a few weak Branches.
Thefe, as well as the main Trunk, towards their Extremities, are
cloathed with many large digitated Leaves upon reddiſh Footſtalks, of
about Six Inches long.
The Flowers are deeply divided into Five Sections, whoſe Edges are
tinged with a pale Purple.
Out of the Centre riſe Eight Stamina, tipped with yellow farinaceous
Apices.
Five of theſe Stamina fall back, and lean againſt the different Sections.
The Flowers are fucceeded by many ſmall round green Berries, whoſe
Outſide is divided into Five ſelvaged Seams, the Inſide containing Three
blackiſh Seeds.
The Method of making Bread from the Roots is, firſt, to grate them
very fine, and preſs out the Juice, and dry the mealy Part in the Sun; and
then make it into thin Loaves, like thoſe made with Oatmeal in many
of the Country Parts of England, Scotland, and Wales.
This Bread is well taſted, and nouriſhing; and, by its abſorbent Qua-
lity, it is highly ſerviceable to Perſons of a plethoric Habit, or inclinable
to Dropſies.
The Juice is a quick mortal Poiſon to every Animal.
.
Having tried an Experiment upon Two half-grown Fowls, by pouring
down their Throats Two Tea-ſpoonfuls of this Juice, newly expreffed, it
ſoon threw them into Convulſions; and they both died in about half an
Hour's time.
LEATHER-

Book VI.
151
Iſland of BARBADOS.
a
LEATHER-COAT-TREE.
THIS grows to a conſiderable Height
.
a
The
The Branches are many and ſtraggling, their Tops generally bending
downwards.
The younger Twigs are ſeemingly jointed.
Theſe are cloathed with broad Leaves, reddiſh when young, whoſe
Stalks, as well as their Ribs, are then thickly covered with a pale-yellow
Pile, or ſoft-pointed Setæ.
The Leaves, as they grow old, turn green, being then in Length about
Ten Inches, and Twelve in Breadth, having their middle, as well as their
tranſverſe Rits prominent and ſtrong.
From the Bołoms of the Leaves riſe many Six-inch long Spikes, ſur-
rounded with ſmall Berries, red when ripe ; the Inſide being likewiſe full
of reddiſh Pulp, incloſing ſeveral ſmall darkiſh Seeds.
CL AMMY CHERRY-TREE; Lat. MALPIGHIA.
THIS
HIS Tree grows to a conſiderable Bigneſs, covered with a greyiſh
Bark.
The Leaves are in Bunches from Three to Five, upon the Tops of the
leffer Twigs.
Theſe are about Five Inches long, ſharp-pointed, and near Two Inches
and an half broad.
The Flowers are of a pale-yellow Colour ; and the ſucceeding Fruit,
when ripe, as big as a middling Cherry.
SE
Thefe in Cluſters, of a fine red Colour.
The Pulp is very clammy, and ſurrounds a great many ſmall Seeds.
;
grow in
а.
The BLACK CHERRY-TREE.
T!
HIS very much reſembles the red Cherry-tree, except that the
Leaves of the black Cherry-tree are ſomewhat larger, ſmoother,
and thicker, than the four Cherry.
The Leaves often grow cloſe to the Branches ; and, when upon the
leffer Twigs, they are pennated.
From among theſe riſe the Flowers, which (except in Colour, which is
red) very much reſemble thoſe of the Coffee-tree.
Theſe are ſucceeded by ſmall blackiſh Berries.
The RED CHERRY-TREE.
THI
HIS Tree ſeldom grows above Eighteen Feet high.
Its Branches are numerous, but ſmall, and cloathed with a great
many deep-green round-pointed Leaves.
e q
From

152
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book VI.
From the Bofom of theſe riſe many Footſtalks, ſupporting ſmall Five-
leaved Flowers.
Their Petals ſurround ſeveral green Stamina, tipped with yellow Sum-
mits.
The whole Flower is ſupported by ſeveral ſmall capſular Leaves, and
ſucceeded by the Fruit, which is red, when ripe ; of about the Bigneſs
of a ſmall Cherry, but more compreſſed at both Ends.
Theſe are of an agreeable ſweet, mixed with an acid Taſte.
The Inſide is full of ſmall whitiſh Seeds.
The BELLY-ACH.
TI
THE Roots of this Shrub are few in Number, and white, penetrating
deep into the Earth.
The main Stalk, which is covered with a light greyiſh Bark, grows to
about Three or Four Feet high, foon dividing into ſeveral wide-extended
Branches.
The Body of the Shrub, within Three Inches of the Ground, ſwells,
or bulges out.
From this Swelling, by Inciſion, is taken out, when ripe, a rough gra-
nated Core or Kernel, of a pale Red, and ſometimes near as large as a
Pullet’s Egg
This is extraneous to the Nature of the Shrub, and as diſtinctly ſepa-
rable from it, tho' in cloſe Contact with it, as a Peach-ſtone is from the
pulpy Part thereof.
It is alſo of the ſame Nature and Quality as Hellebore ; and anſwers, to
all Intents and Purpoſes, the Uſe of it.
The Branches of the Shrub are neither decorated with Leaves nor
Flowers, till near the Top : There the former, which are deeply ſegmented
into Three or Four Diviſions, ſurround it.
Theſe, including the Sections, are about Five Inches long, and near as
broad.
Their Footſtalks, as well as the young Buds, on the Extremity of the
Branches, are guarded round with ſtiff hairy Briſtles, which are always
tipped with glutinous liquid Drops.
From among theſe riſe ſeveral ſmall deep-red pentapetalous Flowers ;
the Piſtil of each being thick-ſet at the Top with yellow farinaceous
Duft, which blows off when ripe.
Theſe Flowers are ſucceeded by hexagonal husky blackiſh Berries ;
which, when ripe, open, by the Heat of the Sun; emitting a great many
ſmall dark-coloured Seeds, which ſerve as Food for Ground-doves.
The Leaves of this Shrub are few, and ſeldom or never drop off, nor
are torn or eaten by Vermin of the Eruca, or any other kind.
As Nature makes nothing in vain, I beg Leave to conjecture, that this
clammy Liquid, like Bird-lime, with which each of the above-mentioned
Setc

Plate II
.
Page 552
,
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Book VI. Iſland of BARBADOS.
153
Setæ or Briſtles are tipped, is deſigned to intangle and prevent Caterpil-
lers, or other Vermin, from climbing up to deſtroy the few Leaves, with
which Nature hath ſo ſparingly ſupplied this Plant
As for other Plants, which are not thus guarded, as their Leaves are
generally very numerous, if ſome of theſe are deſtroyed by Worms, they
ſoon, in ſo warm a Climate, recover this Loſs, and the Plant renews its
wonted Verdure
Perhaps, likewiſe, this gluey Subſtance may be of furtherUſe, if gathered
by Butterflies, or other flying Inſects (eſpecially the former, which are often
feen hovering about the Flowers), to glutinize their Bags or Webs, before
they enter into their Aurelia-ſtate.
The Seeds dropping from the ripe Eerries are ſo great a Specific againſt
Melancholy, that even Doves, that have uſed to feed on them, will not,
when confined to a Cage, whoot, if deprived of theſe, and Bird-pepper.
It is ſaid, that Fifteen of the Berries, pulverized, and taken inwardly,
prove a good Purge.
It grows in every Part of the Iſland, but moſt luxuriant in a ſandy
looſe Soil.
This is delineated in Plate XI. Fig. 1.
a
TH
The PRICKLY Hoop, or the WHITE THORN.
THIS derives its Name from the Uſe that is ſometimes made of it
to hoop Veſſels.
The main Stalk, when full-grown, is generally bigger than one's Arm,
dividing, near the Ground, into many prickly Branches. AD
Theſe grow, eſpecially if fupported by low Underwood, to ſometimes
near Thirty Feet in Length.
The Bark is of a whitiſh Grey.
The ſmall Side-branches, as well as the Leaves, are ſet on alternately.
The latter are, near the Stalk, about Two Inches in Breadth, and Two
Inches and an half in Length, ending in a long ſharp Point.
Their Edges are ſlightly ſnipped, and the Colour of the Leaf of a faint
Green, inclined to a Yellow.
The middle Rib is ſtrengthened, befides the tranſverſe ones, with Two,
or fometimes more, longitudinal ſtrong Veins, or Ribs.
The Flowers are ſucceeded by middle-fized Berries, red when ripe.
Theſe are ſometimes eaten by Men, but chiefly by Birds.
The ALOES PLANT; Lat. Aloe vulgaris.
THIS very ſucculent Plant hath one
large Root
, with a great many
other ſmall ſtringy Roots growing from it.
The Number of Leaves are generally about Twenty.
Theſe,

154
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VI.
Theſe, near the Roots, are Two Inches broad, and near one thick,
gorwing to Eighteen or Twenty Inches high, ending in a ſharp Point.
Each Side of the Leaf is guarded, at every Half-inch Diſtance, with a
ſtrong ſmall Prickle.
Out of the Middle of theſe Leaves riſes a ſlender conic Stalk, fome-
times divided into Two Forks, at uncertain Diſtance from the Root.
This riſes about Eighteen Inches above the Top of the Leaves, bearing,
near the Summits, ſeveral pendulous yellow monopetalous Flowers, whoſe
Ore are divided into Six Segments; theſe ſurrounding the Stalk for near
Four Inches downwards from the Top, making a very agreeable Appear-
ance.
Each Flower hath a ſmall Aperture at the End; thro' which a great
Number of ſmall blackiſh Seeds drop out, when ripe.
It will not, I hope, be improper, in this Place, to obſerve the Method
of planting, cutting, and boiling of Aloes, fince there are many Parts of
his Majeſty's Plantations, beſides theſe Summer-Illands, that would pro-
duce this Plant, with proper Care and Nouriſhment.
The Land deſigned for Aloes muſt be firſt weeded clean, and then
holed Three Inches deep, at about Six Inches Diſtance.
Then the Suckers from the old Plants, or thoſe produced from the
Seeds, are planted in theſe Holes.
The Land, for the firſt Year, muſt be kept clean from Weeds; after-
wards, the Shade of the Leaves of the Plant will keep the Weeds under.
Being thus planted, there will be no Occaſion to replant it for Seven
Years.
It comes to its Perfection in a Year's time.
The Month of March is the propereſt Seaſon to make the Aloes ; which
is done in the following manner :
Every Slave hath by him Three or Four portable Tubs.
The Leaves, being cut near the Roots, are thrown into theſe, with
their broken Ends downwards; and as the Leaves are full of large longi-
tudinal Veins or Vefſels, they yield an eaſy Paffage to the Juice (which
is of a greeniſh-yellow Colour) to drip out. The
This being boiled for about Five Hours in à Copper, or Kettle, the
watry Particles evaporate; and the Remainder comes to a Conſiſtency, and
thickens, as Sugar doth when ſufficiently boiled.
The way to know when it is enough boiled is, to dip a Stick in the
Liquor, and obſerve whether the Aloe, ſticking to it when cold, breaks
ſhort: If it doth, then it is boiled to Perfection, and fit to be poured into
Gourds or Calabaſhes, or other Veſſels, for Uſe.
Aloe is much made uſe of in Purges
, and juſtly eſteemed of great Ser-
vice in many Cafes.com
However, Dr. James, in his Medicinal Dictionary, ſays, it ought
not to be given to Women with Child, nor to Perſons ſubject to the
Piles; for it rarefies the Blood too much, and cauſes Hemorrhoids.
HEN-

Book VI.
155
Tand of B A R BA DO S.
HEN-TURD, or DART-W00D.
THIS grows in fpiral Branches from the Root, tut ſeldom above
,
Twelve Feet high, each ſeemingly jointed at about Twelve Inches
aſunder.
The Wood is of a very cloſe Grain, and heavy; very little inferior in
Solidity to Box-wood.
It hath the Name of Dart-wood, from the former Uſe made of it in
Lances and Darts ; with which, by the Permiſſion of our Laws, Negro
Watchmen were to be armed, to defend their own, or the Goods of their
Mafters, from Robbers. However, a late Cuſtom hath allowed theſe the
,
Uſe of Swords.
The Name of Hen’s-turd was likewiſe given it from the blackiſh un-
favoury Pulp of the Berry, which it bears.
This fucceeds a ſmall white Bloffom.
The Berry itſelf, when ripe, is of a browniſh Colour.
a
a
The CR AB-BUSH, or the SE A-SIDE LAUREL.
T ' HIS is a ſmall buſhy Shrub, thickly cloathed with green ſtiff ſhine-
ing Leaves, many in Number, and about Three Inches long.
Theſe are narrower at the Stalk than their Extremities.
They bear many apetalous Flowers, ſucceeded by browniſh Berries.
Theſe, when ripe, are greedily eaten by the Land-crabs.
c
The WHITE SAGE; Lat. CAMARA SALVIÆ.
THIS is a thick buſhy Shrub, growing to about Two Feet high. .
Its Leaves are ſmall and rough, of a whitiſh Grey, and thick-fet,
generally Three together round the Stalk, in a triangular manner ; their
Edges being bluntly ſerrated.
The Flowers are of the galeated, monopetalous kind, divided at their
Extremities into Four unequal Segments, of a pale Red, altering gene-
rally at the Diſcus to a bright-yellow Colour.
Theſe Flowers are many in Number, ſupported upon Stalks riſing from
the Boſom of the Leaves; the tubulous Part ſerving for Seed-veſſels.
Each Flower is ſucceeded by a ſmall purpliſh Berry.
Theſe ferve for Food to Sparrows, and other Birds; and the Leaves of
the Shrub, being either boiled into a Decoction, or made into Tea, are
an excellent Sudorific and Pectoral.
It grows chiefly in dry Places, and flouriſhes all the Year round.
a
RI
The

156
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VI.
CS
2
or
vllenge
-110
S
The MISLETOE, or BIRD'S TURD.de
T
HE Origin of this Shrub is a ſmall white Berry, containing a very
glutinous milky Juice.
Theſe, when ripe, are eaten by Birds; and ty them often voided upon
other Trees, where they ſtick very faſt, and ſoon after germinate.
I am apt to believe, that this browniſh Juice hath likewiſe a corroſive
Quality, which frets and wears away the outward Bark of the Tree on
which it ſticks; by this means opening a Paſſage for the new tubular
Roots of the Berry, to penetrate among thoſe larger Veſſels of the Tree,
thro' which the nutritious Juices are conveyed.
Theſe Roots being thus able to fuck Nouriſhment, the young Sprout
foon grows generally at firſt in Two or Three ſpiral Convolutions
Twiſtings round the Branch : By thus graſping, it not only ſtrengthens
its weak Roots, and takes a firmer hold of the Tree; but ſuch a Liga-
ture, as it grows, finks deep into the Bark, and prevents, in a great mea-
,
ſure, the further progreſſive Motion of the Juices; ſo that theſe, receding
but a little Way back towards the Root, are abſorbed, and fucked
up, by the numerous Mouths in the Roots of this foſtering Shrub, which
daily penetrate more and more into the Tree.
What confirms me in this Opinion, is, that the Branch, from the Place
where the Miſletoe takes Root, to the Top, is generally in a very decay-
ing Condition
The Leaves of this paraſitical Shrub are of a dark Green, ſet on in a
pennated manner, never terminated by an odd one.
This
grows to about Three Feet high, and buſhy, bearing a ſmall white
Flower, ſucceeded by a Berry, as above deſcribed.
The milky Juice, being ſqueezed out, is made uſe of to cure Fluxes
and Lasks.
It grows chiefly upon Orange-trees.
.
troom: The NARROW-LE AV'D MISSLETOE.
TI
HIS grows in Tufts, conſiſting of Six or Seven narrow Leaves, of
, ,
about Six Inches long.
They are generally to be found in the Clefts of the Bark of Cedar-
trees.
The SPIRIT WEED.
T!
'HIS is a ſtrong Shrub, having many ſubſtantial Roots.
Its Leaves are pennated about Three Inches long, and ſharp-
pointed.
The

Book VI. Iſland of BARBADOS.
157
The Flowers are yellow, ſtanding upon long Footſtalks, riſing generally
from the Bofom of the Leaves, and of the tetrapetalous Kind.
Theſe are ſucceeded by a ſmall Berry, of a dark-red, when ripe; con-
taining ſometimes Two or more blackiſh Seeds.
A Decoction of this Wood is eſteemed to be a ſtrong Diuretic.
а.
The PIGEON-Wood.
a
TH
*HIS is a ſhrubby Tree, ſeldom growing to above Six Feet high.
The Wood is very ſolid; and the Bark whitiſh.
Its numerous ſmall Branches are thickly cloathed with ſmall round-
pointed winged Leaves.
The ſmall white Bloſſoms it bears are fucceeded by a great many white
Berries.
The SwEET WOOD-TREE.
a
THIS
HIS is of Two forts; the one bearing a Berry like a Damaſcen.
That which bears the white Bark is the beſt and moſt folid Tim-
ber.
That with the green Bark, and white within, is of leſs Value.
The Leaves of the former reſemble thoſe of the Bay-tree.
Theſe are fet on alternately.
The Berries are ſupported by ſmall Pedicles, riſing from the Boſom of
the Leaves.
Theſe, when ripe, are eaten by Pivets, and Ground-doves, &c.
The BALSAM-TREE.
very fmooth
ΤΗ
HIS is a middle-fized Tree, growing generally in Gullies, and
ſhady Places
Its Roots are few, but ſtrong,
The Colour of the Bark is of a reddiſh Grey.
Its Branches are many and ſpiral, thickly cloathed with
,
ſhining ſucculent Leaves, pale underneath, and green above.
Theſe are narrow at the Stalk, but broad and round-pointed at their
Extremities,
Their Edges are ſmooth, and tinged with a pale Yellow.
The Flowers conſiſt of Six ſtrong
white Leaves, ſurrounding a yellowiſh
Thrum, and ſupported by Four white capſular Leaves.
The Stalks bearing the Flowers are long, white, and brittle.
The ſucceeding Berries are of an oblong Shape, about the Bigneſs of a
Nutmeg, and of a deep Red, when ripe.
Theſe are decorated with a Corona at the Top.
a
- The

158
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VI
a
The Berry is likewiſe marked with Six unindented Seams of a blackiſh
Colour, ſeemingly dividing it into ſo many Partitions.
.
The Leaves, Stalk, and Fruit, when broken, emit a white glutinous
Liquid, which will harden by the Heat of the Sun.
The LIGNUM RORUM.
THE
HE Bark of this ſhrubby Tree is of a dark Green, ſtreaked with
White, eſpecially on the younger Branches.
Theſe are covered with ſmooth deep-green round-pointed Leaves, Five
Inches long, and near Three broad.
The ſmaller Twigs ſuſtain Bunches of white Flowers, each compoſed
of Six Petals ſurrounding Six ſlender pale yellowiſh Stamina.
Theſe incloſe a whitiſh Piſtil, which is fucceeded by a ſmall Berry of a
purple Red, when ripe.
The younger Branches are ſeemingly jointed.
Theſe, and every other part of this Tree, have ſo much of a terebin-
thial Quality in it, that it will
, when even half-dried, burn like a Candle.
From this Quality it derives the Name of Jack-Lantern; for, being
tied into Fagots, and lighted, it ſerves the Fiſhermen inſtead of Torches,
to fiſh in the Night-time for Crabs and Lobſters.
It grows generally in ſhady Places.
The COFFE E-TREE ; Lat. JASMINUM AR A BICUM.
а.
THE
'HE Coffee-tree, if ſheltered, grows to be about Fifteen Feet high,
tho' its common Growth ſeldom exceeds Twelve.
It divides into ſeveral ſlender Branches, generally ſpiral.
The Bark likewiſe is of a ſmooth reddiſh-grey Colour.
The Branches are cloathed with Four-inch long ſharp-pointed dark-
green Leaves, their Edges being waved or ſinuated in an elegant regular
manner.se
Among theſe Leaves riſe a great many Five-leaved white Flowers, each
Petal being round-pointed; the Whole ſurrounding ſeveral ſhort white
Stamina, loaded with Apices.
Theſe likewiſe ſurround the Piſtil, which is the Rudiment of the ſuc-
ceeding Berry
This, even when ripe, is covered with a thin husky Capſula; which,
when ſufficiently dried in the Sun, eaſily cracks, and diſcovers the Berry,
which is too well known to want a further Deſcription.
a
Box-

Book VI.
159
hland of BARBADOS
1
Box-Wood
.
HIS Shrub is covered with a whitiſh-grey Bark.
TH
Its Leaves are about Two Inches long, and One broad; and are
generally ſharp-pointed.
Theſe are ſet on the Branches alternately.
The Flowers are of the tubular ftellated Kind, ſucceeded by ſmall
Berries, which are eaten by Birds of different kinds.
This Shrub generally grows in the Shade : Several of theſe are to be
found on the Eſtate of John Colliton, Eſq; in St. Lucy's Pariſh.
The WILD HONEY-TREE.
a
THI
*HIS Tree grows to a conſiderable Bigneſs.
The Bark is ſomewhat fulcated, "and of a reddiſh-grey Colour.
The Leaves are of a deep Green, ſmooth, and winged, exactly reſem
bling Ivy-Leaves.
Its white Flowers are ſucceeded by Berries, ſomewhat round, as big as
a Cherry
Theſe are of a fnowy White without; and the Pulp within (which is
as ſweet as Honey, and as yellow as Gold) is divided into Partitions, in-
cluding many ſmall Seeds.
I found this Tree on a ſmall Grove belonging to Mr. Joſeph Jordan,
jun. in St. Lucy's Pariſh.
The BLACK CHERRY-TREE.
TI
HIS Tree ſeldom riſes above Eighteen or Twenty Feet high.
The Bark is of a ruſſet Grey, and the Branches thickly cloathed
with dark-green Leaves of about Two Inches long, and one and an half
broad.
The Flowers are white, and of the rofaceous Kind.
Theſe are ſucceeded by ſmall black Cherries, ſomewhat larger, and
more compreſſed at both Ends, than the Engliſh Black-cherry.
Their ſweetiſh Pulp ſurrounds a ſoft Kernel.
They are generally ripe in Auguſt and September, and are eaten by Men
as well as Birds.
This grows in almoſt every Pariſh in the Iſland, .
а.
The BLACK SAGE-BUSH,
a
THIS
'HIS hath a great many ſtrong Roots.
The main Stalk is cloathed with a blackiſh Bark.
The Leaves, which are high-ribbed, and corrugated, are about Two
Inches and an half long, and above One broad.
Sf
Theſe

160
2: The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VI
1. Theſe are ſet on alternately.
ber
The Top-branches ſuſtain a Spike, thickly ſtudded with very ſmall
ſtellated Flowers, which are ſucceeded by as many ſmall ſharp-pointed
Berries, red when ripe.
The Leaves, as well as the whole Shrub, have a ſtrong Sage-like Smell
.
A Decoction of theſe is juſtly looked upon to be an excellent Sudorific.
It grows in moſt parts of the Iſland.
a
The INK-VINE.
.
ΤΗ
HIS is a creeping weak Vine, fupported by the neighbouring
Rocks, or Underwood, c.
Its Leaves are of a middle Size, divided into Three deep Sections.
It bears many blue Flowers.
bTheſe are ſucceeded by ſmall Berries, very black within.
This Vine grows in dry ſhady Places.
The Juice of this Vine is ſo black, that it reſembles Ink, from whence
it derives its Name. 2013
Bledarw.ball CHIGERY-BUSH.
It
251 Do
THERE is ſcarce any Difference between this and what we have
already called Soldier-buſh.
And, as the latter, in ſome Parts of the Iſland, go under the Name of
the former, I take the only Diſtinction between theſe ſeemingly different
Plants to be more owing to either the Male or Female kind, or to the
more luxuriant Growth of this ſame Plant in various Soils, than to any
other real Difference.
grows generally in ſhady Places.
Ylisen asian
The Wild CALABASH.
ace
ri. Una
euro
ΤΗ
THIS is a Shrub, growing about Ten Feet high, the Branches being
generally very ſtrait
, thickly covered with long green Leaves ; in
Shape not ill reſembling thoſe of a Laurel.
From the Boſom of the Leaves, on ſhort Footſtalks, ariſe a great Num-
ber of ſmall Berries, black when ripe.
Theſe are eaten by Pivets, and other Birds.
Cat's-BLOOD.
frobada
HIS is a ſmall weak Shrub, cloathed with a Bark of a reddiſh
I Grey.
a a
The leſſer Branches are geniculated.
The

Book VI.
Iſland of BARBADOS
161
-
a
The Leaves which thickly cover theſe, are about an Inch and a Quar
ter long, and about half an Inch broad, and ſharp-pointed, bearing, on
flender Spikes, ſeveral very ſmall Four-leav'd Flowers. batalla
-
The Piſtil
, which grows from the Centre of each, is tipped with an
Apex, and ſucceeded by a ſmall red Berry.
A Cataplaſm of this Plant, bruiſed, is very juſtly looked upon to be
a good Vulnerary.
It grows chiefly in ſhady Places ; and blooms in June and July
.
I have found this Plant in great Plenty in the Pariſhes of St. Peter and
St. Lucy.
The SOLDIER’S-BUSH.
THIS
'HIS Plant is jointed, at different Diſtances, from Three to Eight
Inches afunder.
Ortel vand
Its Roots are ſtrong and fibrous ; the main Stalk, and its divided
Branches, growing often above Four Feet high. WOTE
The Leaves are near Six Inches long, and Four broad. To solen
Its upper Side is thinly beſet with very ſhort hairy Briſtles.
From the Top of the Branches riſe fmall white Flowers.
Theſe are fucceeded by ſmall white Berries, ſpotted with Black.
There often grows at the Root of this Plant a fungous Excreſcence,
which anſwers the End of Touchwood.
It is juſtly eſteemed an excellent Vulnerary, and with great Succeſs
,
made a Part of moſt kinds of healing Salves.
D
vlees Door
Pops; Lat. ALKEKENGI Indicum majus, istom
.
.
mozadia notado
ΤΗ.
THIS Plant hath a fiftular quadrangular Stalk, growing to about
Two Feet high, cloathed with thin flender Leaves, Four Inches
long, and Two broad, having their Edges, at uncertain Diſtances, neatly
ſnipped.
Upon the Top of the Stalks appear ſeveral yellow apetalous Flowers.
Theſe are ſucceeded by thin bluiſh capſular Pods, which incloſe a
round green Fruit of about the Bigneſs of a ſmall Cherry.
As this ripens, and turns yellow, the outward Pod, or Covering, which
is of a blunt conic Form, withers, and drops off.
no
The Fruit is full of ſmall Seeds, not diſagreeable to the Taſte.
Sad
They are juſtly looked
juſtly looked upon to be very diuretic.
There is another Plant, which bears the ſame kind of Fruit.
This differs from that already deſcribed, by being a creeping ſcandent
Plant, and its Leaves ſhorter and thicker than the former.
This is called the Pop-Vine, and grows in moſt Parts of the Illand;
eſpecially under the Shelter of Hills.
The
а.
a

162
Book VI.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The BERRY-BUSH, or HEDGE-BUSH.
THIS often grows to about Seventeen Feet high, cloathed with
,
Theſe are ſet on the Branches alternately, having their middle Ribs
thickly guarded with ſharp reddiſh Prickles.
The Ends of the leſſer Branches ſuſtain a great Number of white
Five-leaved Flowers.
Theſe Petals ſurround a yellow Piſtil
, divided at the Top.
This is ſucceeded by a ſmall red Berry, which is looked upon to be
very wholſome: However, its Taſte is not very agreeable, and therefore
feldom eaten by Men.
The WILD PEPPER-GRASS.
TH
'HIS hath a great many ſtrong ſtringy Roots, penetrating about
Five Inches into the Earth.
The Bark of the main Stalk is greyiſh, foon dividing into numerous
ſmall Branches, thickly covered with very ſmall ſharp-pointed Leaves.
From among theſe riſe very many Pedicles, fupporting ſeveral ſmall
Star-like Flowers, ſucceeded by very many capſular round Pods, incloſing
a great many very minute ruffet Seeds.
The whole Plant ſeldom grows above Two Feet high.
It is to be found in almoſt every Part of the Iſland.
The FIRE-BURN WEED. SO
TH
"HE main Stalk of this Plant grows to be about Three Feet high.
It is generally of a green Colour, chanelled and pithy.
The Leaves are about Three Inches long, and Two in Breadth, having
their middle, as well as their tranſverſe Ribs ſtrong and prominent.
From among theſe riſe a great many Footſtalks, or Pedicles, of a pale
Red, fupporting, upon a Spire, a great many ſmall white-leaved Flowers,
each conſiſting of Four Petals, ſurrounding a white Piſtil.
Theſe are ſucceeded by many ſmall Berrries, red when ripe ; whoſe
Pulp (which incloſe a great many blackiſh Seeds) is likewiſe as red as
Blood.
GOOSEBERRY SHRUB.
HE main Stalk of this fcandent Shrub divides near the Earth into
TH
many leſſer ones.
The Bark of theſe is of a dark-yellowiſh Green.
The Leaves which grow in Pairs upon one common Footſtalk, are
ſmall, ſmooth, and fucculent, having their Edges ſomewhat tinged with
Yellow.
The
а.

Book VI. iſland of BARBADOS
163
The Flowers are ſucceeded by Befries about as big as a middling
Gooſeberry.
Theſe are coronated at the Top ; the Inſide containing, in an agree-
able ſweetiſh Pulp, ſeveral ſmall Acini, like thoſe of Gooſeberries.
This Berry is, above all others, remarkable, by a great many ſmall
Leaves, which grow upon the Outſide of it.
:
The ſeveral Branches of this Shrub are likewiſe guarded with very
ſharp-pointed Prickles.
I found this growing in great Plenty on the Eſtate of the Honourable
John Maycock, Eſq; in St. Lucy's Pariſh.
The WILD CATERPILLER; Lat. BLITUM Americanum
fpinofum.
ΤΗ!
*HIS chiefly differs from the eatable Sort, by the Smallneſs of its
Leaves, as well as that the ſeveral Tufts of Leaves are guarded
near the main Stalks with Two or Three ſharp-pointed Prickles.
Theſe are likewiſe of the red and white Sort, differing ſcarce in any
thing but Colour
They grow chiefly in open Fields ; eſpecially at the Plantation of the
Honourable William Maynard, Eſq; in St. Thomas's Pariſh
THI
The MILK-WEED.
'H IS lacteſcent Plant is diſtinguiſhed into the red and white Sort.
Theſe ſeldom riſe above Fifteen Inches high.
The main Stalk, with its ſlender Side-branches, is thickly covered with
ſeveral Pairs of ſmall pennated Leaves, ſomething iriclinable to an oval
Shape, having their Edges finely ferrated.
From the Bofoms of the Leaves riſe a great many ſmall Pedicles,
ſuſtaining on their Summits a Group of very ſmall, ſcarce perceivable,
white tubular Flowers.
-
Theſe are fucceeded by ſmall Berries
The Roots or the Stalks of this Plant, when wounded, emit a milky
Juice.
It grows in moſt parts of the Iſland, and is made uſe of as Part of
the Ingredients in Diet-drinks, to cleanſe the Blood:
DOV E-WEED,
T
HIS ſmall Plant feldom riſes above a Foot high.
Its Roots are fibrous and many..
Its main Stalk divides into feveral Side-branches.
a
TE
Theſe

164 2 The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book VI.
Theſe are very thickly cloathed in an alternate Order, with ſmall
oval Leaves, not ill reſembling thoſe of Tamarinds.
Its Flowers, which are monopetalous, whoſe Ore are divided into
Five Sections, are ſucceeded by ſmall Capſule, ſomewhat reſembling
Berries.
The ſmall Doves feed on theſe ; and from thence this Plant derives
its Name.
This Plant, reduced to Powder, is a great Drier-up of old Sores.
The milky Juice, which iſſues out of the Stalk, is looked upon to be
good to deſtroy Warts.
It grows in moft Parts of the Iſland, eſpecially in rocky or gravelly
Soil.
GUMMA-Bush.
THI
HIS grows to be about Eighteen Inches high, the Stalk very
green and ſucculent.
The Leaves are about Two Inches long, and above an Inch broad ;
their Edges being irregularly and deeply ferrated.
From among the Leaves ariſe a great many white ſmall Five-leaved
Flowers, incloſing broad cloſe yellow Stamina, ſurrounding a green
Stylus. Free
The Flowers are ſucceeded by very round ſmall Berries, black when
ripe.eyzbre doom, eget
The Leaves of the Plant are made uſe of by the Negroes, as boiled
Sallad; but feldom, if ever, made uſe of by the White Inhabitants.
The WHITE HERCULES.
THIS
'HIS differs chiefly from the other by the Colour of its inner
e Bark, which is white.
The Flowers are very ſmall, and of the herbaceous Kind.
Theſe are ſucceeded by a capſular Bunch, full of ſmall black oval
Seeds and
.
The Buds of this Tree, boiled into a Decoction, are very good to
cure a Diftemper called the Red Water in Cattle.
This grows beſt under the Shade of an Hill.
.
BOUMBO BUSH.
OMBO
TH
'HIS Buſh hath a very offenſive ſtrong Smell.
It grows to about Two Feet high, thickly cloathed with Leaves.
It grows in moft Parts of the Iſland.
PURSLAIN,

Book VI. Iſland of B A R B A DOS.
163
PuRSLAIN, WHITE and RED. Jonvallisvo
THESE differ very little, if any thing, from thoſe in England,
except in the Rankneſs of their Growth here.
They are generally boiled and uſed, when more valuable Greens are
hot in Plenty.
The ARABIAN JESSAMMY; Lat. JASMINUM five Sambac
Arabum.
а.
HIS is a woody creeping Vine, cloathed with dark-green ſharp-
pointed Leaves, of about Two Inches long, and one broad, bear-
ing Seven-leaved white fragrant Flowers.
Theſe are ſupported by Seven very ſharp-pointed graminous Leaves.
This is planted chiefly in Gardens, or near Dwelling-houſes
.
It yields a very agreeable fragrant Smell, and keeps its Verdure all the
Year.
PET
avant
TITHYMALOIDES. ochib
Tomora
HE Roots of this are very numerous and ſtrong. olarole
ТІ
The main Stalk branches near the Earth, into many ſpiral ſtrong
Twigs.
The Bark of the Trunk, near the Roots, is ſmooth and whitiſh ; but
all its Branches of a deep ſhining Green, keeping their grateful Verdure
undiminiſhed thro' every Seaſon of the Year.
Theſe are cloathed with thick ſucculent green round-pointed Leaves,
of about Four Inches long, and Two in Breadth, having their ſmooth
Edges a little tinged with Yellow.
Theſe are likewiſe ſet on the Branches alternately.
The Flower, which is of a fine deep Red, cannot be reduced to any
Claſs that hath hitherto been deſcribed by any Botanical Writer, it being
a triangular ſharp-pointed ſmall horizontal Sheath; the Top of the Piſtil
jutting out, making the Extremity of the longeſt Angle: This, on the In-
chose
ſide of the Flower, is covered with a yellow farinaceous Duſt.
From the ſame narrow Aperture appear ſeveral ſmall Stamina, tipped
with green Apices.
Theſe Flowers are ſucceeded by triangular ſmall Berries, of a dark Red
when ripe.
Each of theſe incloſes Three angular Seeds.
The Berries, Branches, and Leaves, are full of a thick glutinous milky
Juice.
The only Place that I have ſeen this was at Cluff's Bay, in St. Lucy's
Pariſh.
This
very
any
other Part of the Iſland.
The
a
feldom grows
in

166
Book VI.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The ſmall Wild CUCUMBER.
T
HIS is a ſmall Vine, creeping generally along old Walls.
Its Leaves are thin, and ſharp-pointed, of about an Inch and an
half long, and as broad near the Stalk, where they grow out, as it were,
into Ears.
The Flowers are ſucceeded by a ſmall ſmooth Fruit, of about the
Bigneſs and Form of a Thimble.
Theſe, when ripe, are of a bluiſh black Colour, and are eatable.
.
TH
The Poison-Wyth.
HIS is a large ſcandent ligneous ſhrubby Vine, whoſe Roots are
very many, and ſtrong; and the main Body of the Wyth, near
the Ground, as large as one's Arm, and ſomewhat flattiſh.
This climbs to a great Height, and is cloathed with ſharp-pointed
,
-
green Leaves of above Three Inches long, and near Two broad.
If the main Stalk is cut off near the Ground, or at any Height, the
upper Part, covering the Trees or Rocks, will ſtill ſurvive, and in
ſhort time ſend down, from ſeveral Parts, long ſtringy Filaments ;
which, growing downward, take Root, and ſupply the Place of the
broken-off Stalk.
The Flowers are, in Appearance, like a Bunch of red Coral, fucceeded
by ſmall Berries, black when ripe.
а.

167
mont
VE
H
14
TREES, SHRUBS, and PLANTS,
OF THE
a
Capſule-bearing FRUITS
S.
-
B OOK VI.
و(
T
The PRICKLE-YELLOW-W00D; Lat. Xanthoxylum.
HIS is a Timber-Tree, growing large enough to be faw'd into
Planks, or Boards, for Tables, and other Uſes. Its Roots are
many and ſtrong The Wood is of a very fine cloſe Grain,
ponderous, and of a yellow Colour; and the Bark of a reddiſh Grey.
The main Branches are many, ſhooting out into a great Number of leſſer
ones : Theſe are beautifully decorated with a great many winged Leaves.
The Edges of theſe are regularly indented; and between each Segment the
Leaf is generally waved, or labiated. Its Length is about two, and its
Breadth about one Inch. The whole Tree, particularly when young, is
guarded with ſhort Prickles. The Flowers are ſucceeded by a Group of
black ſhining flat Seeds, inclos’d in ſmall Capſule : Theſe are very ſmall,
and of a ſhining Black, affording by Expreſſion a great Quantity of Oil.
TI
WILD HEMP.
HERE are two Sorts of this Plant, the White and Red: The
latter never grows above two Feet high: The other, which is moſt
uſeful, to above five Feet. The outward Coat of this, when ripe, affords
numerous
Uu

168
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book VI.
numerous ſtrong Filaments, ſomewhat coarſer than what is peeled off from
our Engliſh Hemp-plant : This ſerves to make Ropes, and ſuch Uſes.
The Flowers are yellow, ſucceeded by ſmall Capſula, incloſing a great
Number of ſmall black Seeds. The Stalks and Leaves are thickly cover-
ed with ſtiff Hairs, ſharp even to a Pricklineſs. The Leaf is
ferrated, and high-rib'd; in Length about two Inches, and in Breadth
about an Inch and an half.
The Leaf is bluntly
The BARBADOS PINK.
THI
HIS is a very ſlender, buſhy, creeping Vine, full of ſmall Side-
branches, cloathed with numerous very narrow graffy Leaves, ge-
nerally ſet on alternately. The Flowers, which are tubular and monope-
talous, are of a deep Scarlet. Their Ore are divided into five Segments
,
the intermediate Spaces forming as many ſharp-pointed Angles. The In-
fide of the tubular Part of the Flower appears whitiſh. From this Part
riſe ſeveral Stamina, tipped with whitiſh Apices. The Flowers are fucceed-
ed by ſmall Capſule, each containing a blackiſh Seed.
THI
The HoP-SHRUB; Lat. Meliſſa altiſſima globularia. .
HIS Shrub grows to be about five Feet high. The Leaves are
ſmooth, and round-pointed, and of about three Inches long, and
above one broad. Theſe are ſet on the Branches in an alternate Order.
The Flowers, which ſtand on long ligneous Pedicles, are each ſucceeded
by very thin browniſh Capſula, reſembling at a Diſtance Hops, and of
a triangular Shape. This is blown out like a Bladder between each Angle
, as
well as every Angle terminating in a thin Border, or Ala.
а.
a
MONKEY-VINE.
THIS is a long creeping Vine, of a dark-reddiſh Colour, and hairy
.
The Leaves are of an Heart-faſhion, but ſomewhat auriculated near
the Stalk. From the Bottom of the Leaves riſe many long tubular white
Flowers, whoſe Oræ are much expanded, and ting'd with Purple. From
the Centre of the Flower riſe ſeveral white Stamina, tipp'd with long
white Apices. The Flowers are ſucceeded by a ſmall round whitiſh Cap-
ſula, each incloſing fix black angular Seeds, not much larger nor unlike
Onion-feeds.
a
PLANTAIN-SHOT; Lat. Cannacorus.
THIS Plant grows generally in ſhady Places, and often to five Feet
high. Its main Stalk is tubular, cloathed at different Diſtances with
very ſmooth
ſmooth green Leaves, in Make and Subſtance very much reſembling a.
Plantain-Leaf. Theſe are about nine Inches long, and five broad. The
.
Flowers
TH
1

Book VI. Iſland of BARBADOS.
169
Flowers ſtand upon ſtrong Footítalks, each having at firſt the Appear-
ance of a ſcarlet Pod of an Inch and an half long: When this opens, it diſco-
vers three ſcarlet ſpoon-like Leaves. The Inſide of one of theſe, when it
deflects back, appears ſtained with Yellow and Red. From the Centre of
the Leaves riſes a reddiſh flat Pointal, incircled by another reddiſh Leaf,
ſpotted with Yellow; to whoſe Edge, near the Top, ſticks a long whitiſh
Apex. The Flowers are ſucceeded by ſmall Capſule, each incloſing a round
black hard Seed, as big as Swan-fhot: From theſe, and the Make of its
Leaves, they derive the Name of Plantain-ſhot.
a
.
W:
TH
LOGWOOD; Lat. Campechiana.
HAT is called here the Logwood-tree hath a dark-coloured
Bark, the Branches ſpreading open and wide: Theſe are here-and-
there guarded with Prickles. The Leaves are many,
,
and
very
ſmall.
Triton
WILD CLARY; Lat. Heliotropium Americanum.
Tech
HIS Plant grows to about eighteen Inches high; the Stalk green
and hairy. The Leaves are ſet on alternately, ſurrounding the Stalk:
Theſe are of a middle Size, rough and crumpled, having their Edges much
finuated. From the Top riſes a long gramineous Spike, ftudded with very
ſmall monopetalous whitiſh Flowers: Theſe are fucceeded by many ſmall
Seeds.
more
Hop-WEED.
THERE are two Species of this Plant, diſtinguiſhed by the Name of
White,and Red: TheRed grows to about eighteen Inches high. The
Leaves are rough, and about two Inches long, and above an Inch broad;
their Edges being irregularly ferrated. From the Bofom of the Leaves riſe
many Footſtalks, thick-ſet with blue tubular Flowers, fucceeded by ſmall
Seeds. A Decoction of this Plant is made uſe of, as a gentle Gargle, to cure
fore Mouths.
leida
lonovo
MUSKETO-BUSH, or the WHITE HOP-WEED.
.
HIS derives its Name from its either real or pretended Service in
driving away, by its Smell, Muſketoes from Bed-chambers, or elſe-
where, by having a Buſh or Bough of it hanging in the Room. Its Roots
are many; and the Stalk is four-ſquare, and every Square chanelled. It
grows in rich Land, to often above four Feet high. This is ſurrounded by
two-inch long ſharp-pointed Leaves, whoſe Edges are irregularly ferrated.
The Top of the Stalk ſupports a blunt-pointed conic pluſhy Tuft, diſcover-
ing ſeveral ſmall tubular blue Flowers, ſucceeded by many ſmall Seeds.
Tbe

170
Book Vi.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The WILD PENY-ROYAL.
TH
HIS is of two Sorts, the Red, and the White, diſtinguiſhed by the
Colour of the Stalks. It is, in general, a low groveling Plant, jointed at
every Inch and an half Diſtance: From theſe Joints iffue a Pair of winged
Leaves. From the Boſom of the Leaves riſe ſeveral ſmall Tufts of whitish
ſtamineous Flowers, fucceeded by a Pair of winged Leaves, extending each
ſide the Stalk: Theſe are ſomewhat ſharp-pointed, of about an Inch long,
and their Edges ſomewhat ſinuated. From the middle of theſe Bunches of
Flowers rife ſeveral leffer Leaves. The Capſule that ſucceed the Flowers, pro-
duce ſmall Seeds.
The WoRM-SEED WEED.
THIS, it is ſaid, very much reſembles the true Semen Santonicum,
which is exported to England from Alexandria: It is here to be
found in great Plenty, upon the fandy Intrenchments near Bridge-Town.
OF
CATERPILLERS. Lat. Blitum Braſilianum.
F theſe there are two Species, the White, and the Red, both eatable,
when boiled as Spinage; and they are, in my Opinion, very little
inferior to the latter in their agreeable Taſte, and their wholſome Qualities
.
The red Sort grows often to above two Feet high, eſpecially if cultivated in
Gardens. Its Roots are many, white, and ſtringy. The main Stalk, as well as
the leſſer ſide ones, are reddiſh, thick, and ſucculent: Even theſe, eſpecially
the lefſer ones, when boiled, are very delicious. The Leaves are ſomewhat
ſharp-pointed, and of a pale Green, of about two Inches long, and one and
quarter broad. The ſeveral Stalks end in long Spikes: Theſe are covered with
ſmall farinaceous green Seeds. It grows to Perfection chiefly in the Months of
July and Auguft; though it may be raiſed at any time of the Year, if the
Seafon proves wet, or if they are watered. There is a third wild Sort, called
the prickly Caterpiller.
а.
à
BLOOD WORT H.
THIS is a bulbous Plant, its Roots much reſembling that of an Onion
,
conſiſting of ſeveral Coats or Laminæ. It divides near the Ground
into ſeveral long green Leaves. Theſe are kept very upright by many longi-
tudinal ſtiff Ribs. Among the Leaves riſes a flender Stalk, which, near the
Summit, bears a ſmall tubular white Flower, which is fucceeded by a ſmall co-
nic Capſula, containing ſeveral ſmall Seeds. The Root of this Plant, pound-
ed, is an excellent Antidote againſt Poiſon.
а.
The

Book VI.
171
Iſland of BARBADOS .
The WILD-MARIGOLD; Lat. Afterifcus fruteſcens.
THIS
grows to about two Feet high, the main Stalk is fquare, and the
Leaves broad, and rough; the Top, of the Stalks ſupport yellow
Flowers like thoſe of Marigold; the Petals are ſucceeded by a hard Button-
like Capſula, which incloſes ſeveral flat ſmall Seeds.
a
POND-WEED.
TH
HIS Plant grows beſt in wet moiſt Land, where it often riſes three Feet
high; its Roots are many and fibrous ; the main stem and Branches
are of a dark Green, and hairy, cloathed with Leaves four Inches long, and
one broad; theſe are likewiſe high-ribbed, and have their Edges finely
denticulated. From the Boſom of the Leaves riſe many long Spikes thickly
covered on the upper Side with very ſmall, white, pentapetalous Flowers,
and ſucceeded by ſeveral minute Capſule, incloſed in a green Calyx ; the
former are ſucceeded by ſeveral ſmall black Seeds.
The Hog-SLIP.
THI
HIS is a trailing herbaceous Vine, cloathed with ſharp-pointed Leaves ;
from the Boſom of the Leaves riſe ſeveral two-inch Footítalks, fup-
porting an umbilical Group of monopetalous yellow Flowers, whoſe Edges
are flightly ſegmented. From the Centre of the Flower rife ſeveral broad
ſhort Štamina, ſurrounding a Piſtil tipp'd with bluiſh Apices; theſe are fuc-
ceeded by ſeveral Capſule, incloſing, when ripe, ſeveral black Seeds. The
Vine is of the herbaceous Kind, and much coveted by Hogs. From thence it
derives this Name.
The BROOM-WEED.
THE
"HE Species of this Plant is divided into three Sorts, the White,
the Red, and the large crumple-leaved Broom-weed; a Decoction of
each Kind proves to be a ſtrong Diuretic; the Leaf of the white fort ex-
actly reſembles that of the Green-Tea.
TOBACCO; Lat. Nicotiana.
THI
HIS Plant hath been ſo often and ſo well deſcribed, that I need only
obſerve, that it is here planted but very ſparingly, and that chiefly by
the Slaves, and the poorer Sort of White Inhabitants
, but none for Exporta-
tion. It is very liable to be deſtroyed at the Roots by a Grub, or large Worm,
called by the common People Kitiſonia ; the Leaves are likewiſe often de-
ſtroyed by a ſmall green Worm of the Eruca Kind.
Xx
The

172
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book VI.
givelor The THISTLE, or RABBIT-WEED. niort sauld bus
THIS
HIS hath its prickly Leaves in common with moſt other Thiſtles.
From the Centre of theſe Leaves riſes a green Spire, whoſe Extremity
fupports a Flower ſomething like a Marigold, whoſe whitiſh Petals ſurround
a yellow Thrum.
TUBEROSE;
Lat. Hyacinthus Indicus Tuberoſus.
THIS
HIS is ſo well known here, and in England, that it would be Loſs
of Time to afford it a particular Deſcription.
The WILD-SLIP.
THI
HIS Vine is generally ſupported by the neighbouring low Shrubs ;
its Leaves are of a middle Size, and of a ſlender Texture, and are fet
on alternately; from among theſe riſe on ſhortFootſtalks ſeveral Bell-
faſhion Flowers
, of a pale White, on the Outſide and the Inſide, beautifully
ſtained with a fine purple Colour.
a
a
Lat. Amaran
BACHELOR BUTTON, or EVERLASTING;
thoides Lichnidis.
.
THIS Plant hath many white Roots, the Stalk fucculent, large and
jointed, of a fine deep ſcarlet Colour; from each Joint riſe two op-
poſite Footſtalks, of about an Inch long, ſomewhat hairy like the main
Stalk: Theſe ſupport Leaves of four Inches long, and an Inch and an half
broad, round-pointed and ſmooth edged; the Inſide of the middle Rib
ſomewhat reddiſh; the Flower ſomewhat reſembles that of Clover.
The FIRE-BURN BUSH.
THI
HIS is a ſcandent Shrub, having a middle-ſized ſharp-pointed Leaf
,
bluntly jagged about the Edges ; the Middle, as well as the tranſverſe
Ribs, are prominent, and very neatly diſpoſed: The Seed-veſſels are of a
triangular Shape, and are ſet, many in Number, round lo ng ſlender Stalks,
riſing from the Bofom of the Leaves; the Juice of theſe boiled, and brought
to a Conſiſtency with Hog's Lard, and other Ingredients, are ſaid to be of
great Service to cure a Fire-burn.
The DIALTHEA ;
Lat. Abutilon Indicum.
THE Roots of this Plant are few, penetrating not deep into the Ground;
the Stalk, which grows to three Feet high, is woody and brittle, divide-
ing often into many Branches: The Bark of a full-grown Plant is of a
reddiſh Brown, the Leaves, which are about two Inches long, one broad,
and

Book VI.
Ifand of BARBADOS
173
and blunt pointed, are ſoft, and downy, and of a hoary Green, having
their Edges irregularly ferrated; their middle Ribs and tranſverſe ones are
ſtrong and prominent. They are ſet on the Stalk alternately, and from
the ſetting on of theſe iſſues a Group of very ſmall, fiſtular, one-leaved,
yellow Flowers, whoſe Edges are divided into five Segments; theſe are fuc-
ceeded by ſmall black Seeds in form of ſhort blunt Cones, every Capſula
having one.
A Cataplaſm of the pounded Leaves of this Plant is looked upon as an
excellent Vulnerary.
It grows generally in dry Places.
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TRE ES,

174
Of TREES, SHRUBS, and PLANTS,
OF THE
Pruniferous K I N D.
BO O K VII.
T
.
The BEARDED FIG-Tree, Ficus Bengalienſis.
HE Miſtakes of many Authors, in their Deſcription of this
Tree, are ſo many, that it would be endleſs to particularize them;
at leaſt, it would be an ungrateful Talk to one who wiſhes they
had left no Room for Correction. The Roots of it are many and large:
The Body of the Tree, when old, is rather a Compoſition of many joined
irregularly together, than one undivided Trunk. This is occaſioned by
the ſurpriſing
Manner that this Tree is naturally propagated ; for from
its Branches iſſue, at unequal Diſtances, ſeveral Tufts of ſtringy Filaments,
each in Subſtance and Make about as thick as the Baſe-ſtring of a Violin.
Theſe grow always downwards, perpendicular to the Earth, and when
they are ſome Feet in Length, the Part next the Branch conſolidates into
firm Wood, whilſt the lower Parts hang wavingly downwards in ſo many
looſe-twiſted Shreds or Filaments; but when theſe grow to reach the
Ground, they take Root, unite into firm Wood as the upper Part; and
in a ſhort time grow to a conſiderable Bulk, affording great Increaſe
of Nouriſhment to its once Parent-Branch; by which means this grows
large, and produces other progreſſive, lateral, as well as many upright
Branches; theſe, in like manner, eſpecially, the progreſſive Branches, by
their
3

Book VII. The Iſland of B A R B A DO S.
175
their deſcending Filaments produce new Trunks, and ſo on ſuccef-
fively.
When theſe Filaments grow from Branches near to, and take Root
within a ſmall Diſtance from the original Parent Tree, many of them by their
quick Growth are joined ſometimes partially, ſometimes totally to it, and fo
in time form one irregular enormous Trunk.
I am of Opinion, that if one of theſe Trees was carefully and properly
cultivated by Art, and Cattle of all kind kept from browſing upon it; if
the bearded Filaments were ſuffered to inſinuate themſelves, eſpecially thoſe
from near the Extremities of its longeſt lowermoft Branches, or were
they guided to take Root in the Earth, one ſingle Tree might be
brought to make a conſiderable Grove. Its Leaves are of a ſmooth
ſhining Green, in length about five Inches, and above two broad, ſmooth-
edged, and ſharp-pointed. The Flowers, as in others of the like Kind, are
contained in the Embryo Figs; theſe latter ſtand upon ſhort Footſtalks, and
are about the Bigneſs of ſmall Cherries, the inſide full of ſmall Acini reſem-
bling eatable Figs; which are Food only for Birds, eſpecially Pivets, which
come in great Number to feed upon them when ripe. The tender Buds and
Leaves of this Tree afford, when bruiſed, a milky Juice very much reſem-
bling in Colour and Conſiſtence that which iſſues from the Manchaneel
Tree, but differing in its Quality, the former being, as it is ſaid, a ſove;
reign Remedy againſt the Poiſon of the latter.
The moſt remarkable of theſe Trees for Bigneſs grows near Codring-
ton College. This, about fix Feet from the Ground, divides into five
Branches, each equal to a large Tree, ſome of them girting round about
eight Feet.
The moſt lofty of theſe Branches is by moderate Computation
above forty Feet high. But as there is nothing that can be called great or
little but by Compariſon; let us examine, as far as any credible Hiſtory hath
informed us, whether any part of the World affords of this, or any other
kind of Tree, a larger. What bid faireft for Superiority are the Cedars of
Libanus, which they will always deſerve in regard to the Goodneſs and
Solidity of their Timber, but not in Bulk; for, according to the Reverend
Mr. Maundrel's Account, the utmoſt Extent of the Branches of the largeſt
Cedar
upon
Mount Libanus, from one Side of the Tree to the other, did not
ſpread above a hundred and eleven Feet; whereas the Branches of this
reaches above an hundred and twenty-ſeven; the Circumference of the Body
of the former was but twelve Yards, of this eighteen; therefore we may
pronounce it to be the largeſt Tree that hath been taken notice of in any
well atteſted Hiſtory. The next to this in Bigneſs in this Iſland, is in St.
,
James's Church-Yard, which ſpreads a Shade (very near circular) of eighty-
five Feet in Diameter; and its Height, by Computation, is at leaſt feventy
Feet. The great Mr. Milton was of Opinion, that this was the Tree with
whoſe Leaves our firſt Parents made to themſelves Aprons: for in deſcribe-
ing their Fall he ſays;
Y y
And

176
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VII.
And both together went
Into the thickeſt Wood: There foon they choſe
The Fig-tree, not that Kind for Fruit renown'd;
Bue ſuch as at this Day to Indians known
In Malabar or Decan, ſpreads her Arms
Branching ſo broad and long, that in the Ground
The bearded Twigs take Root, and Daughters grow
About the Mother Tree; a pillar'd Shade
High over-arch’d, and echoing Walks between:
There oft the Indian Herdſman, ſhunning Heat,
Shelters in cool, and tends his pafturing Herds,
SAt Loopholes cut through thickeſt Shade. Theſe Leaves
They gather'd broad as Amazonian Targe;
And, with what Skill they had, together few'd
To gird their Waiſt.
However noble this poetical Deſcription is; yet, as to the Matter of
Fact, it wants even Probability to countenance it; for the Leaves of this
Tree are ſo far from being of the Bigneſs of an Amazonian Target, that
they feldom or never exceed five Inches long, and not quite three broad;
therefore we muſt look for another of the Fig-Tree kind, that better anſwers
the Character given of this Tree by Moſes: And as the Fruit of the Bana-
na-tree is often by the moſt antient Authors called a Fig, I may, I hope,
without Preſumption add my own to the already numberlefs Conjectures
of others, and look upon the Fig-tree in Paradiſe to be no other than the
Banana-tree; for when Pliny deſcribes the Afian Fig-tree, he ſays its
Leaf is maximum umbrofiſimumque; and as the Leaves of theſe are three
Feet long, and about two broad, they may be deemed more proper than
any for a Covering; eſpecially ſince they might be eaſily joined together,
with the numerous thread-like Filaments
, which may without Labour be
peeled from the Body of this Tree. Theſe Fig-trees grow in the Eaſt as
well as the Weſt-Indies. Quintus Curtius, in his Account of Alexander's
Expedition to the Indies, excellently deſcribes it. Had both the Indies
been ſo well known fome Centuries ago as they are now, that Author
would not have been (at leaſt in this Inſtance) thought fabulous. His
Words are theſe :
Sylvæ erant prope immenfüm ſpatium diffuſa, proceriſque &° in eximiam
altitudinem editis arboribus umbroſa. Plerique rami inftar ingentium fti-
pitum flexi in humum, rurſus; qua ſe curvaverant, erigebantur, adeo ut
Species eſſet non rami reſurgentis, fed arboris ex fua radice generate.
Quint. Curt. Lib. IX.
The STOPPER-BERRY Tree; Lat. MALPIGHIA.
THIS grows to be a conſiderable large Tree. Its Bark is of a whitiſh-
red, and ſcaly, often dropping off in Flakes; the upper Branches are
thickly cloathed with deep-green ſmooth ſhining Leaves, of about three
Inches
а
a


Plate 12,
cc
Page 177
in God
,
_To the most
Rev d
Thomas Lord
Father Gon
Bishop of LONDOS
.

Book VII.
Iſland of BARBADOS.
177
Inches long, and near two broad; theſe are generally ſet on in Pairs. From
the Bofoms of the Leaves riſe a great many Pedicles ſupporting ſmall white
Flowers ; theſe are ſucceeded by Berries black when ripe ; of about the Big-
neſs of a black Cherry, or rather larger and flatter; the Pulp is of a ſweet-
iſh Tafte ; this ſurrounds a greeniſh ſoft Kernel; the Fruit is eaten by
Men as well as by ſeveral kinds of Birds.
a
The BULLY-BERRY Tree.
THI
HIS is a very durable Timber-tree, growing ſo large as often to
exceed ſeventy Feet in Height; the Bark is of a rough rugoſe Tex-
ture; the Leaves are ſmooth, thick, and of a ſhining-dark Green, The
Fruit, which ſucceeds a fmall white Flower, is round, and of a golden Colour,
having a ſmall Corona at the Top: The Inſide is of a milky, clammy
Subſtance, and very ſweet. This thick Pulp ſurrounds two dark, red-
diſh, Alat Stones, very much reſembling the Seed of a Sappadillo ; the
greateſt Number of theſe Trees are in Scotland, at the Eſtate of Thomas
Alleyne, Eſq;
The Eaſt-India MANGO Tree.
HIS Tree, or its Seed, was lately brought from the Rio Janie-
r, and grows only at the Guiney Plantation belonging to Edward
Laſcelles, Eſq; Its preſent Height is about twelve Feet ; its Leaves are nar-
row and ſharp-pointed, being at leaſt ſeven Inches long, and one and an
half broad: The middle Rib ſtrong and prominent. Theſe are ſet on
the Branches in an alternate Order. Tho' this is called the Mango Tree,
yet the Leaves do not anſwer the Deſcription given by others of the real
Eaſt-India Mango Tree.
T.
I
0
а.
The OLIVE-Tree.
Have ſeen ſeveral of what are here called the true Olive-Trees; but
as they never bore any Fruit, we have only a traditional Certainty of
their being the real Trees, which, in other Parts, bear Olives; however,
I ſhall infert its Character. The Trunk is conſiderably large, cloathed
with a whitiſh-grey Bark; the Height of the whole Tree is often above
twenty-five Feet ; its Leaves, which are many, are ſet on in an alternate
Order. Theſe are about two Inches long, half an Inch broad, and ſharp-
pointed ; the
upper
Side
green, and the under covered with a hoary
Mealineſs.
The Wild OLIVE-TREE.
THIS grows to the Height of a common Willow. The Bark of
.
the main Trunk is much fulcated, and of a dark Colour; its Top,
by its many ſmall Branches, and numerous ſharp-pointed Leaves, is very
buſhy ;
theſe Leaves are generally four Inches long, and one broad, ſet
on

178
Book VII.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
а.
on the Branches in an alternate Order. The firſt Appearance of the
Flower is a Tube of a browniſh-white Colour, about the Thickneſs of a
Quill
, and in Length three-quarters of an Inch ; this, near the Top, firſt
bulges out, and then ſplits into two Parts; the upper, which I call the
Creſt, being excavated Spoon-like ; the under Lip deflects very much
back, ending in three diſtinct Diviſions, each Point curling inward; the
middlemoſt having from the Socket of the Flower, to its Extremity, a
narrow Liſt of fine purple Fur, or ſoft Villi. As the Flower comes to
its Perfection, the Creſt, or the upper Part, deflects back from the inter-
mediate Space ; between the upper and the lower Lip riſe four Stami-
na, tipp'd with Apices, ſurrounding a naked Piſtil, which, when the
Flower drops, becomes the Rudiment of the Fruit, which is a ſmall Olive,
Yellow when ripe. Theſe Trees are valued for their quick Growth, and
good Shelter, and they are chiefly planted near the Sea-ſide, to ſhelter the
neighbouring Fields of Corn and Cotton from being blaſted by the
falt Spry of the Sea, which too often, after all Precaution, is very de-
ſtructive to thoſe Plantations that adjoin to the Sea to the Eaſt and North-
Eaſt of the Iſland. This is delineated in Plate XII.
.
T
The FUSTIC-TREE; Lat. Morus.
HERE are two Species of Fuſtic-Trees, the Green and the Yel-
low; the former is very ſcarce in this Iſland ; the latter is di-
ſtinguiſhed into the Male and Female, the Male bearing a two-inch
long Spike, or Katkin ; the Female bears on the under Part of the
Leaves, on the middle Rib, ſeveral ſquammous ſweetiſh Berries, much
reſembling Mulberries ; theſe are eaten by Birds whilft upon the Tree,
and much coveted by Dogs when ripe, and fallen off. The Heart of
this Tree is very yellow, and much made uſe of by the Dyers; it is
likewiſe very folid and durable Timber, which makes it uſeful to make
Cart wheels, &C. Theſe Trees grow beſt in Gullies, and ſuch Places
as are ſhaded from the Wind.
The Gully PLUM-TREE; Lat. Mombin.
THIS Tree, eſpecially if thaded from the Wind, grows confidera-
; the Bark upon the Trunk
is of a very dark Grey, fulcous, and very rough ; its Branches are many, and
a
generally crooked. Theſe are cloathed with unequally pennated Leaves.
The Lobes are about three Inches long, and ſomewhat above an Inch
in Breadth ; the Leaf conſiſting generally of four Pair of Lobes, with
an odd one at the End.
The upper Twigs fupport pyramidal Cluſ-
ters of ſmall granulated herbaceous Flowers, which are followed by
Plums of oblong Shape, yellow when ripe, and ſomewhat bigger than
large Nutmegs ; theſe in Bunches hang downwards, ſupported by two-
inch-long Footſtalks. Their pulpy Part is of an agreeable Taſte; this is
I
not

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Book VII.
Iſland of BARBADOS.
179
not above one ſeventh of an Inch thick, covering a rough, fulcous, ftony
Kernel. This is delineated in Plate XIII.
a
The WHITE PLUM-Tree.
T!
HIS is a middle-ſized Tree, the Body of it cover'd with a whitiſh
Bark; the Branches are cloath'd with Leaves of about four Inches
long, and two broad, ending in a round Point; the ſlender top Branches
ſuſtain Groups of white ſmall Flowers, which are ſucceeded by a great
Number of ſmall Plums, green even when ripe ; theſe by the Heat of
the Sun open into three thick Partitions, emitting a great many ſcarlet
ftringy Seeds.
The Jamaica PLUM-TREE.
This grows to a conſiderable Bigneſs ; the Branches are cloathed
TH
HIS
with pennated Leaves ; the Flowers are ſucceeded by oval Plums,
ſomewhat depreſſed at both Ends, having their Surface here-and-there in-
dented. Theſe are of a purple Colour when ripe, and of a ſharp agree-
able Taſte.
The DAMASCEN, or the CALLIMATO-TREE; Lat. Icaco.
HIS Tree grows to about twenty Feet high. The Leaves are long,
ſharp-pointed, and ſmooth-edged ; very green on the upper, and
-
pale on the under-ſide; they are ſet on the Branches alternately. It bears
about April a great many Flowers, very much reſembling thoſe of a
Sugar-apple ; theſe are ſucceeded by black, longiſh, very clammy Plums,
having one, ſometimes two Stones or Kernels in them, the pulpy Part be-
ing very ſweet, and agreeable. The great Turtle-Doves, Pivets, and
Thruſhes, feed greedily upon
them.
TH
а.
The CHIGERY-GRAPE-TREE.
HIS is a middle-fized Tree, having ſtrong numerous Roots ; the
Bark of the Trunk is of a dark Grey; the Branches are thickly
covered with Leaves ; theſe are about five Inches in Length, and two
,
in Breadth. The Flowers, which are ſmall, five-leaved, and of a
browniſh Colour , in great Number ſurround ſeveral ruffet ſtrong
Spikes, of about two Inches long; theſe Flowers are ſucceeded by Ber-
ries ſomewhat ſmaller than white Currans, each compoſed of ſeveral
thick juicy Laminæ, incloſing a blackiſh ſharp-pointed Stone or Kernel ;
theſe are red when half-ripe, and white when full-ripe : They have an
acid, ſweet, agreeable Taſte, like white Currans ; but if eaten to Exceſs,
they cauſe a tingling Itching in the Skin. They are generally ripe in
Auguſt and September.
Zz
The

18
Book VII.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
THE
a
The Bay-GRAPE-TREE,
HE Body of this Tree is conſiderably large, though feldom growing
to any great Height, unleſs ſhelter'd from the Wind; the Branches
are many, but crooked and ſtraggling: The Bark is of a whitiſh Grey;
;
from the Extremities of the Branches hang pendulous Spikes, thickly co-
vered with very ſmall Bloſſoms, which are ſucceeded by a great Number of
Grapes in Cluſters: Theſe are found, and ſmaller than the leaſt red Cherry,
and of a rufſet Purple when ripe; they have an agreeable Mixture in their
Taſte of both ſweet and poignant Acid; their Pulp, which is but ſmall in
Proportion to their Bigneſs, ſurrounds a Stone or Kernel; theſe, if bruiſed
and ſteeped in Wine, are looked upon to be a good Reſtringent. The Tree
grows beſt in a looſe ſandy Soil; their Leaves are very broad and ſleek, cloſely
embracing the Stalks, and neatly ſtrewed with purple or red Veins; and even
the whole Leaf, whilſt young, is red. The Grapes ſteeped in Water, and
worked up with Sugar, make a very agreeable Wine.
а.
a
а.
CA
a
The Fat PORK-TREE.
THIS chiefly grows near the Sea-ſide, in the Pariſhes of St. Joſeph
and St. Andrew. The Fruit is diſtinguiſhed into the white and red
Sort. The Trees bearing each differ very little, if any thing, in their Tex-
ture, Leaves, or Flowers; the main Body of the largeſt exceeds not five
or fix Inches in Circumference; the Leaves are of a middle Size, round-
pointed, and ſet on the Branches alternately; the Flowers are white, and
very ſmall; the Petals are furrounded with a green ſtiff Calyx: Theſe are fuc-
ceeded by Plums called here Fat Pork. The outſide Skin of one Sort is, when
ripe, of a fine ſcarlet Colour, faintly clouded over with a purpliſh glaucous
Mealineſs, like that which covers Plums in England. The white Sort
differs only in Colour; for the pulpy Part of each cuts ſtringy, or rather
wooly, and is of a white Colour, not ill reſembling, though leſs firm than,
the Fat of Pork whilft warm. This Pulp hath a ſweetiſh Tafte, but to a
great many diſagreeable; this eatable Part covers a pretty large Stone,
which incloſes a white Kernel, no-way diſagreeable to the Tafte; the
whole is full as large as our common black Plums in England.
a
ΤΗ
The BLACK Wood.
THIS grows to be a large Tree, of an hard folid Texture; it derives
its Name from the blackiſh Colour of its Bark and Leaves; it ſheds
yearly its Bark, which is very bitter; its Flowers are fucceeded by ſmall
Plums; the pulpy Part ſurrounding a Stone or Kernel, or ſometimes two.
The

It

Plate.14.
P.181.
is
THis matt serene Highness
mos
The Duke of Geleang
This Plate is humbly Inscribid,
C. The
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&c
9.D.Thret, delin.f foutz.


Plate 55
L'age 107
Oon
R
ODOBRA
0000
LIOS
☆
MAI
INOH
PENSE
.
FoHis most serene Highneſs
.
OG
The Borince of Helse )
This Plate is humbly Inscribd.
SAS
&c.
G.D. Ehret.delin. & fculp.
8

Book VII.
181
iſland of BARBADOS.
The Male Popaw Tree; Papaya.
TREE
а.
THIS
HIS Tree is generally of an undivided Trunk, and diſtinguiſhed in-
to the Male and Female; as well as the Fruit into the long Mango
Popo, and the round Sort.
It's Roots are many and ſtrong, penetrating not deep into the Earth,
but extending ſeveral Yards in a circular Compaſs. The Bark, which
is of a whitiſh Colour, is marked with the Veſtigia of the fallen off
large Footſtalks of the Leaves. The Body of the Tree grows taper-
ing to the Top; it is often at the Root of about a Foot Diameter,
and generally from fifteen to twenty Feet high. The moſt fubftan-
tial Part of the Tree is a thick reticulated Web compoſed of feve-
a
ral complicated Diviſions, fomething like the Tunica reticularis in the
Skins of Animals; it is in this that the Strength of it conſiſts. The In-
fide of all the young, eſpecially towards the Top, as well as moſt
,
old Trees, are hollow: by this we hierographically repreſent a Perſon
of no Sincerity, and from hence in theſe Parts comes that Proverb to that
Purpoſe, As bolloré as a Popo.
Within three Feet to the Top, the Leaves begin to ſurround the Tree
in a circular and regular Manner, and conſequently very beautiful. Theſe
Leaves, eſpecially the lowermoſt, which are the largeſt, being often above
a Foot and an half long, are neatly divided into eight or nine large Se-
ctions, each again ſubdivided into lefſer ones, and ending in a Point; the
middle Ribs are ſtrong and prominent; the whole Leaf appears very
beautiful, being on the upper Side of a deep Green, and beneath co-
vered with a very viſible, yet very ſhort hoary Down. The largeſt Leaves,
which are lowermoſt, ſtand upon green hollow Footſtalks, often two Feet
long; however theſe, as well as the Leaves, gradually grow leſs to-
ward the Extremity of the Tree. The Stalks, when bruiſed, yield a dif-
agreable Hemlock-like Smell.
The Male Tree bears ſeveral ſmall pentapetalous white Flowers upon
pendulous Stalks of near a Foot and an half long, but was never here known
to produce Fruit. This Tree is delineated in Plate XIV.
The Female bears ſomewhat ſimilar, but larger Flowers, of a yellowiſh
Colour, growing on very ſhort Footſtalks, ariſing from, and ſurrounding
the Tree among the lower Leaves chiefly; theſe in ſtill Evenings and Morn-
ings afford a very fragrant and grateful Smell. The Female Flowers and
tender Buds of theſe are preſerved into Sweetmeats, and the long Mango
Popo into Pickles, the latter being very little inferior to an Eaſt India Man-
go.
Both theſe Fruits, eſpecially the round Sort, are likewiſe, when near
ripe, boiled and eaten with any kind of Fleſh-meat, and eſteemed whol-
fome, if they are cleanſed of the milky corroſive Juice they contain, and
eaten but feldom. This Juice is of fo penetrating a Nature, that if this un-
ripe
2

182
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book VII.
ripe Fruit, when unpeeled, is boiled with the tougheſt old falt Meat, it
will ſoon make it ſoft and tender; and if Hogs are for any conſiderable
Time fed with it, eſpecially raw, it is ſaid that it will wear off all the mu-
cous ſlimy Matter, which covers the Inſide of the Guts, and would in
time, if not prevented by a Change of Food, intirely lacerate them.
I know of no phyſical Virtue in any Part of this Tree, unleſs that the
milky Juice of the Popo is ſometimes made uſe of to cure Ring-worms, and
ſuch cutaneous Eruptions.
It grows beſt in ſhady Places.
This Tree is delineated in Plate XV.
IT
а.
The PLANTAIN-TREE.
T is the Opinion of many Writers, that this Tree was formerly pe-
culiar to Ethiopia only, though now very common in all the hot Parts
of Aſia, Africa, and America; eſpecially in Guiney, and the Weſt Indies.
Its Height, great Bulk, and large Leaves, claim a Place among Trees;
but its ſoft bulbous Roots, the pulpy Texture of the Trunk, which is fo
herbaceous, that it is often ſliced and given by way of Fodder to Cattle,
ſeem to partake of a liliaceous Plant, more than a Tree: but as it hath
generally been claſſed among the latter, I ſhall treat of it in the fame Light.
.
Its Roots are numerous, white, and ſpongy; the Trunk near the Earth is
about thirty Inches in Circumference, round, tapering, and undivided,
till about nine or ten Feet high, at which Height it puts forth ſeveral large
green Leaves in an alternate Order: Theſe are often five Feet in Length,
and near two and an half in Breadth, of a delightful ſhining Sea-green Co-
lour, and of a long oval Shape; theſe ſtand upon long tapering Footſtalks,
the middle Rib in each Leaf is very prominent, and deeply chanelled on
the upper Side. This ſerves as a Gutter to convey the Water that falls up-
on the Leaf, to the main Trunk, where it is foon abſorbed by fo foft
and porous a Body; for the Trunk of the Tree is compoſed of ſeveral
Laminæ upon Lamina of large longitudinal Veins, or Veſſels horizontally
croffed at about one tenth of an Inch Diſtance, with very thin membranace-
ous Filaments. Theſe laſt prevent both the copious Juices from the Roots,
or the Dew and Rain deſcending from the Leaves, to penetrate through
the other perpendicular Veffels, till each Part is ſaturated with its proper
nutricious Juice. From the quick Growth, and great Bulk, of ſuch ſuccu-
lent Plants, ſpongy Shrubs, and Trees which have their Vefſels ſo much
diſtended, we may perhaps account for the far flower Growth of more du-
rable Timber, both here and elſewhere: For the Cloſeneſs of the Grain of the
latter having their Veſſels very fine in cloſe Contact, the annual Lamine
of theſe, when fucceeded by exterior new ones, cloſe and conſolidate to-
gether, and fo add to the Bulk of the Tree: Yet fuch an Addition will be
no more, when compared in Quantity to the grofs Laminæ of ſucculent
Plants, ſpongy Shrubs or Trees, than ſo many Layers of Muſlin compared
C
in

Book VII.
Iſland of BARBADOS.
183
(C
loſoph.
а
in Bulk to an equal Number of coarſe Bays. But to return to my Sub-
ject: From the Top of this Tree (iſſuing from among the upper Leaves)
:
at about ten Months Growth, riſes a tough ligneous Stalk, about three
Feet long, bending downwards, and bearing on its Extremity a conic
pur-
ple Spatha. “ The Flowers (which ſurround this in three or four Rows)
are monopetalous, irregular, incomplete, and Hermaphrodite, com-Vide Phi-
poſed of a Tube which fills the Ovary, and a Pavilion divided into fourlens
.
« Lobes, and forming a kind of a Mouth. The Ovary, which adheres
ſtrongly to the Tube, is triangular, and crowned with five Chives, which
« grow from the side of the Flower. The Style, which is alſo terminated
by a little Head, afterwards becomes a ſoft ſomewhat angular Fruit,
“ whoſe outward huſky Tegument is very ſmooth, and yellow when ripe.
This is from five to nine Inches long, and near an Inch Diameter, grow-
ing ſmaller, and by Degrees a little crooked, at each End: The outward
Coat or Rind eaſily peels off when ripe. The inſide eatable Part is of
a gold Colour, and of a ſweetiſh Tafte. The whole Bunch, which gene-
rally contains ſome Scores of theſe Plantains, often weighs forty, fifty,
or fixty Pounds Weight. The moſt common Method of uſing this
Fruit, when deſigned to ſupply the Place of Bread, is, to take them when
green, though-full grown, and bake them in the Embers, or boil them.
In a ſhort time after the Plantain-Tree hath borne its Bunch, it decays
near the Root, and falls proftrate to the Ground, and periſheth: How-
ever, the Planter's Hope periſheth not with it; for long before the Mother
Tree decays, two or three large Suckers or young Trees grow up from the
Root of the old one. The largeſt of theſe, in about a Twelvemonth's
Time, bears ſuch another Bunch of Plantains as the above deſcrib’d; and
as this Tree likewiſe dies, after it hath produced Fruit, there ſpring up
from the Root freſh young Shoots ; ſo that there is an annual Succeſſion of
Trees without any Trouble to the Planter. However, it is thought the moſt
prudent Method is to replant them once in ſeven or eight Years ; in doing
this to the greateſt Advantage, the Situation muſt be rich, and ſheltered
from the Wind; and the Land intended for this Purpoſe muſt be dug in
Holes two Feet deep, one and an half broad, and twelve Feet aſunder:
Theſe being well manur’d, large Roots of fuperfluous Plantain-Trees are
cut through in two or three Pieces ; one of theſe put in every Hole, ſlight-
ly covering it with Earth, in a ſhort time ſprings up. Another common
Way of propagating theſe Trees is, to dig up other young ones,
which in great Number are to be found growing about the Roots of old
decaying Trees, and cutting off the Top of theſe within three Feet to the
Root, and fo tranſplant them into Holes prepared for that Purpoſe. Having
cut one of theſe young Trees horizontally in the middle, the remaining
Stump vegetated ſo ſtrong from the Centre, that it thruſt out a ſmall flender
Shoot near a Quarter, or above * an Inch long in ſeven Hours time.
* However ſurprizing this may appear, it is not more extraordinary than the quick Growth of Aſparagus in England,
Ааа
The
.
a far colder Climate.

184
Book VII.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The Wild PLANTAIN-TREE.
THIS hath a great Reſemblance, in its Trunk and Leaves
, with the
Plantain-Tree already deſcrib'd, differing chiefly, that though it
bloſſoms, it never bears
any
Fruit.
bre
а
The BANANA-TREE.
THIS
HIS differs in its general Make from the Plantain-Tree, only by the
greater Height of its Trunk, which is likewiſe here-and-there ſpotted
with Black; the Leaves, as well as the Fruit, are ſomewhat ſmaller than thoſe
of the Plantain-Tree, the Fruit being not above five Inches long, of a fine
yellow Colour when ripe, and of a fragrant Smell, and ſweet Taſte. Theſe
are eaten raw by way of Deffert. The learned Doctor Derham obſerves,
that the fineſt Needle, the Work of Art, appears, when viewed through
a Microſcope, rough and unhewn, when compared to the Sting of a Bee,
or even the meaneſt Blade of Graſs, the Work of Nature: ſo there is no leſs
diſtinguiſhing Delicacy in the Taſte of thoſe large Drops of natural Honey
found in the Bloſſoms of this Tree, when compared with what our Hive
produces ; the former intirely void of that Harſhneſs in the Throat, from
which the beſt of the latter, by its effential Salts, is not free. This was a
fymbolical Tree in Egypt ; for, among other Hieroglyphics, we cften find
the Head of Ofiris adorn’d with Banana Leaves, and the Child Orus fit-
ting on her Lap. It grows beſt under the Shelter of a Hill, or ſome ſuch
ſhady Place. As theſe are juſtly reckoned among the moſt delicious Fruits
that Arabia produces, Ludolphus, in his Ethiopic Hiſtory, conjectures that
theſe Fruits were the Mandrakes which Jacob's Wives contended for.
This Tree is deſcribed in Plate XVI.
The WATER LEMON-VINE.
n
THI
HIS is a very large ligneous Vine, creeping, if ſupported by neigh-
bouring Trees, to a very great Length. The Leaves are of a dark Green,
and ſharp-pointed. The Flowers very much reſemble thoſe of the Grana-
dilla Vine; theſe are fucceeded by a Fruit as big as an uncaſed Walnut,
of an irregular roundiſh Shape, the Outfide of a yellowiſh ſkinny Sub-
ſtance, the Inſide much reſembling that of a Gooſeberry, being full of
a ſweet gelly-like Subſtance, mixed with a great many ſmall Acini: This
juſtly claims a Place among the moſt delicious Fruits.
.
The WILD WATER LEMON-VINE, or LOVE IN A Mist.
HIS is a fort of a Paffion-Flower, and called by BOERHAAVE
Granadilla flore albo, fručtu reticulato. This is a trailing granii-
a
neous hairy Vine, provided with a great many Tendrils, or Claſpers
,
which
TH

Cristo

Plate 16
Page 184
To His Grace the
Prefidentofthe Royal Amademy of kiences
Duke of Chaules,
lor
at PARIS 80
G.D.Chret. Jelin. $ fculp.

Book VII. Idland of BARBADOS.
189
which twiſt round the neighbouring Trees or Buſhes, and ſo fupports
itſelf from the Ground. The Leaves, which are likewiſe ſomewhat hairy,
and cut into two ſhallow Sections, are ſet upon the Vine upon an Inch
Footſtalk, and about two Inches aſunder. From the Bofoms of the
Leaves rife Stalks of about an Inch long, fupporting many beautiful
Flowers, compoſed of fiftulous Radii, round each Border, purple at
the Bottom, and whitiſh at the Top: Theſe are almoſt inlaid in an out-
ward Covering of very thin white membranaceous Leaves, which are much
crumpled and labiated bending inwardly; a double Perianthium divided
into five deep Sections. The Ovary, which is the Rudiment of the Fruit,
riſes from the Bottom of the Flowers, from the middle of which Ovary
come five ſhort Chives, bending downward, and tipp d with large oval
Summits : Between this and the Top is the Fruit ſeen in Miniature, from
whofe Top come three Styles tipp'd with round Buttons. Theſe likewife
bend downwards. As the Flower decays, the Perianthium cloſes together,
forming a green ſomewhat conic Fruit, about the Bigneſs of a Cherry;
the outward Skin being ſeemingly divided, or rather mark'd with fix un-
indented Seams. The Fruit, when ripe, is yellow on the Outſide, include-
ing a great many very agreeable pulpy Seeds, and Juice, of the ſame Taſte
as the Water-lemon already deſcribed. What is moſt remarkable in this
Fruit is, that it is intirely covered or ſurrounded with a bluiſh white
reticulated Web, compoſed of innumerable ſmall Strings, and ſoft Briſtles,
whoſe Tops are tipp'd with a glutinous Subſtance. Both this Web, and this
clammy Matter, are deſigned by Nature to preſerve the incloſed Fruit from
Solar
being deſtroyed by Vermin, ſuch as Ants and others.
Prid
PIMPLIES; Lat. Opuntia. -
soboto's van
TH
HESE are likewiſe called the wild prickly Pear; their Roots are
many, extending ſeveral Feet round: It hath ſcarce the Appearance
of any Stalk near the Earth. The whole Tree or Bulh is compoſed of nume-
rous Leaves of a round oval Shape : Theſe are about nine or ten Inches long,
about ſeven broad, and three-quarters of an Inch thick. The Inſide of
theſe contains a great Quantity of mucilaginous Juice ; the Surfaces of
them are thickly beſet with Tufts of whitiſh Prickles, each Tuft conſiſt-
ing generally of four of theſe Prickles. The Body of this Buſh, after
the green outward Lamina is ſcrap'd off, is a reticulated Subſtance, ſtrong-
ly wreathed in ſeveral Folds one among another. The Flowers come out
of the Sides of theſe Leaves, and are compos’d of a great many
round-
pointed Petals of a yellowiſh Red. The Chives are very many, tipp'd with
yellowiſh Summits. The Piſtil is red, and ſurrounded with theſe Chives.
Theſe Leaves are ſupported and ſpring from a conic green huſky Pod-like
ſcaly Subſtance, and are ſucceeded by a Fruit whoſe Inſide is full of ſmall
black Seeds.
a
The

186
Book VII.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
THIS
The COCHINEAL.
SEE
HIS hath at a Diſtance the Reſemblance of the Pimploe; but it
generally grows higher; and the Leaves are ſmooth, bearing many
roſaceous red Flowers, which are ſucceeded by ſomewhat round ſcaly
Fruit, whoſe Inſide is full of ſmall Acini, and purple Juice.
.
The PrickLY PEAR-VINE; Lat. Cereus fcandens minor.
THIS likewiſe is of the ſame Texture as the three laſt already deſcribed,
TH
each of them, in my opinion, being a ſtrange Mixture between
a Plant and a Shrub. This, if ſupported by a Wall, will grow above fif-
teen Feet high, compoſed of ſeveral thickiſh Leaves of a triangular
Form, almoſt as deeply indented between every Angle as the Blade of a
three-edged Sword. Theſe Leaves are of a ſtrong ligneous Subſtance, of
about two Feet long, the Extremity of one giving Birth to another. The
Edges of every Angle are, at certain Diſtances
, thickly covered with
Tufts of very ſharp-pointed Prickles. From theſe Eminences likewiſe
proceed the Flowers : Theſe are of the rofaceous Kind, ſtanding up-
on longiſh green bulbous Stalks. The Petals of each Flower are fixteen
in Number, two Inches long, and blunt-pointed; theſe are ſo very thin,
that when laid over the ſmalleſt Print, it may be ſeen and read through
the Leaves. Theſe membranaceous Petals are ſupported by other green
capſular Leaves ; the Style is large and ſtrong, ſurrounded by numerous
white Chives, tipp'd with whitiſh Summits. The Fruit, when ripe, is of
an oval Form, and often as large as a Turkey-egg : The outſide Skin or
Rind is, when full-ripe, of a dark-purple Colour, and ſcaly at about
every
Half-inch Diſtance, each Scale being of a triangular Shape, and
ſharp-pointed. The whole Rind is likewiſe here-and-there ftudded with
Tufts of very ſmall ſharp Prickles; the Inſide is full of purpliſh ſolid
Pulp, intermixed with ſmall whitiſh Specks; the whole ſomewhat juicy,
and well tafted.
a
The Wild CUCUMBER-VINE; Lat. Anguria.
IT
T is called by Father Plumier, Anguria fruétu echinato eduli. This
quadrangular rough hairy Vine hath a long Tap-root, very
little
divided, even at its Extremity; it creeps generally upon the Ground,
and by its numerous twiſting Claſpers takes hold on every Side of the
neighbouring Buſhes : Its Leaves
, which ſtand upon two-inch long Foot-
ſtalks, are deeply divided into three, ſometimes more, round-pointed
Sections ; its Flower
, which is yellow, is fucceeded by a ſmall Cucumber,
whoſe Surface is covered with many ſoft-pointed Prickles ; they are ſome-
times eaten, but are eſteemed to be of too cold a Nature to be whol-
fome.
The
I

Book VII.
187
Ipand of B A R BA DO S.
.
The GRANADILLA-VINE.
THIS
HIS is the Granadilla latifolia fructu maliformi of Father Plu-
MIER. The Stalk of this Vine is quadrangular, bordered upon every
Angle: Its Claſpers, or Tendrils, by which it ſupports itſelf, are very nu-
merous, as well as the Leaves many; theſe are fix Inches long, and five in
Breadth, ſtanding upon four-corner'd Footſtalks. The Flowers are of
the fame Make with the Paſſion-Flower. The Fruit is of a long oval
Sh ape, of a yellowiſh Green when ripe ; containing a great Number
of ſmall Seeds or Acini, covered with a gelly-like Juice, or ſweetiſh Pulp.
This Vine grows beſt in ſhady Places, and muſt be ſupported with an
Arbour.
The FIG-TREE.
S neither this Tree, nor its Fruit the eatable Fig, differ from that
of the ſame Species in England and elſewhere, it will be need-
leſs to give it a particular Deſcription.
A
Here ends the Pruniferous Kind of Fruit.
tors
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188
A Proſpect of Bridge-Town in the Illand of Barbadoes,
XX
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5.1
TREES, SHRU BS, and P LANTS,
edcoast and
OF THE
sim to be sol
SILIQUOSE KIND.
B O O K VIII.
Y Trees, Shrubs, and Plants, of the filiquoſe Kind, are to be under-
ſtood all thoſe whoſe Fruits are incloſed in Pods.
It is obſervable, that very few Trees bear Pods in cold Climates, in Com-
pariſon to the great Number which warm Countries abound with.
And, as moſt of the filiquoſe herbaceous Plants are fcandent, it is re-
markable, that as they are weak, and, as it were, helpleſs of themſelves;
therefore indulgent Nature hath provided them with either Tendrils or
Claſpers to intwine about others, and be ſupported by them; and often
with even ſharp-pointed Hooks at their Extremities to faften upon the
neighbouring Trees or Rocks: And thus, like helpleſs Orphans, by this
foſtering Afliftance, they not only fubfift, climb up, and Aouriſh; but
alſo help to adorn the Face of Nature with their varied Beauties.
It is likewiſe worthy our Notice to obſerve, that theſe are not only
in greater Plenty, but that there is likewiſe a greater Variety of them, in
warm Climates; And indeed they are, by their Qualities, better adapted for
the
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Plate 17
Page 189
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G.D.Chret .debin.« fculp.
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Book VIII. The Natural Hiſtory of &c.
189
the Conſtitution of Perſons in hot Countries; for, by the ſmall Quantity
of Oil and Salts they contain, they are leſs liable to produce grofs Hu-
mours than animal Food.
a
The TAMARIND-TREES; Lat. Tamarindus.
TH
HESE are of two Sorts; at leaſt different in the Taſte of their Fruit,
the one bearing a four Fruit, the other of a Mixture of a ſweet and
acid Tafte.
The Trees, though they thus differ in their Fruit, are however of the
fame Bulk, Make, and Texture. Each having numerous large Roots,
and Branches, the latter by their many Subdiviſions, and being thickly
cloathed with very many pennated Leaves, afford an agreeable Shade.
The Flowers are yellow, ſomewhat ſpeckled with Purple; and of the
papilionaceous Kind!
Theſe are fucceeded by falcated Pods, conſiſting of four or five Cells,
each including a flattiſh oval Stone incloſed in a Snuff-coloured Pulp.
This Pod is of a browniſh grey Colour ; when ripe, eaſily broken, and
ſeparated from the Pulp.
This, and the incloſed Stones, are faſtened together by a great many
ſmall
ſlender Fibres from the woody Stalk, which run through the Pod.
This Pulp is preſerved in Sugar, and ſent to England, or elſewhere;
and it is looked upon, taken inwardly, to be a good Cooler in Fevers.
Theſe. Trees are not peculiar to our Climates; for they thrive not
only in Egypt, but likewiſe in the Land of Paleſtine, in Arabia, and
in other Parts of Afra.
The TREE JESSAMIN.
T!
HIS grows to be a conſiderably large ftraggling Tree, cloathed with
many Leaves generally ſet in Groups on the blunt Extremities of the
Branches.
The Flowers are pentapetalous, and are ſucceeded by long Pods.
This Tree is deſcribed in Plate XVII.
The SPANISH ASH
THIS
HIS Tree hath an Afh-coloured Bark: the Trunk of it, in rich ſhady
Land, grows to ſo great a Bulk, that the Heart alone is of a con-
fiderable Bigneſs.
Its Branches, which are clothed with oblong, pointed Leaves, placed in
Pairs, each Leaf about three Inches long, and one broad, grow generally very
upright, till near their Extremities, where they are ſubdivided into many
leffer; and then bend wavingly downwards, clothed with inany pendulous
Groups of papilionaceous Flowers, of a fine violet Colour.
Theſe

190
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book VIII.
Theſe are fucceeded by broad flattiſh Pods; each incloſing two or
three Seeds, ſomewhat reſembling, but flatter than, a Kidney-Bean.
Each Seed hath its partitional Cell
, in which, when the Seed is ripe,
is always found a ſmall Quantity of a glutinous Subſtance, of the Confift-
ence of a very ſoft Gum.
The WHITE SPANISH ASH.
T!
HIS differs chiefly from the Spaniſh Anh, already deſcribed, by the
Colour of its Flowers; thoſe of the former being of a beautiful Pur-
ple mixt with White, of the latter intirely white, and ſucceeded by a
flattiſh ſmall Pod, containing three flattiſh Seeds or Beans.
а.
>
The SILK-COTTON-TREE; Lat. Ceiba.
T!
*HE Roots of this Tree are very numerous , jutting out above-ground
like fo many Buttreſſes, ſupporting the Trunk; which, when full-
grown, is often fixty Feet high before it branches, and, near the Ground,
from three to four Yards in Circumference.
The whole main Body of the Tree is almoſt intirely covered with
fhort ſtubbed Prickles.
At the above-mentioned Height it divides into ſeveral Branches, cloathed
with long narrow Leaves ſet orbicularly on their Extremities.
They are ſo neatly joined to one another, that the whole Group, con-
fiſting of ſeven Leaves, have the Appearance of one digitated Leaf ſtand-
ing upon one common Footſtalk of about four Inches long.
The Extremities of theſe Branches fuſtain likewiſe ſemicircular Bunches
of roſaceous Flowers ; each Flower conſiſting of five middle-fized Petals
of a Cream-colour.
Theſe are placed in a circular Order, incloſing the Pointal, which is
likewiſe ſurrounded with five Stamina tipp'd with Apices of a yellow-
reddiſh Colour.
The Whole is incircled with the Calyx, or a green huſky Cup, re-
fembling that of a Pomgranate-Flower, but leſs regularly ſegmented about
the Edge.
The Petals have a weak faint Smell.
The Pointal becomes the Rudiment of the Pod, which is of a blunt
conic Form of about four Inches long. The Inſide is full of a greyiſh
filky Down, intermixt with ſmall blackiſh Seeds.
When this Pod is ripe, it opens; and the Down and Seed are carried off
by the Wind to the adjacent Parts.
This Tree feldom bears more than once in three Years.
a
The

Book VIII.
I91
Ifand of BARBADOS.
a
а.
The SMALL COTTON TREE; Lat. Xylon.
THOUGH the Cotton-Wool is diftinguiſhed into the great, the Ra-
vellin, the Vine and Flying-fiſh Sort; yet the Trees, bearing this Va-
riety of Wool, differ very little from one another.
The Leaves of each are ſcalloped, of thoſe bearing the great Sort, very
deeply, not ill reſembling a Curran-Tree-Leaf in England. Thoſe of the
Flying-fiſh Cotton-Tree are likewiſe deeply ſegmented; having their mid-
dle and tranſverſe Ribs of a reddiſh Colour.
The Leaves of the Ravellin and the Vine are leſs ſcalloped, and more
blunt-pointed.
Moit of theſe Trees, or rather Shrubs, if permitted to grow to their own
natural Height, would riſe to about fifteen Feet high ; but, as ſuch a luxu-
riant Growth would prevent their bearing the Number of Pods, they
would otherwiſe do, as well as ſhade the Corn and Pulſe planted generally
among them, the main Branches are therefore yearly lopp'd off.
The Flowers are compoſed of five large yellow Leaves, each ſtained at
the Bottom with a purple Spot.
The Piſtil is ſtrong and large, ſurrounded at, and near, the Top with
a yellow farinaceous Duft, which when ripe falls into the Matrix of the
Piſtil.
This is likewiſe ſurrounded, when the Petals of the Flowers drop,
with a capſular Pod, fupported by three almoſt triangular green Leaves,
deeply jagged at their Ends.
The incloſed Pod, which is rather of a conic than a round Shape, opens,
when ripe, into three or four Partitions, diſcovering the Cotton in as many
white Locks, as there are Partitions in the Pod. In theſe Locks are inter-
ſperſed the Seeds, which are blackiſh and ſmall.
The Cotton-Wool (of which in the Eaſt Indies they make their fineſt
Callico) is too well known to want a farther Deſcription : Yet it would
not be amiſs here to obſerve, that, as the Inhabitants of the warmeſt Cli-
mates want cloathing, eſpecially in the wet Seaſons of the Year, indul-
gent Providence hath fufficiently fupplied the want of Wool, here denied
to Sheep, by cauſing a Vegetable to bear the fineſt Wool in the World.
However the Certainty of gathering a good Crop of this Kind is very pre-
carious; ſince we may almoſt literally ſay of this Shrub, that in the Morning
it is green and flouriſheth, and almoſt in the fame Evening it decays and
withers : For when the Worms begin to prey upon a whole Field of Cotton-
Trees, though they are at firſt ſcarce perceptible to the naked Eye; yet
in three Days they will grow to a conſiderable Bigneſs, and ſo devouring in
that ſhort time, that they will reduce the moſt verdant Field, thickly and
beautifully cloathed with Leaves and Flowers, into almoſt as deſolate and
naked a Condition as Trees are in the Month of December in England;
leaving often not a whole Leaf remaining; by this means, eſpecially if they
Ccc
а.
a
a
come

192
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VIII.
come late in the Year, they greatly prejudice, if not intirely deſtroy,
the enſuing Crop; and ſometimes the very young Trees are by this means
killed.
ਹੀ ਸinist
Theſe Worms are of three Sorts, all of the Caterpiller Kind, and diſtin-
guiſhed by the Names of the Black-Backs, the Streaked-Back, and the
Fire-Worm. The laſt is of a rufſet Colour, and the leaſt; but yet the
moſt deſtructive.
When theſe grow to their deſtined Bulk, they ſpin and inwrap themſelves
in a Bag or Web, like Silkworms, in the few remaining Leaves, or any
other Covering; after a few Days Reſt in this their Aurelia-ſtate, they
turn into dark-coloured Moths, and fly away.
Theſe Worms are obſerved moſt generally to make their Appearance after
ſultry Weather, eſpecially if it thunders and lightens, and as the Weather
is then more than ordinary ſultry,
tes
;
The WHITE-WOOD-TREE.
THIS
HIS Tree grows to a conſiderable Bulk; its Branches are nume-
rous, and thickly cloathed with Leaves.
Theſe in Make, Bigneſs
, and Colour, very much reſemble thoſe of a
Laurel.
The Flowers are of the tubular Kind, of a pale White without, and yel-
lowiſh within. Their Extremities are much expanded and crumpled, and
generally divided into five Sections.
Theſe are ſucceeded by long greeniſh Pods, containing a great Number
of long flattiſh Seeds.
a
The LOCUST-TREE; Lat. Siliqua edulis.
THIS grows to be a large Timber-Tree, very full of Branches.
Theſe are thickly cloathed with Leaves of about three Inches long,
of a deep-green Colour, and ſmooth-edged; and always ſet on in Pairs
upon one common Footſtalk; differing from all other Leaves, by having
always one Part of the Leaf divided by the middle Rib far larger than the
other. The Extremities of the upper Branches have many papilionaceous
Flowers.
Theſe are ſucceeded by a light-ſnuff-coloured rough Pod, of about three
Inches long, and near two broad; incloſing a whitiſh ſpongy Pith; which
covers two or three hard blackiſh Kernels or Stones.
The pithy Part hath a ſweetiſh Tafte, and is ſometimes eaten; but the
Whole hath a very diſagreeable ſtinking Smell,
a
The CASSIA-FISTULA-TREE.
THIS
HIS Tree grows in the Eaſt and Weſt Indies, as well as in Egypt
, and
ſeveral Parts of Aſia. Its Height, when full-grown, is often no leſs
than

Book VIII.
. iſland of BARBADOS.
193
than forty Feet. The Bark, eſpecially upon the Trunk, is very much ful-
cated and cracked; it generally branches pretty near the Top, bearing feve-
ral middle-fized ſharp-pointed green Leaves. .
The Flowers, which are pentapetalous and many, are of a yellow
Colour, hanging in Cluſters upon ſeveral ſmall Twigs.
Theſe are ſucceeded by blackiſh Pods, from ten to twenty Inches long,
and about three-quarters of an Inch Diameter; “having a Seam running
" the whole Length on the one ſide; and another leſs viſible on the
< other."
The Inſide is divided into a great many Cells, ſeparated from each other
by thin brittle Plates or Partitions covered with a black ſweet Pulp.
Between theſe are the Seeds which are ſmall, flat, and ſmooth.
The Pulp, taken by way of a Purge, is too well known to want farther
Explanation.
This Tree grows generally in a dry rich Soil.
W
.
The MOABITE ; alias, the MANGROVE-BEARD-TREE.
THIS
HIS Tree never grows to be fit for Timber. .
Its Branches are very thick, covered with ſmall roundiſh green
Leaves, ſet on alternately.
The Flowers are tetrapetalous and white.
Theſe are ſucceeded by long falcated twiſting Pods, containing eight
or nine ſhining-black flattiſh Seeds; which are half-ſheathed in a pulpy,
Snow-white, and ſometimes ſcarlet, Pith. Theſe Pods open, when ripe;
the inner as well as the outward Side being then of a fine Maidens-bluſh;
which Diverſity of Colours in the Seeds, Leaves, and Pods, makes it then
appear very agreeable.
The white Pith is ſometimes eaten; but looked upon to be very unwhol-
fome. The Seeds are ftrung upon Silk, and made uſe of by the Negro
Women for Bracelets.
This Tree is more planted for its thick Shade, to keep off the ſalt Spry of
the Sea from Corn or Cotton, than any other Uſe.
a
The GARDEN MANGROVE.
THIS
HIS is perhaps, above all Vegetables, the moſt beautiful Evergreen;
keeping, without the leaſt Decay, or Withering, it's grateful Verdure
all the Year round. The Roots of this Tree are ſtrong and many, pene-
trating deep into the Earth.
If ſuffered to grow to its natural Height, it often riſes above forty Feet high,
branching very thick on every Side, and conſequently affording a delight-
ful Shade.
The Leaves are many, very thick, and of a deep-green Colour, ſharp-
pointed, and ſmooth-edged; in Length about two Inches, and the largeſt
about an Inch broad.
The
2

194
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VIII.
The moſt common Method of propagating this Tree is by laying the
ſmall lower Branches in Baſkets of Mould, or Earth, till they take Root;
but the moſt natural Way, as this is of the Fig-tree kind, is to ſuffer the
ſeveral flender fmall Filaments, which iſſue from the main Branches, to
take Root in the Earth.
ſeidom grows,
a
The RED MANGROVE-TREE.
THIS
HIS generally grows about the Edges of Ponds, and often ſeveral
Feet in Water. Its Roots divide into ſeveral Branches
, and join toge-
ther above the Surface of the Water, where each ftraggling Diviſion meets,
uniting into, and forming the Body of the Tree; which, from that Place to
the Water, ſeems to be ſupported by numerous Stilts.
What Pliny, ſpeaking of the Palm-tree, fays, Gaudet riguis, & toto
anno bibere amat, may be literally ſaid of this, which
very
except in, or very near, the Water.
The firſt Appearance of the Flower is a ſmall conic huſky Calyx: This
opens into four downy whitiſh-brown Petals, ſurrounding the Piſtil
.
When the Petals drop, the Piſtil becomes the Rudiment of the Fruit.
The Flower-Cup, or Calyx, opens, and expands horizontally into four
Parts.
The HOLY-THORN, or ROYAL-CASHIAW.
THE
HE Trunk of a grown Tree of this kind is above eight or nine
Inches Diameter; and grows to above twenty Feet high.
The Bark is rough, fomewhat fulcated, and of a dark-brown Colour.
The Branches are numerous, and very prickly, eſpecially towards the Top.
From theſe extend very long flat ſlender gramineous Twigs ; having on
each ſide a great Number of very ſmall Leaves, ſet on alternately.
From the Tops of the woody Branches, upon long green Footſtalks,
riſe many yellow pentapetalous Flowers, out of whoſe Diſcus come feve-
ral ſhort Stamina, whoſe Apices are of a dark Brown. The Leaves in gene-
ral are ſomewhat wrinkled ; and one above the reſt is much deflected,
black, and appears ſtained with red Spots.
From ſtrong Footſtalks hang a great many Pods, black when ripe, ,
including four, five, or fix blackiſh oval Seeds, ſeparated from each
,
other by long Partitions.
It is the Opinion of ſome Roman Catholics, that our Saviour's Crown
of Thorns was made with the Branches of this Tree.
a
a
The BEAN-TREE, or the SHROVE-TUESDAY; Corallioden-
dron.
Ting its branches on every
Hand.
HIS Tree is generally larger than moſt Apple-Trees; widely ſpread-
Theſe
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Book VIII. Iſand of B A R BADOS.
195
It is called Shrove-Tueſday from its never wanting Flowers by that Day.
Theſe are of a faming Purple, and as they very thickly cover the Tree,
they appear very beautiful, eſpecially at that time, when the Tree is intire-
,
ly void of Leaves.
The Make of theſe Flowers is not leſs remarkable; for they cannot well
be regiſtred under any Botanical Claſs.
Their firſt Appearance being an intire falcated ſmall Pod, when this
unfolds, it diſcovers ſeveral long purple Stamina, all joined to one com-
mon broad Footftalk.
Theſe are fucceeded by an huſky Pod, containing one, two, or more red
ſmall Beans, with a black Eye to them.
T!
The COCOA-TREE.
HIS ſeldom grows to any great Height; and never thrives, unleſs
much ſheltered from the Wind.
Its Roots are many, and the Bark of the Trunk, as well as its Branches,
is of a whitiſh Green,
The Leaves are ſet on alternately, and are about eight Inches long, and
near three broad, highly ribb’d on the lower Side.
The HORSE-NICKER, or CHICK-STONE-Tree.
THIS
HIS is a ſmall groveling Tree, growing chiefly in a looſe, marly,
or fandy Soil.
Its Trunk foon divides into many Branches, cloathed with unequal pen-
nated Leaves, conſiſting of fix or ſeven Pairs, of an oval Shape.
The ſmall, as well as the large Branches, are likewiſe thickly covered
with ſtrong crooked ſharp Prickles. Theſe are ſo very numerous, and ſo
ſharp-pointed, as well as fo variouſly inclined by the twining different Poſi-
tion of the Branches, that it is next to an Impoſſibility, without the greateſt
Deliberation, to extricate one's ſelf when once entangled in them : They are
therefore very properly planted upon the Borders of our Intrenchments; for
they are the beſt Defence of this kind that hath been hitherto known.
The Tops of the Branches end in an upright Spike, ſurrounded with ſmall
yellow Flowers.
From the Flower-cup, or Calyx, riſe three ſmall green Leaves, which de-
flect very much back.
Theſe incloſe five yellow ſpoon-like Petals, which ſurround ſeveral ſhort
Stamina, tipp'd with Apices.
The Flower is ſucceeded by a browniſh echinated Pod, of about two
Inches long, and one broad.
This incloſes ſeveral roundiſh Seeds or Nuts, of the Size, Colour, and
Shape of Marbles, which Children play with.
This is deſcribed in Plate XVIII.
Ddd
SPANISH

196
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VIII.
a
15. Slalo na
ribor
SPANISH OAK.
THIS grows to be a large Tree, covered with a fmooth greyiſh Bark.
From the upper Branches riſe many long Pedicles or Footſtalks:
Theſe fuſtain ſometimes one, but oftener two Pair of fharp-pointed
ſmooth Leaves, four Inches long, and two and an half broad.
From different Parts of the Branches riſe many purple white papiliona-
ceous Flowers. Theſe are ſucceeded by four-inch-long falcated Pods, in-
cloſing ſeveral oblong dark-colour'd Seeds, covered with a fine white
ſoft ſweet Subſtance, which by a great many People is eaten,
TH
en The RED WILLOW.
HIS, as well as every other Species of Willows in this Iſland, grow
to be large and very ſhady Trees; for which Purpoſe they are
generally planted near Dwelling and Out-houſes.
The main Trunk hath a blackiſh ſmooth Bark. The upper Branches
are long and ſlender : Thoſe eſpecially near the Top are thickly cloathed
with Leaves of above three Inches long, and one broad, ſharp-pointed
at both Ends, and of a greeniſh Yellow. When at full Growth, the
Weight of ſo many Leaves upon the Tops (chiefly) of ſuch a great Num-
ber of ſlender long Branches makes them bow wavingly downward : By this
means each Tree affords an agreeable imbrowned Shade.
а.
The WHITE WILLOW.
THE
HE Bark of this Tree is of a whitiſh-grey. The Leaves, which are
four Inches long, and one and an half broad, are of the fame Colour.
Theſe are ſet on the Branches alternately. The upper Twigs bear many
white Blofſoms. Theſe are ſucceeded by ſeven-inch-long Pods, containing a
great many greeniſh Seeds.
a
a
The BLACK WILLOW.
THIS
HIS Tree grows to a conſiderable Height, foon dividing into
many Branches. The Subdiviſion of theſe into leffer ones is always
thickly covered with Leaves. Theſe are about three Inches long, and above
.
an Inch and an half broad; their under Sides of a Pale-white, and the upper
of a Dark-green, fmooth-edged, and ſharp-pointed. There is ſomething
very remarkable in the Make of theſe Leaves, when young; for, at their
,
firſt Appearance, they are cloſely folded, or doubled together lengthways,
from the Stalk to the Point, ſo that they appear like Half-leaves divided along
the middle Ribs : When they grow near their deſtined Bigneſs, theſe
ſeeming Half-leaves unfold into perfect regular whole Leaves. The
Flowers, which are of two Sorts, both purple and white, ftand upon ſtrong
Pedicles,

Book VIII. iſland of BARBADOS.
197
Pedicles, and are compoſed of four capfularLeaves. When theſe open, ,
they diſcover ſeveral Stamina tipp'd with white Apices, ſurrounding a
ſnuff-coloured Piſtil, which is fucceeded by a round long Pod, red with-
in, containing ſeveral black Seeds in partitional Cells; theſe are no bigger
than Grains of black Pepper. The Pods are about three Inches long,
and of a rufſet Colour. This Tree, by its numerous waving Branches,
affords a delightful Shade.
T
The DowN-TREE.
THIS grows to a conſiderable Height, cloathed with large, roundiſh,
ſcalloped Leaves.
The Extremities of the Branches fuſtain a great many Flowers.
Theſe are ſucceeded by ſeven-inch-long blackiſh Pods, which are length-
ways neatly gouged into ſeven regular Chanels.
The Inſide conſiſts of a greyifh fine filky Down, much reſembling
that of the Silk-cotton-tree-down.
The only one that I know of in this Ifland, is at the Eſtate of
Evans, Eſq; in St. Joſeph's Pariſh.
TH
The FINGRIGO; or the SAVINE-TREE.
HIS ſhrubby Tree ſeldom grows above twelve Feet high, being
very buſhy, eſpecially towards the Top.
Its numerous Branches are thickly guarded with ſmall crooked Prickles ;
and cloathed with very ſmall Leaves of a ſurpriſing Make, being rather a
Continuation of many Leaves, than diſtinct ones; for what in other Trees
and Plants we call Footſtalks, or Pedicles, are in this but ſo many narrow
Leaves, fupporting others ſomewhat broader.
They bear almoſt an innumerable Quantity of ſmall Flowers,
Theſe are ſucceeded by as many browniſh very ſmall Capſule, each
incloſing a black ſomewhat flattiſh ſhining Seed.
A Decoction of the pounded Leaves anſwers the End of Engliſh Sa-
vine.
· They have likewiſe this additional Virtue ; that if dried and powder-
ed, and mixed with Corn, and given to Horſes, it frees their Maw from
the Bots, as well as all other Worms.
Como
to
The PAPAW-OCKROE.
-
HIS Plant grows about a Foot high, having one ſtrong Tap-
root, beſides feveral ſmall Side-ones. The Leaves ſurround the Stalks
and are very neatly ferrated, very much reſembling thoſe of Nettles.
The Tops of the main Branches or Stalks fupport each a pentapeta-
lous yellow Flower ; the Petals ſmall, and ſpoon-like : Theſe are ſupport-
ed by five capſular ſharp-painted Leaves, yellow above, and of a ruffet
Colour underneath:-
The
2

198
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VIII.
The Petals furround a great many yellow Stamina.
Each Flower is ſucceeded by a ſmall ſharp-pointed Pod, incloſing a
great many ſmall Seeds.
The only Uſe that I know of this Plant is, that it is boiled as Sallad,
and eaten by moft Negroes
.
HIS grows
The LARGEST SENSIBLE PLANT.
T grows to be about four Feet high. The Branches are thickly
cloathed with a great Number of oval ſmall pennated Leaves
.
From among theſe riſe ſeveral three-inch-long Stalks, bearing each of
them, on their Extremities, an uncommon ftamineous Flower. The
greateſt
Part of this is yellow; but on one side of it appears a Tuft of pale-
white Stamina, tipp'd with browniſh Apices.
When theſe Stamina, as well as the yellow Part of the Flower, drop
off, there appears an horizontal Group of ſmall Pods of about an Inch
and a quarter long, when ripe, and of a blackiſh-brown Colour, incloſing
feveral ſmall flattiſh black Seeds.
a
CRABS-EYE-VINE.
THIS is a long ſcandent Vine, cloathed with ſmall pennated Leaves,
each conſiſting of eleven Pair, with an odd one at the End.
The Flowers, being papilionaceous, ſmall, and white, are ſucceeded by
Pods, each incloſing two or three ſcarlet Peas.
Every one of theſe, at its Extremity, has a very black Spot, which
makes it much reſemble the Eye of a Crab. From thence it derives
its Name.
The LEAST WILD PEA-VINE.
TH HIS is a ſlender reddiſh hairy Vine; cloathed at uncertain Di-
ſtances with ſmall green Leaves, generally three in Number, upon
one common Footſtalk.
From the Boſom of the Leaves riſe many yellow papilionaceous
Flowers, each ſucceeded by half-inch-long Pods, containing two ſmall
Peas.
The WILD POTATO-VINE.
ΤΗ
HIS is a weak ſlender Vine, creeping upon the next Supporter
it meets with ; but moſt commonly it twines itſelf about Guiney-
Corn-ſtalks, and bloſſoms about Chriſtmas. Theſe are of the papiliona-
ceous Kind, and of a beautiful Mixture of the moſt fnowy-white and
deep-ſcarlet Colours.
The

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Plat.19.
12.199.
NON-STBI-
SED TOTT
To Richard Meadud.
Thiplitan an erointer to the
king;
THIS PLATE
Usmofphumbley Inscribed
(&c.

Book VIII.
199
Iſland of BARBADOS.
The ROPE-MANGROVE.
THIS
HIS is a groveling Tree, feldom riſing above eighteen Feet high
The Bark is of a light-ruffet Colour; the Leaves are high-ribbed ;
their Length about ſeven, and their Breadth near fix Inches, ſupported
each by a fix-inch-long Footftalk. The Extremities of the Branches are
beautifully decorated with large yellow Flowers, very much reſembling
thoſe of the Cotton-Flower, except that they want the purple Spot at the
Bottom. The Petals of this Flower, which are five in Number, are fup-
ported by a double Row of green capſular Leaves neatly jagged. The
Piſtil is ſtrong, and divides into four knobbed Diviſions : From the Side
of it riſe many yellow Stamina, tipped with the ſame colour'd farinaceous
Apices. The Flower is ſucceeded by a roundiſh ſharp-pointed Pod, divided
into five Partitions, inclofing each a black kidney-like Seed. The moſt
common Method of cultivating theſe Trees is by cutting the younger
Branches into many Pieces, and ſticking them in the Ground in wet
Weather. It is called the Rope-Mangrove, from the Uſe that is made of
the Bark of it to make Ropes or Halters for Cattle. Theſe Trees grow
moſt commonly in low moiſt Land, near the Water : They flower about
June or July.
The JUNCTION-VINE.
THI
HIS is a long trailing Vine, bearing a ſharp-pointed heart-like Leaf.
The Flower is monopetalous, very much repreſenting, in its whole
Shape, the Placenta Uteri. The Labia of the Flower are freckled with
purple and white Spots. The Root of the Vine is exceeding bitter, and very
uſeful to make bitter Diet-Drink. The Flowers are ſucceeded by a conic
blackiſh Pod, which is very much fulcated on the outſide, and the Infide
divided into partitional Cells, incloſing ſeveral ſmall black Seeds.
The PIGEON-PEA-TREE; Lat. Cytiſus.
ΤΗ
HIS grows to about nine Feet high: Its Roots are few, penetrating
not deep into the Earth. Its main Stalk, or Stem, at about three
Years Growth, is commonly near as big as a Man's Wriſt.
I know of no Part of this Shrub but what is of fome Uſe. The
Wood is good for Fuel; and by the often falling of its numerous Leaves,
the Land it grows upon is very much enriched ; and its Fruit is of great
Service, by affording hearty nouriſhing Food to Man and Beaſt. The
main Stalk is generally divided into ſeveral buſhy Branches : Theſe are
cloathed with long ſharp-pointed ſmooth Leaves, green above, and
covered with an hoary Mealineſs underneath: It bears, upon two-inch-
long Spikes, very many yellow papilionaceous Flowers, ray'd with purple
Veins. Theſe are ſucceeded by Pods of a ruſſet Colour, when ripe ; con-
Eee
taining
a

200
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VIII
a
taining three, four, or five, fomewhat flat roundiſh Peas, ſeparated from
one another by a ſlender Partition. Theſe Peas, green or dry, are boiled
and eaten, and eſteemed very wholſome, eſpecially if uſed in the wet
time of the Year; for, being of a binding Quality, they prevent Diarrhoeas
and Dyſenteries, fo common in wet Seaſons. I attribute their Reſtringency
to a very ſmall Quantity of a gummy reſinous Subſtance, which is
generally found, more or leſs, in each Pod.
Theſe Trees are produced from the dry Peas, planted about an Inch
deep. They grow to a conſiderable Bigneſs even the firſt Year, each
bearing ſome Hundreds of Pods; the ſecond and third ftill more nume-
rous; the fourth and fifth they bear but very ſparingly; in two Years
more the Tree gradually decays and dies. They thrive beſt in a dry Soil,
and ſoon periſh in a wet one.
Thus & is much Moiſture hurtful to fome, whilſt kindly to others ;
“ thus fome Plants require a ſtrong and rich, others a poor and ſandy
“ Soil; ſome do beſt in the Shade, others in the Sun.”
This is delineated in Plate XIX.
NEMNEM, or TooTH-ACH-TREE.
THIS Tree was firſt brought hither by a Portugueſe, about fifteen
Years ago; it takes its Name of the Tooth-ach-Tree from its
rather ſuppoſed, than real Quality of curing the Tooth-ach. It differs
very little
, if any thing, except in its greater Bulk, the Length of its Prickles,
and the more falcated Form of its Pod, from the common Akafee,
already deſcribed.
The AKASEE or SWEET-BRIER.
THIS
HIS Shrub is of the thorny Kind, growing to about ten Feet high:
Its Roots are ſtrong and many, and penetrate very deep into the
Earth. The main Stem, as well as the whole Shrub, is cloathed with a
reddiſh-grey Bark; the Branches are ſomewhat geniculated backward and
forward, alternately. From each of theſe grow ſeveral Side-twigs; on
;
theſe are ſeveral Pair of very ſmall oval pennated Leaves. The Flowers
,
which are of a globoſe Form, yellow, and of the ſtamineous Kind, riſe
from the Boſom of the Leaves on Stalks, or Pedicles, of about an Inch
long, guarded at the Bottom with two ſharp Prickles : Theſe Flowers are
fucceeded by Pods of about four Inches long, black when ripe, contain-
ing eight or nine oval Seeds, ſeparated from each other by fungous Parti-
tions. The Roots, when bruiſed, yield an offenſive Smell; and, if boiled
to a Decoction, and drunk, prove mortally poiſonous to Man, or Beaſt
.
The Pod, when half-ripe, affords fo glutinous a Jelly, that it is made
uſe of, inſtead of Cement, to join together broken China Ware. If the
main Stem is wounded, there ouſes out, in few Days, a tranſparent Gum
like Gum-Arabic. The Deſcription which Mr. Lemery gives of the
Shrub
2

Book VIII. Ipand of BARBADOS.
201
a
a
Shrub which produces Gum-Arabic, anſwers very near to this. This is
delineated in Plate XI. Fig. 2.
bolestone
9
The Flower-Fence, or SPANISH CARNATION; Lat. Pon-
ciana.
THIS Shrub is diſtinguiſhed into two Sorts
, the one bearing a yellow
Flower, the other a red and yellow mixt ; the former is very feldom
to be met with. The Shrub bearing both is of the ſame Species, and
grows to be about fix Feet high, ſending out near the Top ſeveral ſlender
Branches on every Side. Theſe are thickly cloathed with many Penne
of ſmall oblong winged Leaves; the main Stalk is covered with a whitiſh
grey Bark, the upper Branches ending in green long Spikes. Theſe
are ſpirally ſurrounded, upon long green Footſtalks, with very beautiful
Flowers, each compoſed of five Petals, which are generally red near the
Bottom of the Leaves; and their Edges, which are finely waved, or finu-
ated, are deeply bordered and tinged with Yellow ; and, where the
Yellow predominates, it is generally rayed with fine Streaks of Reda
Theſe Petals are ſupported by five under-capſular, reddiſh, ſpoon-like
Leaves. From the Centre of the Flower riſe nine two-inch-long Stami-
.
na, of a flaming Purple, tipp'd with reddiſh-brown Apices, ſurrounding
a reddiſh Style, which is the Rudiment of the Pod. This
, when ripe,
is about five Inches long, flattiſh and of a purple Black, divided into
ſeveral partitional Cells; each Cell including a fat blackiſh Seed, not
ill-reſembling the Kernel of an Apple. Lye-water, made from the Aſhes
of the Roots of this Shrub, is looked upon to be good to bring down
the Catamenia; and one of the Flowers, bruiſed and ſteeped in Breaft-milk,
is a gentle Anodyne ; for which Purpoſe it is often given to quiet very
young Children. Thefe flouriſh all the Year round.
a
TH
The Dog-WILLOW-RATS-BANE, or Raw-HEAD and
BLOODY-BONES.
NHIS is a ſcandent Shrub, cloathed with green ſmooth-edged
round-pointed Leaves of about two Inches long, and an Inch
broad. Theſe are ſet on the Branches alternately. From the Extremi-
ty of the latter grow ſeveral roundiſh Pods, compoſed of four ſpoon-like
Leaves, ſupported near the Stalk with four ſmaller capſular Leaves. When
theſe Pods open, they diſcover a Taſſel of long white Stamina, tipp'd
with Apices ; from the Middle of theſe riſes the Piſtil, which is near
three Inches long, bearing upon its Top the Rudiment of the Fruit.
This. Piſtil foon grows ligneous, and, at its full Growth, produces a five-
inch-long Pod of a whitiſh-yellow Colour, ſtreaked with two oppo-
fite fcarlet Seams. The Inſide is full of Cells
, containing ſeveral ſmall
green Seeds. This Shrub grows chiefly upon rocky Places,
The
a

202
Book VIII.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
T
a
The FRENCH GUAVA.
HIS is a ſhrubby Plant, whoſe main Stalk hath a ſtrong ligneous
Texture. Its Side-branches are cloathed with ſeveral Pair of large
oval winged Leaves, the upper Stalks ending in upright Spikes, which
are covered for three Inches in Length with pendulous yellow Flowers, not
ill-reſembling thoſe of the Aloe Plant. Theſe are fucceeded by ſeveral
blackiſh long Pods, whoſe ſeveral partitional Cells incloſe a great many round
blackiſh Seeds. A Decoction of this plant, or an Ointment made of a
Mixture of its Juice, is looked upon to be of great Uſe to cure and dry
up any cutaneous Eruptions. This flouriſhes about Chriſtmas, and loves
a rich Soil, as well as a ſhady Place to grow in.
The Wild FRENCH GUAVA, or STINKING-BUSH.
WILD
THE
HE main Stalk of this Plant riſes above four Feet high, bearing on its
Side-branches ſeveral Pair of ſharp-pointed winged Leaves
. The Flow-
ers, which are yellow, and much reſembling thoſe of the Tamarinds, are
ſucceeded by five-inch-long blackiſh Pods, containing many ſmall blackiſh
Seeds. This derives its Name from the Likeneſs it hath to the French
Guava Shrub, and from its ſtinking Smell,
The ARNOTTA SHRUB.
THI
THIS, even at its greateſt Growth, exceeds not twelve Feet, nor the
Trunk, where largeſt, above three Inches in Diameter. It branches
pretty much towards the Top, and is cloathed with middle-ſized ſharp-
pointed green Leaves, whoſe middle and tranſverſe Ribs are fomewhat
reddiſh. Theſe are diſpoſed on the Branches alternately. The Flower is
pentapetalous, and of a bluiſh Yellow, compoſed of ſpoon-like Petals
. The
incloſed yellowiſh Stamina are tipped with purpliſh Apices. The Style,
which riſes from the Centre, proves the Rudiment of the ſucceeding echi-
nated Pod, which is of a conic Shape. Its Inſide is divided into ſeveral
partitional Cells, incloſing a great many ſmall Seeds, covered on the Sur-
face with a red Subſtance; which the Indians on the Main dye their
Bodies with. As the Method of preparing this Dye is not well known here,
I ſhall not attempt to give any Account of it.
The LUCERN.
THIS
HIS Kind of Graſs hath been but very lately cultivated in this Iſland,
and even now but by fome curious Perſons. It is of a very quick
Growth in wet Weather ; but ſo ſoon dies in dry Seaſons, that it is not worth
cultivating here, however valuable it may be where there fall more conſtant
Rains.
The

Book VIII.
203
Iſland of BARBADOS
The Wood-SORREL.
.
HIS differs very little, if any thing, from the fame Species that
grows in England : And its Virtue in Ptiſans or Sallad is equally
the ſame.
а.
а.
The Jallop, or the Four-o'CLOCK-FLOWER; Lat. Jallapa.
THIS
HIS ſhrubby Plant grows to be about four Feet high, and is divided
into numerous Branches, as well as by the different Colours of its
Flowers diſtinguiſhed into ſeveral Sorts. However, the Root of that, which
bears a brown yellowiſh Flower, comes neareſt in phyſical Goodneſs to the
true Jallop. Its Leaves are winged, and the Flowers of the tubular mo-
nopetalous Kind, whoſe Oræ are divided into five Sections. The Stamina
are tipped with five Apices of a ſcarlet Colour. Theſe Flowers, though
diſtinguiſhed into the Purple, the Red, and the Yellow already deſcribed,
have all their Footſtalks covered over with ſoft Villi or Hair ; and the
Bloſſoms of each Kind are fucceeded by ſmall Capſule, containing in
each a ſmall black, huſky Seed, incloſing a white Kernel.
I ſhould have added before, that the Leaves are ſharp-pointed, and
above two Inches long, and an Inch and an half broad. The Flower ex-
pands early in the Morningand generally continues
and generally continues open till Eight
o'Clock; and then ſhuts, and ſeems almoſt wither'd, till about Four in
the Afternoon; at which Time it blows anew, and continues open till
Night
The CRAB-TREE.
THIS
tall Shrub hath a dark-colour'd reddiſh Bark. The Branches
a .
are many and crooked. The Leaves, which are generally in Pairs,
are likewiſe unequal and ragged ; the largeſt not exceeding two Inches
long, and the ſmalleſt not an Inch. The Branches are guarded with very
ſmall ſcarce-perceptible Prickles. The Flowers are of the papilionaceous
Kind, and ſucceeded by many ſmall Pods.
ca
The INDIGO-WEED.
Pero non
ONE
IN
N the Infancy of Trade in this Iſland, Indigo, which is produced
from this Weed, was one of its ſtaple Commodities : But as the Im-
provement of Sugar became more beneficial, or rather, when our Neigh-
bours the French, by their ſeveral Indulgences in Trade, as well as the
cheap Purchaſe of their Land, were able to underſell us at foreign
Markets, this Branch of Trade was ſo intirely fwallowed up by them,
that we have had no Indigo manufactured here for above forty Years paſt.
Therefore it would be needlefs in me either to deſcribe the Plant, if I
Fff
could

204
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VIII
could meet with any in the Iſland, or to trouble my Reader with the
Method of making Indigo from it.
The Jallop-VINE.
W
HAT is here called the Jallop-Vine, grows near the Houſe of
the Honourable Samuel Rouſe, Eſq; Its Stalk yields a milky
Juice. It bears an heart-like Leaf, and a Bell-flower.
a
SORREL.
E have here, beſides the Wood and the Garden-Sorrel, another
tall ſhrubby Sort, diſtinguiſhed by their Colour into the White,
and the Red. Theſe grow ſtrong, and are ſeemingly ligneous, though
they are of an annual Growth, produced from the Seed. Their Roots are
W
many and fibrous.
а.
The main Stalk grows often to be above three Feet high, red and
hollow. The Leaves, which are deeply digitated, and their middle Ribs
and Stalks reddiſh, are ſet on alternately. The Flower conſiſts of five pale-
white Leaves, gyrally incircling one another, and each deeply ſtain’d with
a purple Spot at the Bottom, and incloſing a ſhort ſtrong Piſtil ſurrounded
with farinaceous Duft.
The Petals are likewiſe incircled with five ſharp-pointed capſular Leaves,
which, when the Petals drop off, cloſe together into a conic-ſhap'd Pod.
This, when ripe, opens into five Sections, diſcovering a ruffet Berry, which
likewiſe, when ripe, opens into five Sections, and diſcovers a great many
blackiſh Seeds.
Theſe Leaves, as well as the Berry, are decorated as well as ſupported
by a ſtrong Calyx, which on the Outſide is divided into nine ſharp-
pointed Sections.
The red Leaves, and Flower-cup, being thick and very juicy, are,
,
when ripe, ſeethed in boiling Water, which in a few Hours extracts both
their Colour and Strength. This Decoction, work'd with Sugar, makes
a very ſtrong reddiſh heady Wine; and as theſe Plants are of two kinds,
the Red and the White, their reſpective Wines will be of theſe different
Colours, but of the fame Taſte.
The red capſular Leaves, when young (firſt ſtew’d) make excellent
Tarts.
The Fruit is generally ripe about November and December.
a
a
و
The WILD SENA, or the WILD Cassia FISTULA ; Lat.
Colutea.
TI
HIS buſhy Shrub grows to about four Feet high; the main Stalk
pithy and brittle ; the Branches thickly cloathed with round deep-
green

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&c

Book VIII.
iſland of BARBADOS.
205
green winged Leaves, ſet upon the Twigs in three or four Pair. The
Flowers are yellow and pentapetalous.
Theſe are followed by five-inch-long browniſh round Pods, ſomewhat
falcated when ripe.
The Inſides of theſe are divided, like the large Caſſia-Fiſtula, into
very many fmall Cells, ſeparated from one another by thin pulpy Parti-
tions of a ſweetiſh Taſte, including, in the intermediate Spaces, ſmall
blackiſh flat Seeds.
This is delineated in Plate XX.
.
The CHRISTMAS-BUSH.
THIS Plant
HIS Plant grows to about three Feet high. Its Roots are many,
but weak, always blooming in December ; and from thence it derives
the Name of Chriſtmas-Buſh.
It continues to bear Bloſſoms till the middle of March, and then gra-
dually decays.
The main Stalk and Branches are of a ſtrong gramineous Texture
, and
its Leaves, which are about two Inches long, and near as broad, end in a
ſharp Point
Their Edges are ſnipped in three or four oppoſite Places, their upper
Sides deeply furrow'd, and by far greener than the under, which, when
young, are whitiſh, foft, and downy. On the Top of each Branch (ge-
nerally ſpeaking) ſtands a Group of very ſmall white tubular monopeta-
lous Flowers ; their Tops are but barely to be ſeen, peeping out of long
ſcaly Calyces ; and from each Flower riſe two very fine white Stamina
with pendulous Apices. Theſe numerous thready Stamina, ſo cloſe to-
gether, give it, at a Diſtance, the Appearance of an intire ſtamineous
Flower. When theſe drop, their Calyces become pappous, and full of
long ſmall blackiſh Seeds, each ſurrounded, like the Feathers in a Shuttle-
cock, with very fine white Down. A Cataplaſm of this bruiſed Plant is
eſteemed not only an excellent Vulnerary, but likewiſe ſo great a De-
tergent, that it will not ſuffer the leaſt proud Fleſh to grow where it
is applied. It grows in every Soil all over the Iſland.
The GULLY-Root.
IF
F the Virtue of Afa-Fötida, in nervous and hyſterical Diſorders,
confifts chiefly in its efficacious Power of diſperſing, by its ſtrong
Smell, the animal Spirits to their ſeveral proper and diſtinct Parts of
the Body, the Roots of this Plant may perhaps claim an equal Degree of
Virtue ; for its Smell is ſo very offenſively ſtrong, that a ſmall Piece of it
will, in a ſhort time, fill the largeſt Room with its diſagreeable Odour.
2
Pops.

206
Book VIII.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Pops.
a
Ti
a
HIS is a ſucculent perennial Plant, having many fibrous Roots. The
main Stalk is hollow, and the Outſide divided into many irregular
Angles. It widely branches towards the Top, and is thickly covered with
thin ſharp-pointed Leaves, of about three Inches and an half long, and
about two Inches broad. The Edges of theſe are widely and irregularly fer-
rated; the whole Plant growing to be about two Feet and an half high.
The Flowers, which are monopetalous and yellow, are divided into five
Angles in a Star-faſhion. The Inſide of each Angle, near the Diſcus, or
Bottom of the Flower, is ſtained with a browniſh purple Spot. The whole
Flower ſurrounds five Stamina, tipped with pale bluiſh Apices. Theſe
likewiſe ſurround a whitiſh Piſtil. The Flowers are ſucceeded by ſmall
round bluiſh Berries, full of an agreeable Pulp, mixed with many whitiſh
Seeds.
Theſe are looked upon to be good Diuretics: The Berries, till ripe,
,
are ſurrounded with a thin green Capſula, ſomewhat of a conic Shape :
which is of a very ſlender Texture, and divided principally into five high
convex purple Veins, interſperſed with a great many leſſer longitudinal
as well as tranſverſe Ribs or Veins. When the incloſed Fruit is ripe, this
Capſula opens, and withers away.
Foster's PLANT.
S this Shrub hath been hitherto nameleſs, I have preſumed to call
it after the Perſon's Name who diſcovered to me, not only this, but
ſeveral others. This ſhrubby Plant grows to about four Feet high. Its Roots
are ſtrong, penetrating deep into the Earth. The inſide Bark of theſe, as
well as the Pith in the main Stalk, is of a yellowiſh Colour ; the latter
fomewhat inclinable to a red. Its flender Side-branches are cloathed with
five Pair of pinnated Leaves without, an odd one at the End; theſe are
about an Inch and an half long, and near an Inch broad. From among
theſe riſe a great many papilionaceous Flowers; which are ſucceeded by long
flattiſh Pods, incloſing a great Number of flat Seeds of a ruffet Colour.
The Leaves of this Plant, if bruiſed, yield a very offenſive Smell. It
grows chiefly in rich Land, and blooms in June and July.
02
cetes
The Cow-ITCH VINE.
galba
THIS is a long fcandent Vine, creeping often to above twenty Feet
high, if ſupported by neighbouring Trees or Rocks. Its Leaves are
of a middle Size, ſharp-pointed, and very thin, covered with ſoft Villi
or Down, and ſet on the Vine in a Triparture-order. The Flowers of this
Vine grow in Bunches.
A
a
a
The

Book VIII.
Iſland of BARBADOS.
207
The Appearance of each, at firſt, is an inch-long purple petalous Pod,
which, when it blows, divides into two narrow purple Petals, diſcovering
in the Middle, between both, a white long Pointal, hooked even to a
Pricklineſs at its Extremity. This is likewiſe ſheath'd with a thin white
Membrane. When this, as the Flower grows, ſplits open, it diſcovers the
Pointal to be fringed or divided near the Top into ſeveral Stamina, tipp'd
with Apices. The two above mentioned Petals are, near the Bottom, in-
circled with another purple Petal, not ill reſembling the Carina of a papi-
lionaceous Flower. The Whole is fucceeded by a Pod near of the Shape
and Size of a Pod of a full-grown Engliſh Field-Pea. This incloſes ſeveral
blackiſh ſmall Beans. The Outſides of theſe Pods are thickly covered
with very fine ſhort Setæ, or ſtiff Hairs. If theſe, either blown by the
Wind, or by any other means, touch the skin, they will inflame the Part
far worſe than if touched with Nettles.
a
W
The ITALIAN SENA.
HAT is called here the Italian Sena, hath many white ſtringy
Roots ſpreading on every Hand. Its main Stalk foon divides into
lefſer Branches ; theſe are cloathed with ſeveral Pair of winged pale-green
Leaves of an oblong Shape. The Branches likewiſe fuſtain, on two-inch-
long Footſtalks, ſeveral five-leaved yellow Flowers; theſe are ſucceeded
by falcated broad Pods, divided by ſeveral Indentings into many Parti-
tions, which inclofe dark-colour'd Seeds.
This, with a great many other curious medicinal Plants, is to be found
in the Garden of Doctor John Douglaſs, near Speight's-Town, as well as
in the Garden of Doctor Reynold Alleyne in St. James's Pariſh.
a
The MusK-BUSH, or WILD-OCKRO.
THIS
IS buſhy Plant bears many ſmall Branches, cloath'd with
very
hairy Leaves, divided into three deep Sections, forming as many
partitional ſharp-pointed Angles
. The Ribs on the upper Side are ſome-
what reddiſh, on the under green. The Edges of theſe partitional Sections
are irregularly indented : The upper Branches ſuſtain a beautiful yellow
Flower, compoſed of five round-pointed large Petals, each Petal above
two Inches long, and ſtained at the Bottom with a purple Spot. Theſe
ſurround a large Piſtil cover'd with yellow farinaceous Duft. The Top
of this is almoſt ſurrounded, on ſhort Footſtalks, with blackiſh-purple
Apices. The Flower is ſucceeded by a multangular fleſhy Pod, every
way reſembling that of an Ockro. They are ſometimes eaten, eſpecially
when very young; otherwiſe they taſte muſky.
Ggg
The

208
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VIII.
•
ombat este
e dom
The HORSE-VINE.
THIS
HIS Vine is ſmall and creeping; taken notice of chiefly becauſe it
is looked upon to be good Feeding for Horſes : Its green round-
pointed Leaves are ſet on an inch Footſtalk in a Triparture-order. The
Flowers are ſucceeded by ſmall Pods, incloſing a great many Seeds, or
Peas, ſeparated from each other by partitional Cells. It grows chiefly in
ſhady Places.
The WILD-BASIL; Lat. Acinus.
THIS
'HIS hath very ſmall fibrous Roots : Its Stalk and Branches are ſquare
and deeply chanell’d. The Leaf is about an Inch and an half long,
ſharp-pointed, and ſomewhat indented about the Edges. It bears ſmall
fiſtular blue ſtar-like Flowers, ſtanding in Groups upon conic Tufts, whoſe
Apertures are guarded with ſhort hairy Spikes. In theſe are included the
Seeds, which are very ſmall, and of a blackiſh Colour. This Plant is
juſtly look'd upon to be an excellent Vulnerary.
Barot
Sala de The HOLLY-Hock; Lat. Malva Arborea.
TI
HIS Plant much reſembles the Gundelia Orientalis, Acanthi aculeati
Folio, Capite glabro, growing in the Levant, and deſcribed by
Tournefort. Its Leaves are very deeply laciniated, as all of the Thiſtle-
kind are. The middle as well as the leffer Ribs are ftain'd with blue
milky Veins. The Stalks, near or at the Top, bear many yellow ſtamineous
Flowers
. Theſe are ſucceeded by echinated browniſh Pods, incloſing a
great Number of browniſh ſmall Seeds: A Thimble-full of theſe, taken
inwardly, proves an excellent Purge; and the yellow Juice, that, when
broken, plentifully diſtils from the Stalk, is a ſovereign Remedy to cure
old Ulcers.
The CONEY-FLOWER-VINE.
THIS
HIS Vine creeps upon and ſupports itſelf by its numerous Claſpers,
twining round the Branches of neighbouring Trees. It bears a
great many ſmall heart-like Leaves; and at different Diſtances is deco-
rated with large papilionaceous Flowers, the Extremities of whoſe Ale are
white, terminating near the Carina in a moſt deep beautiful Purple.
The Carina itſelf is white, and its Orifice cover'd with two ſmall mem-
branaceous Petals, having their Riſe from the Footſtalk-Part of the Carina ;
and, meeting on each ſide at the Orifice, they cloſely join together to
cover it. Theſe Leaves have their Parts, which thus join together, beau-
tifully ſtain'd with Purple. The Piſtil takes its Riſe at the Bottom of
the Carina ; and, as it grows ſtronger and larger, its Point becomes
divided into ſeveral Stamina, tipp'd with Apices, which, when ripe, fall
into
a

Book VIII. Iſland of B A R BA DO S.
209
into the Ovary; and then the Piſtil, which becomes the Rudiment of
the future Pod, puſhes open the Orifice of the Carina, as well as burſts
through the two membranaceous Leaves, that covered it. Soon after the
Expanſion of theſe the Flower withers, and drops off; and is ſucceeded by
a four-inch long Pod, chanelled in the middle on each Side with a deep
Furrow. The Pod contains ſeveral fmall Peas or Seeds.
OL
The SENSITIVE PLANT ; Lat. Mimoſa.
THIS
'HIS is diſtinguiſhed into the large and ſmall Sort, the main Stalka
ſomewhat hairy; each bearing proportionable ſmall longifh oval-winged
Leaves. The Flowers, which ſtand upon three-inch-long Footſtalks, are
ſtamineous. Theſe are ſucceeded by ſmall browniſh Pods of an oblong
Shape, and of about an Inch long. The Edges of theſe Pods are thin,
and through their Middle, on each Side, riſes a Ridge, which, on the Inſide,
contains a great Number of blackiſh ſmall Seeds. The winged Leaves
upon this plant ſhrink very much upon the leaſt Touch. The Pedicles,
which fupport the Flowers, and the ſucceeding Pod, are, near their Setting off
from the main Stalks, embraced with two heart-like ſharp-pointed
Leaves, of near half an Inch long. Theſe intirely differ from all the
reft.
The RABBET-WEED.
THIS is of the Thiſtle-kind. Its main Stall grows to be three
Feet high, and hollow like a Pawpaw-Shank. It is thinly covered
.
with ſmall narrow Leaves, which are prickly about their Edges. The
upper Branches ſuſtain a great many Flowers compoſed of a Border of
pale-white ſmall Petals, ſurrounding a yellowiſh long Thrum, which,
when ripe, proves pappous, and flies away into whitiſh Down. This Plant
derives its Name from the Uſe that is made of it to feed Rabbets with.
a
The INDIAN Root.
T
E Seed of this, ſome few Years ago, was ſent hither from Ya-
maica, as a very valuable Plant. If the chimerical Gentleman, who
ſent it, had but had Coolneſs of Thought enough firſt, fully to diſcover
its pretended Virtues, before he had recommended it, the Planters of this
Iſland would have been much happier without it; for, as its Seeds are
of the pappous Kind, they were ſoon carried over all the Iſland; and it
too unluckily flouriſhes in every Soil, though uſeful to neither Man nor
Beaſt. Its Roots are white, fibrous, and many. The main Stalk riſes about
eighteen Inches high,
Тbe

210
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VIII.
E
The OCKRA; Ockro.
.
THIS
HIS excellent ſhrubby Plant is plainly a Species of Mallows. The
Stalk is like that of a Mallow, and riſes to about four or five Feet
high, bearing, on and near the Summit, many large yellow Flowers fuc-
ceeded by green conic fleſhy Pods chanelled into ſeveral Grooves.
Each Pod, when ripe, is from an Inch to two Inches and an half long,
full of as many longitudinal Cells, as there are Chanels of ſmall round black
Seeds. The long Ockro differs from that already deſcribed, chiefly by hav-
ing its Stalk twice as high as the other, and its Fruit often four Inches long,
and the Pod ſmaller. This likewiſe, with Care, may be brought to bear
all the Year round. The Fruit is taken, when young and tender, and boiled
and eaten with Butter.
They are of a very mucilaginous Nature; a great Reſtorative, very whol-
fome, and extremely lubricative. Theſe are undoubtedly the Plants which
the Romans ſo much valued, and which Horace ſo well deſcribes by calling
them leves malve.
c! COYERS.
T HIS ſhrubby Plant hath ſeveral whitiſh Roots, ſmelling not unlike a
Radiſh. The main Stalk, which is of a purpliſh Colour, branches
very
much near the Ground: From the ſeveral Side-branches iſſue a great
many Footſtalks, whoſe reſpective Tops from one common Centre ſuſtain
ſeven ſharp-pointed Leaves, being almoſt equally ſharp near their common
Footſtalk, where they all join; at which Juncture there is a yellowiſh Spot.
The Flower very much reſembles that of a Garlick-Pear-tree, conſiſting of
four ſmall Spoon-like Petals.
From the Centre of theſe riſes a dark-coloured Piſtil, from whoſe Sides,
ſomewhat higher, iffue fix purpliſh Stamina, tipped with browniſh Apices;
the Piſtil in the Middle ſtill continuing larger than the Stamina, bearing
upon
it the Rudiment of the future Pod, which, when ripe, is of a flattiſh
Shape, of about ſix Inches long, incloſing a great many ſmall Seeds. The
Juice of this Plant, mixed with ſweet Oil, is looked upon to be a ſovereign
Remedy againſt the Pain in the Ear, if poured into it warm.
а
а.
belo
The MANY-ROOTS.
THIS Plant derives its Name from the great Number of its Roots. The
ſeveral Stalks, which grow up from theſe, are about ſeventeen Inches
high, and hairy. Their Leaves, which are crumpled, and have very turgid
Veins, are about four Inches long, and three broad. From the Boſom of
the Leaves riſe many Pedicles fuſtaining large dark-blue Flowers. Theſe
are fucceeded by very ſmall browniſh Pods.
Å De-

Book VIII. Iſland of BARBADOS.
211
1
A Decoction of this Plant, drank warm, is looked upon to be very good
to heal fore Throats. It grows to equal Perfection expoſed to the Wind, or
in the Shade; and generally blooms in June and July.
a
NIGHTSHADE; Lat. Solanum.
THE
T HE Roots of this Plant are many, ſtringy, and white. The main
Stalk, as well as the lefſer fide-ones, are of a deep-purple Colour, and
herbaceous Texture, riſing often to near two Feet. The Leaves, which
are about five Inches long, and about four broad, are irregularly ſerrated
into ſhallow as well as deep Sections; the Extremity of each being ſharp-
pointed. The Flowers are of the tubular Kind, having their Borders or
Extremities much expanded, and divided into five equal Parts, ending in
corniculated Points. This Border or Extremity of the Flower is of a pale
White. Its long tubular Shank is finely rayed, the Inſide with purple-bluiſh
Veins. From its Centre riſe five two-inch-long Stamina, tipped with grey-
bearded Apices. The Piſtil, being of equal Length, is tipped with the
Rudiment of the Fruit, which, when ripe, is an echinated Pod of about
an Inch long, incloſing a great many ſmall blackiſh Seeds. The whole
Flower ſeems withered, and cloſed up, in the Day-time; at leaſt, till about
half an Hour paſt Five in the Evening : Then it opens, and fully expands
itſelf into a fine beautiful Flower.
This is no ſooner in Bloom than the Fly-bats come from their lurking
Holes, and, flying from Flower to Flower, dart into theſe, ſeverally, their
long twirling Tongue or Proboſcis, with which they fuck out either the
Honey-dew, or ſome other Moiſture from the Bottom of the Flower.
The Leaves are generally looked upon to be of great Efficacy to cure
the Head-ach, by tying them to the Temples of the Perfon afflicted.
RATA-PEPER, or RATA OCKRO ; alias Hoho.
THIS Plant hath a great many white ftringy Roots. The main Stalk
is green, herbaceous, and hairy, riſing to about fourteen Inches.
This and its Side-branches are cloathed with green Leaves. Theſe are
two Inches long, and near as broad; having ſeveral high Veins on their
under Sides, and their Edges irregularly ſerrated. Among theſe riſe ſeveral
Footſtalks or Pedicles, fuſtaining a great many yellow Flowers fucceeded by
long ſlender Pods.
nah,
This Plant is much made uſe of by our Slaves in their Soups
and Broths; who eſteem it, and not unjuſtly, a very wholſome boiled
,
Sallad.
CHO
а.
а.
352
4
H h h
MANY-

2 1 2
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VIII.
planarinnad
ende mode
MANY-SEED.
HAVE given this Plant a Name from its many Seeds; which, from
reckoning the Number in one ſmall capſular Pod, and multiplying
that one by the Number of remaining ſmall round capſular Pods, the
whole Plant, which ſprung from one Seed, contained twelve thouſand
eight hundred and eighty Seeds. It ſeldom grows above three Feet high,
and is forked.
IFO
.
CooT-WEED.
THIS, whilft young, very much reſembles Aſtragalus Orientalis
,
mentioned by Tournefort as growing in the Levant; with this only
Difference, that the Flowers of the Eaſtern Plant are white, and of this
yellow. It affords, when broken, a rank fetid Smell; which ſhews that
the Oil and Salts are in a volatile State.
dora
bersolo
RATTLE-Bush, or SHAKE-SHAKE.
TH
HIS Plant hath a great many white matted ftringy Roots ; the
main Stalk dividing, almoſt as ſoon as it comes out of the Ground,
into many green fucculent Branches; theſe different Stalks, at different
Diſtances, bearing, on Pedicles of about two Inches long, three blunt-
pointed inch-long green Leaves. Theſe are ſet on at the End of every
Stalk in a Triparture-order. The Flower, which is of the papilionaceous
Kind, is ſucceeded by a ſmall Pod. The incloſed Peas, when ripe, make
a rattling Noiſe when ſhaken by the Wind : From hence they derive the
Name of Rattle-Buſ, or Shake-Shake. They grow chiefly, or at leaſt
beft, under the Shelter of an Hill.
The RED DIALTHÆA.
THI
THIS is a low ſhrubby Plant; its Bark of a reddiſh Grey. The
Branches are thickly cover'd with ſharp-pointed Leaves. Theſe are
about two Inches and an half long, and near two broad. Their Edges
are finely ferrated : The Flowers, which are of the herbaceous Kind,
almoſt furround the Stalk in ſeveral Bunches. Theſe, when ripe, are
ſucceeded by ſeveral very ſmall Huſks or Capſule, incloſing ſeveral browniſh
triangular Seeds. They grow chiefly in ſhady Places.
ha
WILD-PARSLEY.
100
THIS
HIS derives its Name from the great Reſemblance its Leaf hath to
that of Parſley. The Flowers are ſucceeded by a ſmall triangular
Capſula, each Angle containing, in its Partition, one round ſmooth Seed,
of

Book VIII.
Iſland of BARBADOS.
213
of about the Bigneſs of large black Pepper. This, when ripe, is neatly
marbled with black and white Spots.
The only Uſe that I know is made of this Plant, is, that the good
Houſewives make the Neſts of their ſetting Hens of the Leaves and
Branches of this, in order to deſtroy the Lice upon the Hens. The
Seeds likewiſe are made uſe of, being ſtrung upon Silk, inſtead of more
valuable Beads, for Bracelets.
It flouriſhes about June, July, and Auguft.
sont
De
PEPPER.
A
.
S the Species of theſe are many, I ſhall firſt give a Liſt of their
Names; and then proceed to a particular Deſcription of ſuch as
are any ways remarkable : Bonnet-pepper, ribb’d. Bonnet-pepper, plain.
Negro-pepper. Bird-pepper. Cherry-pepper. Long-pepper.
White
pepper. Olive-pepper. Spur-pepper. Roſe-pepper. Ifaac-Cape-pepper. .
Bell-pepper, and Turbilo-Pepper. The Pepper moſt commonly uſed,
and moſt approved of, is what is called Negro-pepper. The Shrub that
bears this ſeldom riſes to above three Feet. It is very thickly cloathed
with ſmall green ſharp-pointed Leaves, of about an Inch and an half
long, and about one broad. Its Flowers, which are white, and five-
leav’d, are likewiſe very numerous. It is obſerved, that, even before they
blow, each of theſe hath a ſmall wriggling Worm in its Diſcus or Socket.
The ſucceeding Fruit is ofa ſmall oblong ſharp-pointed Pepper, red when
Tipe, of near one third of an Inch long. This hath a very hot poi-
gnant Taſte, attended with an agreeable Flavour.
RE
SWEET-HEART.
HE Roots of this ſmall Plant are many, penetrating deep into the
Earth.
Earth. The main Stalks are jointed, and are no thicker than
Packthread. Theſe riſe ſeparately from the Root, four or five in Num-
ber, growing to about fifteen Inches high. From each Joint of theſe
main Stems, riſes a ſlender Footſtalk of an Inch long, fupporting three
ſmall Leaves, ſet on in a triangular manner ; the Top of each Stalk end-
ing in a gramineous Spike, ſurrounded with many purple papilionaceous
Flowers. Theſe are fucceeded by ſmall Pods of about two Thirds of an
Inch long, including five ſmall Peas, or flattiſh Seeds. Theſe are ſeparated
from each other by Partitions ; and the Outſide of the Pod is
or fegmented into fo many ſemicircular Sections as there are Peas.
The Pod is intirely incruſted with ſmall Setæ, or hooked Briſtles, imper-
ceptible to the naked Eye ; by which means they tenaciouſly ſtick to the
Cloaths of thoſe who walk among them.ar
A Decoction of the Roots, boiled in Milk with the Bark of a Guava
Tree, is look'd upon to be good to cure Fluxes. sou signit ang
T
a
s divided
ܕܠܕܠܕܝܢ
The

214
Book VIII.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
3
TH
The SPANISH-NEEDLE.
HIS under ſhrubby Plant grows in moſt Parts of the Iſland. It has
many ſmall fibrous Roots. On every Footſtalk ſtand three ſharp-
pointed ferrated Leaves, ſet on in a triangular manner, the oppoſite to the
Stalk being the longeſt.
The Flowers are compoſed of a fiſtular yellow Thrum, partly ſurround-
ed with three white Petals. Theſe are divided at the Top into two deep
narrow Sections, which gives each Leaf the Appearance of three. The Seed-
veſſels are very ſmall long blackiſh Spikes, ſurrounding the Top in a
Whorl-faſhion, having their Ends very much bearded and jagged, incloſing
very ſmall longiſh black Seeds.
This Plant is looked upon to be a good Vulnerary.
a
IRON-VINE.
THIS
HIS is a ſmall creeping Vine, deriving its Name from the ferrugi-
neous Colour of its Stalk and Leaves. The Roots penetrate deep into
the Earth: The ſlender Side-branches bear upon half-inch Footſtalks three
ſharp-pointed Leaves ; the oppoſite to the Centre being the longeſt. This
is about an Inch and an half long, and an Inch broad; the two other
Leaves ſomewhat leſs. The Flower is very ſmall, of a bluiſh Colour, and of
the papilionaceous Kind.
The whole Plant, when bruiſed, yields a reddiſh rough Juice; which,
if boiled into a Decoction, and drunk, is looked upon to be of great Service in
Diarrheas and Dyſenteries. This Plant flouriſhes in moſt Places, eſpecially
in the Summer Months, when theſe are moſt common.
a
DOWN-VINE.
HIS is a creeping Vine, bearing a great many heart-like Leaves
as well as ſeveral Flowers, which are ſucceeded by ſmall Pods, filled
with Down intermixed with ſmall Seeds; the former ſerving as Wings to
convey the latter over the adjacent Places. This Vine grows chiefly in Gul-
lies, and ſuch ſhady Places.
T!
The WILD DOLLY.
TH
HIS Plant riſes about twenty Inches. Its Roots are ſmall and fibrous.
The Leaves are ſet three upon a Footſtalk in Triparture-diſpoſition.
Theſe are of a very deep-green Colour, and moderately ſharp-pointed.
From the Boſom of the Leaves riſe many fix-inch-long Spikes or Foot-
ſtalks: Theſe are reſpectively decorated at the Top with a beautiful
papilionaceous Flower, and ſucceeded by a three-inch-long narrow Pod,
incloſing in ſeveral partitional Cells ſmall blackiſh Seeds, or rather Peas.
The
purple

Book VIII.
215
Iſland of BARBADOS
The WILD-TAMARINDS.
THIS
very ſmall woody perennial Plant reſembles in Miniature, elpe-
,
cially in its Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit, the large Tamarind-Tree
already deſcribed.
The HORSE-EYE-BEAN VINE.
THIS
, if fupported by any tall Tree or Rock, will grow to above
fifty Feet high. Its Leaves are large, and ſet on five-inch Stalks, three
in Number, in a triangular Manner. Its Bloſſoms are of the papiliona-
ceous Kind; which are fucceeded by a large downy Pod, incloſing from one
to three Beans, called Horſe-Eyes.
This Name is given to them from their Likeneſs to the Eye of an Horſe
in Shape and Colour.
TH
The HORSE-BEAN.
HIS is a long trailing Vine, with large beautiful green Leaves.
Its Flowers, which are of the papilionaceous Kind, are fucceeded
by Pods often ten Inches or a Foot in Length, which incloſe from nine to
one-and-twenty large Beans,
The BEAN-VINE.
T
HE many different Sorts of eatable Beans, planted in this Iſland, are
generally diſtinguiſhed by the Names of Arbour-Beans, ſpeckled
Beans, Carolina Beans, the Sugar Bean, and the ſmall Six-weeks Beans.
The Arbour-Bean, which is by far the largeſt, takes its Name from its
being often planted near Arbours; on which, if guided, it will creep,
and afford an agreeable Shade. This Vine bears a Pod near fix Inches
long
The WILD-PEA.
TH
HIS is a ſmall weak creeping Vine, which by its numerous Ten-
drils climbs up the neighbouring Trees, Shrubs, or Rocks. It is
thinly cloathed with ſmall ſharp-pointed Leaves; each Pedicle ſuſtaining
three, ſet on in a Triparture-order. The Flowers are of the papiliona-
ceous Kind, and white, except that near the Centre. They are very ſlightly
ſtained with red. Theſe are ſucceeded by a three-inch-long Pod, containing
in partitional Cells about fifteen ſmall Peas.
This Vine grows chiefly in ſhady Places.
Iii
se The

216
Book VIII.
The Natural Hiſtory of the &c.
The EATABLE WILD-PEA.
THIS
HIS is a ſlender Vine, ſupported by any neighbouring Buſhes. It
bears on every Footſtalk three Leaves, ſet on in a Triparture-order;
as well as, upon two-inch-long Pedicles, yellow papilionaceous Flowers.
Theſe are ſucceeded by near three-inch-long Pods, incloſing ſeveral
green Peas, which are often made uſe of by the poorer Sort.
T.
The CUCKOLDS INCREASE.
THE
THESE grow upon ſhort upright Stalks; and are diſtinguiſhed into
the large and ſmall Sort. The Leaves are ſharp-pointed.
The Flowers are likewiſe of the papilionaceous Kind, and ſucceeded
by eight-inch-long roundiſh Pods. Theſe, in their ſeveral partitional
Cells, contain nine, ten, or eleven longiſh Peas, which, thoug hſomewhat
windy, are generally liked.
The BUONA VISTA, commonly called Bonny-vis.
HE Species of theſe are diſtinguiſhed into the Moon-ſhine, the Green,
the White, the Red-and-black, and the Small Sort. The Vines and
Leaves of theſe are of a greyiſh Green, round-pointed and broad, and the
Flowers papilionaceous and white; except the black Sort, which have pur-
ple Bloſſoms. What are moſt commonly planted are the Six-weeks Bonny-
vis. Theſe are ſo called from their bearing Pods in about that time: Theſe
Pods are fomewhat flat, of about two Inches long, incloſing three, four,
five Peas or Beans in partitional Cells. Theſe are univerſally made uſe of,
either green or dry; being looked upon (though ſomewhat windy, yet) a
wholſome Grain.
The old Sort generally bears about Chriſtmas ; and if the Vine is ſuffered
grow,
it will in two Years time, if ſupported, prove ſo ligneous and
ſtrong, that it will be no leſs than an Inch or more in Circumference.
The Six-weeks Kind hath a more tender Vine; and though it bears ſooner,
it will neither thrive, nor laſt ſo long.
to
bre
mosto
OF

de
217
Di
TO
re
131
LI
OF
e
TREES, SHRUBS, and PLANTS,
OF THE да дове
T
A N O M A L O US KI N D.
e
BOOK VIII.
GRAPPLE-Wood.
9
amelo
HIS ſhrubby Tree hath a reddiſh-grey Back. Its numerous
Branches are ſpindling and weak. Its Leaves are ſmooth and
green, ſomewhat above an Inch long, and three-quarters of an
Inch broad, ſmooth-edg’d and blunt-pointed. I have never known this
Tree to bear either Flowers or Fruit.
T
The FIVE-SPRIG-TREE.
THIS
HIS Tree derives its Name from the general Number of Branches,
which horizontally ſurround the Stalk at ſeeming Joints, from one to
three Inches afunder; the main Stem ftill growing ftrait upwards,
ſurrounded at ſuch Diſtances with the above-deſcrib'd circular Branches.
The Wood, as well as the Leaves, have an agreeable Smell : The latter are
round-pointed; and what is moſt remarkable in theſe Leaves, is, that when
upon the Tree, they are very green ; but when dry, inſtead of turning
to a rufſet Colour, they bleach into an almoſt perfect White.
The
و

218
Book VIIT.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The CORN-TREE.
THE
HE Tree call’d by this Name was brought hither about twelve Years
ago from Guiney, and now grows at the Eſtate of Mrs. Warren,
at the Black-Rock Plantation. It is ſaid, that it bears, in its native Soil
,
ſeveral long cylindrical Ears, not ill reſembling a large Mold-candle,
round which Stalk the Grains are diſpoſed ; but as this never bore any,
and as we have no authentic Writers mentioning the Growth of ſuch a
Tree in any Part of Africa, I much doubt of the real Exiſtence of ſuch
an one : However, it may not be amiſs to deſcribe it. Its preſent Growth
is about ſixteen Feet high, branching chiefly towards the Top; the Bark
is of a greyiſh White ; and its lefſer Branches at the Top cloath'd with five
green Leaves, ſurrounding one common Centre; theſe are two Inches and
an half long, and an Inch and an half broad.
a
The SOUTH-SEA-ROSE; Nerium Indicum.
THIS
HIS is a very tall Shrub, whoſe Branches are many and ſlender,
generally bending wavingly downwards; theſe are cloath’d, eſpecially
near their Extremities, with a great many ſharp-pointed yellowiſh-green
Leaves, near ſix Inches long, and half an Inch broad, ſet on three in
Number round the Stalk; this Diſpoſition is preſerved at irregular Diſtances
to the Tops of the Branches, which ſuſtain, upon longiſh Footſtalks, ſeveral
five-leav'd red Roſes. From the Centre of theſe firſt Border of Leaves
riſe three or four leffer red Leaves ſtreak'd with White. The Colour of
the Bark is of a darkiſh Red: The Roots, boil'd to a Decoction, prove a
ſtrong Poiſon, if drunk by Man or Beaſt. It grows chiefly in ſhady Places.
a
SOBER's-PLANT.
a
THIS
"HIS is a ſmall ſtraggling Shrub, divided in many Branches, cloathed
with
many ſmall round-pointed Leaves of a Liver-colour. The Foot-
ſtalks and middle Spine of each Leaf are prickly, and the Leaves, when
bruiſed, ſmell very ſtrong and diſagreeable.
a
The FRENCH ROSE-TREE.
THI
"HIS ſhrubby Tree grows to about twelve Feet high, diſcovering in
moſt Seaſons of the Year, upon the Extremity of the Branches, ſeveral
beautiful Roſes, each conſiſting of five large white Leaves, whoſe bottom
Parts are ſlightly ting'd with Red : By Noon thefe Leaves are of a bluſhing
florid Red, retaining fome ſmall Appearance of their morning Whiteneſs ;
at Night, which is its laſt Stage, its Colour is of deep putrid Purple; then
it withers, and its Leaves ſhrivel up. The Stylus, which theſe Leaves
incloſe, is divided at the Top into three fornicated Branches, and is fur-
rounded from Top to Bottom with much yellow farinaceous Duft:
From
I

Book VIII. Iſland of BARBADOS.
219
from theſe, in time, come a great many ſmall blackiſh Seeds, which are
lodged in a pappous Down, in theſe crumpled Leaves.
The Plant called PATIENCE.
T
HIS is a low creeping Plant, whoſe Leaves very much reſemble
thofe of the Plant called Bachelor's Breeches. A Decoction made
from this Plant is looked upon to be of great Service to alleviate the Pain
in the Stomach.
The TURKY-WEED.
THIS
HIS Plant grows to about two Feet high; it bears, at about two
Inches Diſtance from each other, ſeveral Pair of ſharp-pointed
winged Leaves, in Length near three Inches, and half an Inch broad;
the Tops of the Branches ſuſtain ſeveral ſmall round capſular Seed-veſſels.
This Plant derives its Name from the Uſe that is made of it to feed
Turkeys. It grows almoſt in any Soil.
а.
GOATS-Rue
THIS is a dark moſs-like Plant, growing on the Inſide of old Wells
and Walls, from whoſe compact Bottom riſe ſeveral pluſhy Villi or
ſmall brown ſtiff Hairs, of about an Inch long ; theſe are tipp'd with
flender Apices, affording numerous ſmall Seeds:
Soo
to
The WILD BASIL.. GO
THIS woody Plant
HIS woody Plant grows to the Height of about three Feet its
Bark of a black Ruſſet: The Branches are cloathed with Leaves of a
Silver-white beneath, and green above. Theſe are high-ribb’d, and ſharp-
pointed. At every Inch Diſtance riſes a ftiff Footſtalk, ſurrounded at
the Top with a burry-ruffet Button, whoſe numerous Villi or Seta are
prickly. From among theſe are ſeen ſmall tubular Flowers. The whole
Plant is of a detergent Quality, and therefore often made uſe of to cure
old Ulcers.
be
Rock-BUSH.
THIS Plant hath many ftringy white Roots. The main Stalk is
.
of a dark Green, growing often to be four Feet high, and jointed
at about every fix Inches Diſtance. The Leaves are large and ſharp-
pointed, being about five Inches long, and three Inches in Breadth, and of a
dark-green Colour. This Plant grows in great Plenty at Cluff's-Bay, in
St. Lucy's Pariſh.
а.
Kkk
NETTLES.

220
Book VIII.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
NeTTLE S.
HESE are of three Sorts, the White, the Red, and the Vine-nettle:
The two former grow into upright Stalks, the latter a creeping
Vine. The Red, whoſe Leaves are elegantly ferrated, reſemble the Roman
Nettle, with this Difference, that the Pedicles of theſe, as well as the
middle and tranſverſe Ribs of the Leaves, are of a fine purpliſh Red.
The Stalks and Leaves of each Sort are thickly cover'd with ſtinging hairy
Down. From the Boſoms of ſome of the upper Leaves riſe ſmall Pe-
.
dicles, ſupporting an horizontal Group of very ſmall gramineous Flowers,
ſucceeded by very many ſmall flattiſh Seeds.
Ps
RIOR
11
The WILD LAVENDER.
THIS
HIS is a ſhrubby perennial Plant, growing in fandy Places near
the Sea; and hath in general (except that it wants its fragrant Smell)
a great Reſemblance to the Garden Lavender : It bears upon the Summit
of its Branches many white ſmall monopetalous Flowers, whoſe Ore are
divided into five Segments.
10e
bobasaur
The ANTEGOA ROSE-TREE.
sarbat savo
THIS grows to about fifteen Feet high. Its Branches are cloathed
with many Leaves, of about two Inches long, and ſomewhat above
an Inch broad. From among thefe, eſpecially at the Extremity of the
Branches, riſe a great many pale-white monopetalous Flowers, whoſe
Ore are divided into five deep blunt Segments. Theſe Flowers have a
weak faint odoriferous Smell
, and blow chiefly in the Months of June and
July.
ab dalam
The SEA-SIDE SAMPHIRE.
THIS is a very fucculent Plant, and differs from the Engliſh Sam-
,
phire by the leſs Number of its digitated Sections, as well as by its
more luxuriant Growth, being every Way larger ; it grows upon the Rocks
and graſfy Banks near the Sea. It is generally diſtinguiſhed into two Sorts,
the Green and the Red. The Bloſſoms of each are compoſed of five pale-red
Petals, ſupported by an equal Number of green capſular Leaves; the Petals
ſurround the Stamina, which are of a pale Purple.
a
Gano
tot
basispanu babauonul
colorbal mod codis de
The

Book VIII.
21
Ifand of BARBADOS
The WILD PENY-ROYAL.
TH
HESE are of three Sorts : The largeſt hath a whitiſh green oblong
Leaf; the ſecond of ſomewhat a deeper Green with a leſs and roundet
Leaf; the third hath likewiſe very ſmall Leaves, which, as well as the Stalks,
are of a dull Purple. As the Roots, the Leaves, and Flowers of all theſe have
a great Reſemblance of Peny-Royal, it is from hence that they derive
their Name, though they want intirely the ſtrong Smell of that Plant.
.
INDIAN CALE, or SEVEN YEARS CABBAGE.
THI
HIS is ſo called from the Term of Years that its Stalks will remain in
the Ground, not only unperiſhed, but will yearly produce very ſmall
Heads of Cabbage, beſides leffer Sprouts; though the former are not near as
cloſe, nor ſo large, as our annual Garden-Cabbage.
The WILD CLOVE.
'HIS Plant hath many white fibrous Roots: The main Stalk riſes to
about two Feet high, being cloathed with a great Number of nar-
row long ſharp-pointed Leaves. The Flowers are ſmall and white, ſucceeded
by the blackiſh ſharp-pointed Pods, which exactly reſemble Cloves, from
whence it derives its Name. Theſe Plants grow chiefly in wet ſwampy Land.
The Rock BALSAM.
THIS
*HIS is diſtinguiſhed into two Sorts, differing only in Colour, the White
and the Red, each having thick ſucculent Leaves and Stalks. They
grow chiefly upon Rocks,and old Walls; the Leaves are fleek, blunt-pointed,
and roundiſh. From the Boſom of the Leaves riſe long conic rough dentated
Spikes, very much reſembling ſmall round ſteel Files ; in the ſeveral Lamina
or Foldings of theſe are contained the Seeds. The Juice of this Plant is very
mucilaginous, and looked upon as an excellent Vulnerary.
come
މް
T.
The Arrow-Root ; Lat. Maranta.
ARROW
.
ਲਈ ਵਿਚ
11572
HIS is a very uſeful Plant, both phyſically' and otherwiſe. Its
Root is long, white, jointed, and mealy: The Juice of this is ex-
ceeding cold, and, being mixed with Water, and drunk, is looked upon
to be a Preſervative againſt any Poiſon of an hot Nature. Out of this
Root is made likewiſe the fineſt Starch, far excelling any made with Wheat.
The main Stalk riſes about two Feet and an half high, ſurrounded at unequal
Diſtances with ſmooth ſhining deep-green Leaves of about ten Inches long,
and
I

222
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VIII.
and five broad ; theſe fomewhat reſemble the Leaves of Plantain-ſhot.
The Flowers, which are white and monopetalous, and of the labiated Kind,
ſtand upon long Footſtalks. It is generally dug up for Ufe in the Month
of February. Of this there are two Sorts, the long and the ſhort-jointed.
The LONG-LEAV'D MISLETOE.es
HESE grow in Bunches, containing feven or eight Leaves ; each
Leaf being ſharp-pointed, five Inches long, and near half an Inch
broad. They are generally to be found growing in the Clefts of the
Bark of Cedar-Trees.
TI
а.
ANTEGOA BALSAM.
s.
HIS is a low groveling Plant, growing very thick, and cloſe to the
Earth. The Leaves are longiſh and ſharp-pointed. The Flowers
are white, and very ſmall. A Decoction made of this is looked upon to
be an excellent Healer of all inward Bruiſes, as well as a good Vulnerary
and Styptic in external Wounds.
TH
, .
TI
а.
The SILVER-LEAV'D PLANT, or Piss-A-BED.
HE Leaves of this Plant ſpread near the Earth like the Leaves of
young Lettuce, the upper Side green, and the under of a white hoary
Mealineſs, and feels pluſhy. From the Centre of theſe Leaves riſes a Stalk
of about two Feet long, whoſe Top ſupports a white downy Flower,
fomewhat like a Sun-Flower, which, when ripe, is carried about by the
Wind.
osa
15
The Broad Pond Duck-WEED; Lat. Nymphæa Indica.
HE Leaf of this exactly reſembles the white Water-lily, deſcrib'd
in Gerard's Herbal. Its Form is that of a Colt’s-foot, green above,
and whitiſh underneath. The Flower conſiſts of five Leaves, and every
way anſwers the Make of the fame Species in England; but more eſpecially
their Roots, which are of a browniſh-red Colour, and ſomewhat hollow
within. Theſe Roots are always fix'd in the Bottom of the Pond.
TH
و
a bus. The BLACK-THORN; Piſonia.
HIS is what Sir Hans Sloane calls the Fingrigo, and under that Name
he hath juſtly deſcribed it, excepting that the Colour of the Bark is
always rather of a leaden Dark than a light Brown.
The Trunk of a full-grown Tree is about fix Inches Diameter: The
Tops, by the Weight of its numerous Branches, foon inclines downwards;
and if ſupported by neighbouring Underwood, or even upon the Ground,
1 2
they
а
n
2

Book VIII. Iſand of BARBADOS.
223
They will
C
.
very ſmall
.
grow, trailing along the Surface of the Earth, to often above
twenty Feet in Length. The main Branches are thickly cover'd with two
regular Sets of lefſer Side-ones: Theſe, as well as the Prickles they are
guarded with, grow always oppoſite one to another, and by their
contrary Poſition cutting, as it were, the larger Branches at right
Angles; by which means, look which way you will, theſe lefſer Branches
make the Appearance of a Crofs. Its Leaves are very flender, ariſing in
Tufts three, four, or five, in Number; theſe are generally much torn and
eaten by Vermin. It bears upon ſhort Footſtalks Groups of
monopetalous bell-faſhion’d Flowers, whoſe Stamina are tipp'd with Apices :
Theſe, which are of a dark-yellow Colour, have a faint weak Smell, and
are ſucceeded by burry roundiſh Katkins, which are ſo very clammy, and
full of very ſmall ſharp-hooked Prickles, that if a Bird alights upon them,
they fo entangle in its Feathers, that it will not be able to fly away.
The SNAKE-WOOD.
HO'this is but a flender Tree, feldom above fix Inches Diameter,
THO
even near the Ground; yet it ſometimes grows to be above forty
Feet high. It hath no Leaves, nor ſeldom Branches, till near the Top :
There it is ſurrounded with Leaves ſimilar to thoſe of the Popo-Tree. The
Trunk appears very knotty, if not jointed. The Inſide is hollow, and the
Whole fo light, that a weak Man may eaſily brandiſh a Piece as big as
Goliah’s Beam, or Hercules's Club. I have never known it to produce either
Seed, Flowers, or Fruit. This is delineated in Plate X. Fig. 2.
a
a
ܪ
The May-Pole; Lat. Aloe Americana muricata.
THT
HIS very remarkable Tree hath a great many ſtrong ftringy Roots.
The Trunk, which is very ſtrait and tapering, is always green;
its Bark, very neatly divided into ſeveral cloſe alternate Scales, or Lamina,
of a triangular Shape, ſharp-pointed at their Extremities. Each of theſe,
as well as the Branches of the Flowers, lefſen in Bulk, as they draw near
to the Summit of the Tree, which is often above thirty-five Feet high,
and three Feet in Circumference near the Ground; yet this furpriſing
Magnitude is but the Growth of three Months time.
The green woody
Leaves, which ſurround it at the Bottom, are many in Number, each
being from three to four Feet long, about ſeven Inches broad, and three
thick, ending always in a black horny Point: One of theſe Leaves often
weighs fix Pounds. The Trunk of the Tree, about twelve Feet from its
Summit, thruſts out a great Number of ſtrong green ſhort Branches in an
alternate Order : Theſe different Branches, with their reſpective Flowers,
have been always thought (and not unjuſtly) to reſemble the Branches of
the Candleſtick in the Temple of Solomon : Each Candleſtick or Branch
ſuſtains an horizontal Group of Flowers near twenty-five Inches in Circum-
L11
ference

The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VIII.
224
fpongy and
a
ference; the Whole, which at a Diſtance feems to be but one, is compoſed
;
of ſeveral Scores of ſingle yellow Flowers, each of theſe ſtanding upon a
longifh pod-like Stalk of a yellowiſh Green, terminating in ſix ſharp-pointed
thick yellow Petals. From the Centre of theſe riſes the Piſtil
, which is ſtrong
and blunt-pointed; the Petals ſurround fix Stamina of about two Inches
long; theſe are tipped with large falcated Apices, which, when ripe, are
covered with yellow farinaceous Duft
. The Socket of the Flower is thickly
beſprinkled with a very ſweet Honey-dew: This draws to it Abundance
of Humming-birds and Bees. The Inſide of the Trunk is, a fnow-white Pith,
porous: When the Bloſſoms are dropped, their huſky long Pe-
dicles ſhoot out into many ſharp-pointed Leaves of about two Inches long,
and near as broad: Theſe, growing cloſe upon one another, are ſomewhat, at
their Extremities, expanded, and form a Sucker not very unlike a Pine-fucker.
When theſe grow ripe, they fall down to the Ground, and take Root.
In a ſhort time after it hath produced Flowers, the Body of the Tree,
which ſo late was tall and flouriſhing, falls proftrate to the Earth, and periſh-
eth; and the very large Leaves, which ſurrounded it at the Bottom, in like
manner wither and die. Having cut down one of theſe at the End, as I
was informed, of three Months Growth, however ſurpriſing it may appear
to ſome, yet it meaſured full nine-and-twenty Feet in Height, and very
near three Feet in Circumference near the Earth ; and, having carefully
weighed it, its Weight amounted to two hundred and ten Pounds; ſo that
its additional Weight each Day was far above two Pounds: Or if we conſi-
der its Height, and its Number of Days in growing, we ſhall find, that it
grew
three Inches and about three Quarters of an Inch in every four-and-twenty
Hours. This very extraordinary Growth far ſurpaſſes any other Computa-
.
tion hitherto taken notice of, being far fuperior to the Remarks of the inge-
nious Mr. Helmont upon the Willow he planted, after five Years Growth
of which, the Leaves; Roots, main Stalk, and Branches did not exceed
five hundred Weight.
PED. FOREST-BARK, or BASTARD Locust.
TH
HIS grows to be a large Tree cloathed with longiſh green Leaves; the
Bark is much fulcated, and made uſe of as a good Reſtringent.
Po The GUM-ELEMI TREE.
A con
THIS grows to be a large Tree, from whoſe Trunk, when the Bark is
wounded, flows the Gum called the Gum Elemi.
hove bitka
The Silk-Grass; Lat. Aloe Barbadienfis.
-GRASS
THE
*HE ſeveral faponaceous green Leaves, ſurrounding this Tree near the
Earth, and taking their Riſe without any Footſtalks from its Trunk,
are about two Feet and an half long, ſeven Inches broad near the Middle, and
about

Book VIII. mand of B ARBADOS
225
about one thick, ending in a ſharp Point. Their Edges are guarded with
ſharp crooked Prickles. The Trunk of the Tree is green, and crouded, at
feveral regular Diſtances, with numerous ſcaly prickly Lamine, which in
general much reſemble thoſe of the American Aloes already deſcribed; ex-
cept that this Tree is much leſs in Bulk and Height, as well as that the
Spire or upper Part of the Trunk is ſo weak, that it bends wavingly down-
wards, partly by its own Weakneſs, and partly by the Weight of Suckers
which grow upon it, eſpecially near the Top. Theſe are compoſed of ſeveral
complicated Rows of green thick Leaves : From the Centre of theſe rife
ſeveral ſingle Flowers ftanding upon a pod-like Footſtalks: Each of theſe
are made up of fix blunt-pointed Petals, green on the Outſide, and white
within. Theſe incloſe fix Stamina tipped with Apices ſurrounding a Piſtil,
which fwells in an angular manner near the Middle. The above-mentioned
Leaves, which encompaſs this Tree near the Earth, are made up of very
many fine longitudinal white Laminæ or Filaments of Thread-like Hemp,
or rather as fine as the beſt Flax. Theſe are eaſily ſeparable from the green
pithy Subſtance of the Leaves, and each again diviſible into innumerable
Diviſions as fine as Hairs. With theſe, twiſted together, are made Laſhes
for Whips of a very durable Nature: And I am of Opinion, that by their
Stiffneſs the Filaments from this Plant are mixed with the Silk in making
the Indian Silk Handkerchiefs.
The HoP-WEED.
nomia
THIS hath many white ſtringy Roots. The main Stalk is quadrangular,
green, and hollow, and at every two or three Inches Diſtance ſeemingly
jointed; from theſe ſeveral Joints oppoſite to one another riſe three or four
Leaves on inch-long Footftalks, in Breadth near the Pedicles above three
Inches, and in Length above four. Theſe are high-veined, and very much
corrugated, or crumpled. The Stalk, at its Extremity, bears an echinated
flattiſh Bottom, or Bur, which, when dry, hath an agreeable fragrant Smell.
The Leaves of this Plant are eſteemed good to be made uſe of as a Gargle
in fore Throats. It begins to bloom in July and Auguft.
ਖ
BRINY Roots. dia that change
THIS ſcandent Shrub takes its Name from its moſt uſeful Parts, which
are its Roots. Its main Trunk feldom exceeds the Bigneſs of one's Arm;
its Branches are weak, climbing upon any neighbouring Tree. Theſe are
thickly cloathed with winged green Leaves, ſharp-pointed at their Extremi-
ties, as well as at their Footſtalks, their Edges being very elegantly waved
or labiated : Among theſe, upon ſhort Footſtalks, appear the Flowers, which
are compoſed of five Petals, ſnowy-white. The Roots, when bruiſed, afford
a very offenfive Smell. This, ſteeped in Water, and fermented, or made into
a Decoction, is very purgative, and eſteemed beneficial to dropſical Perſons,
and
very uſeful to prevent or cure the Scurvy, and to open Obſtructions.
The
a

226
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VIII.
The beſt Method of preparing it is, to ſcrape a Handful of the Bark
from the Root, and make a Decoction of it.
a
rence.
The TURK's HEAD; Lat. Melocactus Americana major.
THIS is called by the Antients Melocarduus echinatus
, and hath a
great many ſtrong fibrous Roots.
Its main Body, which grows
above-ground, is about a Foot long, and about two Feet in Circumfe-
The Inſide is a ſtringy pulpy reticulated Subſtance. The Outſide
of this is green, and chanelld into ſeveral deep Furrows, whoſe Eminencies
are thickly cover'd, at certain Diſtances, with Tufts of Prickles, of about
an Inch long ; the reſt of the main Stem being green and ſmooth, ending,
as it were, in a round ſomewhat flattiſh Top; from whoſe Centre riſes
another leſs Body or Stem of cylindrical Form, of about eight Inches
long, and three in Diameter. This is thickly covered with very ſharp
long fine Prickles, of a Snuff.colour. The Outſide of this Part of the
Stem or Stalk is of a ſpongy ſoft pappous Nature, eſpecially near the
Top, from which Place riſe ſeveral many-leav'd Flowers, of a Maiden's
bluſh. Each of theſe is fucceeded by a ſmall ſcarlet Berry, incloſing
ſeveral ſmall flat browniſh Seeds.
а.
a
YAMS; Lat. Ricophera.
TH
HIS very ſerviceable Root was formerly the peculiar Growth of
Africa, and the moſt common Food of its Inhabitants. In all
Probability, it derives it's Name from the Verb Yam, to eat ; which is a
Word made uſe of, and equally underſtood, by moſt, if not all the ſeveral
Nations upon the Coaſt of Guiney, though differing otherwiſe in their
Language, Cuſtoms, and Manners. They are planted at about three
Feet aſunder, in ſmall Hillocks, ſuch as are prepar'd to plant Hop-roots
in England; the Ground being firſt hold about fix Inches deep. The
Method of doing it is
, by putting about three very ſmall Yams in each
Hillock, in the Months of May or June. Theſe fprout out ſoon after
with the firſt Rain, and grow into a long trailing angular Vine, bearing
a very handſome heart-like Leaf. This Root or Yam much reſembles, at
firſt Sight, by its blackiſh ſtringy Skor Tegument, the Root of a ſmall
Tree. They are dug up of different Shape, as well as Weight; the
latter from twenty to half a Pound. However, the moſt common Weight
is about two or three Pounds : Theſe are ſomewhat of the fame Nature
as Potatoes, mealy and white within, but generally of a cloſer Texture
than the former. They are juſtly eſteem'd to be very hearty nouriſhing
Food, and are generally preferr’d to Bread by the Inhabitants of the
Iſland. When firſt dug out of the Ground, they are either put in Sand,
or kept in a Garret, where they are well cur’d, by admitting the dry
Air to them. The Method of making uſe of them is, either by roaſt-
ing
I

Book VIII.
. Iſland of B A R BA DO S.
227
ing or boiling them; if the latter, they ought to be firſt peeld. It is
thought in England, that they muſt be firſt foak’d in Water before they
are uſed, to draw out their ſharp biting Taſte ; but this Opinion is in-
tirely groundleſs. Great Care ought to be had in digging them from
the Ground without being bruiſed, for thoſe that are will foon afterward
decay. The beſt Method that is yet found to preſerve fuch, is to
ſprinkle the bruiſed or broken Part over with Lime. However, after all
preſervative Means, ſuch muſt be us'd firſt ; the others will keep fit for
Uſe for near a Twelvemonth.
The PRICKLY YAM-VINE.
THIS is a ſlender Vine, covered with ſharp-pointed Heart-like
Leaves, ſet on alternately. At the Root of this Vine grows a Yam,
in Taſte exactly the ſame with thoſe dug up yearly in January. What
is moſt remarkable in this is, that it bears all the Year round; and when
a Yam is dug up, a ſmall Slice of the upper Part of it, in which the
Roots of the Vine are fixed, muſt be ſtill left in the Ground, which will
grow
downwards to the Bulk of that already cut off. This Amputation
may be made for ſeveral Years, and perform'd ſeveral Times in the ſame
Year, the Vine and its Leaves ſtill flouriſhing.
The WILD YAM-VINE.
T! HIS is a quadrangular Vine bordered or ſkirted at each Angle,
with a high green thin Liſt; the Leaf is umbilicated and haftated,
of a deep-green Colour.
Eddas; Arum maximum Ægyptiacum.
THE
Τ
HE different Species of Eddas are diſtinguiſhed into the blue Eddas,
the ſcratching Eddas, and the roaſting Eddas ; the Leaves of
each being haſtated, and of a blunt Arrow-head Shape. That of the
blue Edda is very large and green on the upper Side ; the under is co-
;
vered over with a glaucous Mealineſs. The moſt common that are
planted are the roaſting Eddas ; theſe yield a great Increaſe, and are a
very nouriſhing and healthy Food, eſpecially if ſtew'd. The ſpiral gra-
mineous ſucculent Stalks that ſupport the Edda-bloſſoms, as well as the
young tender Leaves, are uſed by Negroes by way of Sallad. A Field of
Edda, when in Bloſſom, affords, in a calm Morning or Evening, a very
fragrant odoriferous Smell. Theſe are of a round conic Shape; the outſide
Skin being of a dark brown Colour, the Inſide very white, and fomething
of the Artichoke-kind. The moſt common roaſting Kind are dug up
and gathered in at one Time; but fome of the Eddas may be taken
from the Root of the large Sort, and if the Earth is cloſed up again, the
Plant continuing to thrive, will ſtill produce more.
M m m
POTATOES.
a

228
Book VIII
The Natural Hiſtory of the
THE
POTATOES.
"HESE very uſeful Roots are diſtinguiſhed in this Iſland from one
another into at leaſt thirteen Sorts; but as this great Variety hath
but very ſmall real Difference, I ſhall therefore pafs by theſe and leſs
neceſſary Diſtinctions, and divide them into the white and red, the
long and the round Sort. Each of theſe differs from the Engliſh Potato,
by being propagated by a Slip or Vine, which they produce inſtead of
upright Stalks
. Another remarkable Difference is, that the Welt-India
Potatoes have all a ſweetiſh Taſte ; they are here look'd upon ſo beneficial,
that there is ſcarce an Eſtate, where there is not a conſiderable Quantity
of Land planted with them; for theſe with Yams and Plantain ſerve
inſtead of Bread to moſt of the midling, and almoſt intirely to the poorer
Sort; tho they are not quite deſtitute of a kind of Bread, made with theſe
Roots : For the Potatoes being firſt grated, and the Juice preſſed out, the
flowery or mealy Part is mix'd with Sugar and Spice, and made into Paſte,
which being baked in the Oven, in the Form of a Plum-cake, its
Taſte is far from being diſagreeable; this they call Pone. With the
expreſs’d Liquor of either the red or the white Potato is made what we
here call Moby, or a Sort of cool Drink, anſwering to ſmall Beer in
England. The Method of making this, is to mix the raw expreſs’d Juice
of the Potatoes with a certain Quantity of Water; this in a ſeaſoned Veſſel
will ſoon ferment, and in about four and twenty Hours be ready for Uſe;
it taſtes cool and ſharp, and it is generally efteem'd a healthy Liquor. The
Juice likewiſe of Potatoes, if fermented, will, by Diſtillation, yield good
Spirit. The Vine producing each Sort is long, and trailing cloſe to the
Earth, taking Roots with its numerous Joints in wet Weather; theſe
burrowing into the Ground bear a great Number of Potatoes : Tho' the
Leaves upon theſe different Vines vary fomewhat in Shape, yet in general
they are all ſcollop'd, and bear bell-faſhion'd monopetalous Flowers, whitiſh
without, and of a deep Purple within, each Flower being ſlightly ſeg-
mented about the Edges
. Theſe are fucceeded by ſmall capfular Seed-veffels
,
incloſing ſeveral blackiſh ſmall Seeds.
а.
a
The WHITE-LILY; Lat. Pancratium Americanum.
THI
HE main Root of the white, as well as all other Lilies, are bulbous and
round like an Onion, faſtened to the Earth by ſeveral fmall white fibrous
Strings or leffer Roots, the former being ſquamoſe, or compos’d of ſeveral
Coats one over another. The Leaves are many and ſharp-pointed, being
about ten Inches long, and near three in breadth. From the middle of theſe
riſes a green flattiſh hollow Stalk, this near the Top is ſurrounded like the
Ribs of an Umbrella, with fix four-inch-long Stalks, the Flowers con-
- fiſting of a double Border of five Snow-white Petals four Inches long,
and about a quarter of an Inch broad, bending downwards in a very
beautiful
a

Book VIII. Iſland of BARBADOS.
229
beautiful Manner ; above theſe, from the Centre of the fame Parent-
ſtalk, riſe fix ſmall Spikes in a circular Manner ; theſe near their Tops
are green, each, as well as one other Stamen, which riſes from the middle;
theſe are tipp'd with falcated browniſh Apices. The Bottom of theſe
Spikes or Ribs are white, join'd together within half an Inch to the
Footſtalk with a very fine white Membrane, forming an agreeable
pyramidical Flower, out of whoſe Diſcus riſes the above-mentioned
Stamen. The bulbous Root of this, as well as the different other Species
of Lilies, here are made uſe of by way of Decoction, and look'd upon
as a good diuretic Drench for Horſes.
AS
The RED-LILY.
to
S the pale red, and the red and white Lily, differ from this only
in Colour, I ſhall include them under the ſame Deſcription. Their
Roots are of the fame Make and Texture as the white Lily already
deſcrib'd. The Stalk of the red Sort, &c. is about eighteen Inches long.
The Flower is compos'd of fix Leaves, fomewhat ſharp-pointed at their
Extremities, as well as near the Stalk; their Outſides are almoſt intirely
red, as well as the Inſide, except near the Socket. There their Colour
alters from a flaming Red to a greeniſh White; out of the Diſcus riſe fix
purpliſh Stamina tipp'd with yellowiſh Apices.
a
а.
The WILD-LILY.
THIS
HIS hath a bulbous ſcaly Root. The Leaves, which are thick, green
and ſmooth, are of about ten Inches long and ſharp-pointed, ſet on
round the Stalk ſquamatim; from the middle of theſe the Stalk extends
higher than the Leaves, ending in a ruffet Spike full of ſmall Seeds.
a
The WILD-TULIP.
THIS hath a bulbous ſcaly Root, from which riſes a green upright
hollow Stalk of about fifteen Inches high, ſupporting, upon ſeparate
Pedicles, ſeveral large beautiful Flowers, compos’d of fix Petals ; each
Petal about three Inches long, ſomewhat ſharp-pointed at both Ends. The
middle Part of every Flower-leaf is of a fine deep Red and White ; on
each Side theſe furround fix white Stamina tipp'd with Apices
. They
are in Bloom every Evening about five a Clock, and likewiſe in the Morn-
ing till about Eight.
a
The FIT-WEED.
THIS
HIS is a ſmall Plant, feldom riſing above fix Inches high. The
main Stalk, as well as the Side ones, are jointed ; at each Joint they
are ſurrounded with ſeveral ſmall Leaves, each deeply ſegmented, dividing
the

230
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VIII.
the Extremity of the Leaf into three ſharp prickly Points: From among theſe
Leaves riſes a ſmall conic ſquamoſe Spike not ill reſembling a Pine in Minia-
ture, in whoſe different Lamine are contained the Seed : A Decoction
from this Plant is looked upon to be very efficacious to cure Fits fo often
incident to young Children.
a
LOGERHEAD WEED.
а.
THIS ſmall Plant hath a great many fibrous whitiſh Roots
, the main
Stalk, which is hollow, ſeldom riſes above fix Inches high, this is of a
purpliſh Colour; and from it riſe three Pair of Footſtalks or Pedicles oppoſite
to one another, each ſuſtaining on its Extremity four ſharp-pointed narrow
Leaves deeply chanelled in the middle, as well as the tranſverſe Ribs.
From among the upper Leaves riſes a ſhort ſlender Spike decorated with a
ſmall whitiſh red tubular Flower divided at the Top into five Parts; theſe
incloſe a great many yellowiſh Stamina : A handful of the Leaves boiled
in a Gallon of Water till reduced to half that Quantity, and that De-
coction being made palatable with Molaſſes and a ſmall Quantity of Lime-
juice, is very efficacious to bring away and deſtroy the Worms in Children.
The common Method of uſing this Decoction is to give the Patient (if a
Child of about ſeven or eight Years old) about the Quantity of two Spoon-
fulls cold, upon an empty Stomach at Night, by the next Morning it will
have its deſired Effect; if not, let the Doſe be repeated for three Nights fuc-
ceſſively. It muſt be uſed whilſt freſh, otherwiſe by its great narcotic and
ſtupifying Qualities it becomes very dangerous.
a
ܪ
The PINE APPLE; Lat. Anana.
I.
F the general, or at leaſt if the Judgment of the moſt numerous Part
of Mankind, who have taſted of this Fruit, may be relied upon, it de-
ſerves the Preference of all other Fruits; the agreeable Variety,and the delicate
quick Poignancy of its Juice is juftly eſteemed to excel every other. The
.
Roots of this plant are many, fpreading in a circular manner. From the
Centre riſes a hard ſtrong Stalk ſurrounded near the Earth, and for a con-
ſiderable Way up the Stalk with long green Leaves, whoſe Edges are finely
ferrated. Theſe Leaves are ſet on alternately; the Top of the Stalk ſuſtains
the Fruit which is called the Pine, from ſome Reſemblance it hath on the
Outſide to the Cone the Pine-tree bears. The Top of the Fruit is beautifully
decorated with a Corona of fine green ſharp-pointed Leaves, whoſe Edges,
as thoſe below on the Stalk, are finely ferrated. When the Fruit is young,
of about four Inches long, it is ſurrounded, eſpecially near the Top, with fine
blue Flowers, each conſiſting of one Leaf, which is divided into three Parts,
and is funnel-ſhaped. The Embryos are produced in the Tubercles:
Theſe afterwards become a fleſhy Fruit full of Juice. The Seeds, which
are lodged in theſe Tubercles, are very ſmall
, and almoſt kidney-ſhaped. Some
time before the Fruit is ripe, two, three, or four Suckers grow from the
Stalk
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Pl: 21 Page 224
231
UN
DUKE OF RICHMOND,
To his
Knight of the Mosto
and MASTER of the HORSE
Crace the
Noble Ordor of the Garter,
LA
MEN
R O SE JE
LENOX AND AUBIGNY.
to bis MAJE STY.ar
G.D.Ehret delineticu.

Book VIII.
Iſland of BARBADOS.
231
Stalk below, yet cloſe to the Fruit: Theſe Shoots are taken off, and planted ;
and will in about fourteen Months time produce a ripe Pine. Thoſe who can-
not procure theſe Suckers, ſometimes plant the Top or Corona. This, though
intended by Nature chiefly as an Ornament to the Fruit, yet will grow,
and in time bear a Fruit, not ſo foon, nor ſo good, as that produced by thoſe
Suckers, which Nature intended to be the Means of propagating this Fruit.
The three beſt Sorts of Pines are the Surinam, the Sugar-loaf, and Queen-
Pine. The Fruit ought to be eaten ſoon after it is cut, nor ought it to be
kept upon the Stalk in the Garden, as the Cuſtom too often is, till it be
very loft on the Outſide.
This is delineated in Plate XXI.
The WILD PINE.
THIS
"HIS differs in Taſte from the Pine already deſcribed, as much as a Crab-
apple doth from the beſt Ruffet or Golden-pippin. Its Leaves are
very large, in proportion to the Bulk of the Fruit, which is but ſmall.
The Large Wild BARREN PINE; Lat. Caraguata.
THIS, in Propriety of Language, ought to be looked upon as an aquatic
Plant, though ſuſpended in the Air among the Branches of lofty Trees,
to whoſe Boughs it is faſtened by its numerous Roots, which ſerve not to
fuck, or draw from them any nutricious Juices to further its Growth, as
the Milletoe doth from the Orange-tree, &c. but only to be its Supporter ;
provident Nature having in a very extraordinary Manner fupplied this with
other Means to preſerve its Species; for the Leaves, which much reſemble
thoſe of Pine, but only larger, ſurround this Plant in a circular manner, each
Leaf near the Stalk terminating in an hollow Bucket, which contains about
half a Pint of Water. It is by theſe numerous ſmall Reſervoirs of Water that
the Roots, as well as every other Part of this Plant, are ſupplied with Nouriſh-
ment without the Help of any Earth. The flouriſhing Condition of this, as
well as the great Growth of Fig-trees upon barren Rocks, ſhews that Water
is of greater Uſe to Vegetation than Earth.
а.
The BUTTON-PINE.
THIS chiefly differs from the common Pines by its Smalneſs, as well
as by its four Taſte: Therefore it is never cultivated. Its outward Coat
is likewife redder, when ripe, than any other. .
The SMALL BARREN PINE.
HE Leaves of this very much reſemble a Pine. From the Middle of
theſe, inſtead of a Pine-apple, grows a woody Stalk riſing to about
three Feet high, and divided into many Branches. Theſe are almoſt intirely
a
N n n
covered

232
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VIII.
covered with ſmall red ſharp-pointed Berries, each guarded at the Stalk
with a fine ſharp Prickle, and at the Top with two fomewhat leſs.
a
TI
The PEN-GWYN; Lat. Karatas.
HE Word Pen-gwyn is evidently a Celtic Word, compounded of Pen an
Head, and Gwyn white; but how this Fruit came originally to have
a Celtic Name, is foreign to my preſent Purpoſe to inquire into. The Out-
fide of this Plant is compoſed of fome Scores of hard ſtiff green Leaves
growing to about nine Feet high, and two Inches in Breadth, having their
Sides or Edges guarded, at every Inch and an half Diſtance, with ſharp-hooked
Prickles. Theſe Leaves turn very ſcoopingly inward on the upper Side, by
.
which means they ſave and convey the Dew, and the Rain, that fall
upon
them, to the Roots. They grow likewiſe almoſt impenetrably thick near
the Earth, ſurrounding and guarding a circular Corona, or Bottom, of about
a Foot Diameter. From this grows a Cluſter of Fruits, each of about
four Inches long, and one in Breadth, both Ends being ſharp-pointed, and
the Middle of a quadrangular Form; by which means they are ſo cloſely
joined, that they cannot well, until very ripe, be taken aſunder. The
outward Covering of this Fruit is a ſmooth whitiſh yellow gramineous Hufk;
this covers and peels off from a white pulpy Subſtance, wherein are in-
numerable ſmall flattiſh black Seeds. This, being the eatable Part, hath ſome
ſmall Reſemblance, in its Flavour, of the Pine; and is looked upon to be
cooling and wholſome. If any of theſe, when near ripe, are gnawed by Rats
or other Vermin, the wounded Part will emit Drops of the moſt tranſpa-
rent Gum. This Coagulation ſhews, that its Juices are much impregnated
with volatile Oil. Dr. Towne very juſtly recommends the Uſe of this
Fruit in Fevers, provided it be uſed very moderately; for by its grate-
ful and active Sharpneſs it is capable of penetrating through the moſt
tough and tenacious Scurf, by that means uncovering the Orifices of
the Salival Duets, and enabling the Glands of the Mouth and Throat to
diſcharge the Contents, which could not be done before the Impediment
was removed.
a
The GROUND-Nut; Lat. Arachidna.
T!
HIS differs very little from that called in England by the ſame
Name. The Nut, which is the Root of the Graſs, lies three Inches
deep in the Earth. This is no bigger than a black Cherry covered over
with a rufſet Skin, or tender Bark, the Inſide being as folid as the Kernel
of a Hafel-nut, and well-taſted.
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Book VIII.
233
Iſland of BARBADOS.
GI
a
The GINGER; Lat. ZINZIBER.
INGER is rather of the Reed-kind, than of the Iris, as Morriſon
and others would have it. Its Stalk feldom exceeds eighteen Inches
in Height, from whoſe Side grow, in an alternate Order, four or five narrow
ſharp-pointed gramineous Leaves, of about five Inches long, the Extremity
of the Stalk ending in a ſoft-pointed Spire. When the plant is dug up, its
Roots are thoſe flattiſh digitated Races called Ginger : Theſe Races are
fcraped clean, and Sun-dried. It would be needleſs to deſcribe the Qualities
of a Root ſo well known: I ſhall therefore conclude the Deſcription of it
with obſerving, that the uſual time of planting it is in May and June; and of
digging it up, in February and March. What is moſt remarkable in this
Plant is, that the ſmall or Seed-Ginger, when planted, doth not decay in
the Ground, as almoſt all other Seeds or Plants do: For though it pro-
duces the Plant, and the ſeveral Races at its Root, the firſt Year ; yet it re-
mains itſelf uncorruptible, and may the next Year be planted again as a
Mother-plant, and ſo on the ſucceeding Year. However, after ſuch a time,
-
it becomes fo far exhauſted of its prolific Virtue, that it bears but a poor
Crop: Therefore the moſt general Cuſtom is to plant yearly with freſh Suckers,
or the ſmalleſt Races of Ginger. The Land intended for this Plant muſt be
very richly manured.
TH
The SEA-Side LAUREL.
HIS beautiful Shrub grows generally near the Sea-ſide, cloathed with
numerous Leaves. The Edges of theſe are remarkably indented.
This is delineated in Plate XXII.
TH
The LARGE DUCK-WEED.
THIS always grows in Ponds of ſtanding Water, and generally covers
their Surface with its broad Leaves, and much reſembles in Shape
and Texture thoſe of the Water-Lily in England. Their upper Side is
of a ſmooth ſhining yellowiſh Green, the under Side of a very
a
dark Pur-
ple: Their Veins and high Ribs are tinged with Yellow; and their Footſtalks
are round, ſmooth, and of the ſame Colour. The Inſide of this is perfo-
rated into many longitudinal Pipes, and its Length is in proportion to
the Depth of the Pond; for it always grows till its Roots penetrate
the Mud, or other Sediment, in the Bottom.
The Flower likewiſe, which is fimilar to thoſe of the fame Kind in
England, always opens at Break of Day, and cloſes as ſoon as the Sun appears.
The

234
Book VIII.
The Natural Hiſtory of the &c.
The SMALL DUCK-WEED.
T
ing itſelf
HIS hath many lang ſtringy moſly green Roots. The Plant, fpread-
upon the Surface of the Water, is compoſed of ſeveral
round-pointed Inch-long Leaves, of a greeniſh-white Colour, and regularly
veined towards their Extremities. The Stalk, as well as above the firſt half
of the Leaf joining to it, is bagged or ſtuffed in the Inſide of near one
fifth Part of an Inch thick: This, when cut through, is full of ſmall lon-
gitudinal Veins, or open Tubuli. From that Part to the Extremity the
Leaf affumes its thin proper Texture.
0
Ethit
CAPIL

Book VIII.
235
Iſland of BARBADOS
CA P L L A RY
A N D
PARASITICAL PLANTS,
The AGNUS SCYTHICUS.
W!
а.
.
E are now come to treat of a Plant of the paraſitical Claſs, tho
dignified with the Name and Quality of an Animal, which (if
we believe many Writers of Wonders) hath not only the Shape of a Lamb,
and is woolly, but likewiſe feeds upon the adjacent Plants. To increaſe
the Wonder, it is ſaid, that, if theſe are removed, the Lamb ſoon after dies.
This, and many other ſurpriſing Qualities, are attributed to this ſup-
poſed Animal, which the Tartars ſtrongly affirm to exiſt; yet conceal
the place where it is found. However chimerical this may appear, and
in reality is, yet the otherwiſe judicious Kempfer was ſo credulous, as to
fpend a great Part of his Life in Search after it; tho' a moderate Atten-
tion to the Motives of his Credibility would have ſpared him his laborious
Search: For there is not a more ſuſpicious, or even a ſurer Sign of Craft,
or Cunning, and of an intended Impoſition upon the Credulity of Man-
kind, than a ſedulous Endeavour to keep any pretended Diſcovery of this
Kind from the Inſpection of the Public. What byaſſed human Nature
to embrace low Art and Cunning, in Exchange for that true Wiſdom,
and beſt of Policy, undiſguiſed Truth, was, and ſtill continues to be,
that groveling and ſordid, yet almoſt univerſal Paſſion, the Love of Gain.
In the following Inſtance we ſhall find, this Vice is not only the Attendant
of luxurious Afia, or the effeminate Part of Europe, but that it reigns even
among the rude unpoliſhed Tartars, whom Luxury, one would have
imagined, had not made Slaves to its unneceffary Wants. However, we
find that theſe, like the Epheſian Copperſmith, are artful enough to
ſecure their own Gain; for, as Furs are in great Eſteem, and in high
Value, among the Nobility of Tartary, and the neighbouring Turks, the
near Reſemblance of the Down growing upon this Plant, to the Wool of
a very young Lamb, afforded the cunning Tartars room to impoſe upon
the World, and gave Riſe to that barbarous Piece of Cruelty of privately
ripping up the Ewes, as ſoon as the Lambs had attained to the Maturity
Ооо
of

230
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VIT:
of having any Wool upon them; the Skins of which, being then delicately
foft, theſe cunning Dealers fubftitute in the room of, and call them, the
Skins of this ſuppoſed Scythian Lamb.
But, to return to my Subject ; to prove that moſt of, if not all, the pre-
tended Qualities attributed to this Lamb, how fpeciouſly ſoever they are
applied to it, as a ſtrange Mixture of a real animal Exiſtence, and vege-
table Appearance, are really and truly the inſeparable Properties of this,
as well as many other parafitical Plants. However it muſt be owned, that
this is the moſt ſurpriſing of any of this Claſs, and is as rare as it is curious.
As to the Proof of its fuppoſed animal Life from its dying, as they term
it, if the adjacent Vegetables are taken away; this is literally true of its
Decay as a Vegetable, as all other paraſitical Plants will do, when deprived
of that foſtering Nouriſhment, which they draw from the Trees they prey
upon. For Inſtance, if a Branch of an Oak, which hath the Mifletoe
.
growing upon it, decays, the latter, which before lived and flouriſhed by
the Juices it received from the Oak, muſt, when this becomes dry and
arid, decay likewiſe with the decaying Branch. In the ſame manner, if
the Tree, or even the Branch of it, from which the Agnus Scythicus
receives its Nouriſhment, is cut down, it muſt alſo periſh with it.
The Body of this Plant is about the Thicknefs of one's Finger, and
many Feet in Length; the Inſide of a white clofe Subſtance, ſomewhat
juicy, and eaſily cut thro' with a Knife. The outſide Rind is tough, and
deeply covered with a fine filky Down, ſomewhat reſembling Wool; and
the Body of the plant is here-and-there irregularly geniculated, having,
among ſo many Bendings, fome, which diftantly reſemble, in Make and
Bigneſs
, the Legs of a young Lamb; eſpecially as it is covered over with a fine
ſilky Down, or Hair, ſomewhat curled. This accidental Likeneſs of Shape
and Covering it was, that gave Riſe to the Notion of its being a Lamb;
and lucrative Reaſons may have help'd to keep it up. The Body of this
Plant wreaths itſelf in ſeveral looſe irregular Foldings about the Body of a
Tree, and with its ſeveral flender ligneous Roots penetrates thro' the Bark,
and from thence ſucks thoſe Juices, which ought to nouriſh the Tree.
From the Extremity of the Stalk riſes a Footſtalk of about twenty Inches
long, fupporting a ſingle cylindrical Leaf, very near of the fame Length.
The Back of the Leaf, on each ſide the middle Rib, is ſlightly and regularly
pitted into a great Number of depreſſed Spots : In theſe are ſeen a great
many very ſmall yellow Seeds, which, when ripe, are carried off by the
Wind; and if they fall upon any neighbouring Tree, as ſome, among ſuch
a Number, unavoidably muſt
, they then, eſpecially if the Bark of it proves
fulcated, take Root, and are thus propagated.
.
,
a
Tbe

Book VIII. Iſland of BARBADOS.
237
ou loo We govo
The FERN-LIKE PLANT. I go todos
they
THIS grows to about fifteen Inches high, and is by far the moſt
beautiful of the Fern-kind; its many Side-branches jutting out
alternately in a very elegant Manner. I found this Plant growing in the
Eſtate of Mr. Strahan, in St. Andrew's Pariſh.
T
The MOUNTAIN-FERN.
HIS grows to often twelve or fifteen Feet high, very much, in its
Shape and Texture, reſembling a Fern; its Root cover'd with a
reddiſh Down. I found this near the Eſtate of Benjamin Mellowes, Eſq;
to whoſe Skill, and communicative Temper, I owe the Diſcovery of many
Plants.
BE
The BLACK MAIDEN-HAIR.
I
Found this beautiful Plant growing upon the Wall of St. Lucy's
Church.
MAIDEN-HAIR.
TH
HIS is generally found growing on the Side of ſhady Cliffs, Sides
of Wells, and other old Walls : It is thought to be a good Pectoral,
as moſt capillary Plants are ; and therefore it is gathered, and, with Sugar,
boiled into Syrup, and made uſe of.
SEEDS
CE
COD
The bar
GRA-

238
Book VIII.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
GRASSES, REEDS,
A N D
GR A MINE O US P L A N T S.
I
Of GRASSES.
T is no ſmall Inſtance of God's Wiſdom and Goodneſs, that the Face of
the Earth is covered with Grafs, for the Uſe of Cattle; and that its Ver-
dure ſhould, above all other Colours, be moſt grateful to the human Eye.
The Variety likewiſe that is obſerved in their different Species, affords in-
finite Uſe and Amuſement. Reeds and Ruſhes cover with a beautiful
Green the otherwiſe diſagreeable Surface of a miry wet Soil, and, by
their numerous Roots, prevent its being waſhed off by Floods. It is
in theſe, that ſeveral Kinds of Birds, ſuch as Coots
, make their Nefts; and
among theſe likewiſe they find their Food, and are, whilft feeding,
ſhelter'd from the Sight of their Enemies. If we aſcend up the Hills
and Mountains, there the Carpet-Downs open to our View, and, with
their wide Extent and Verdure, yield an innocent Delight; and if the
ſteep Sides of Hills were not cloathed with Graſs, the narrow interme-
diate Valleys would be ſcorched up with the reflecting Rays from their
oppoſite ftony Surface.
The STAR-GRASS.
HIS is the moſt remarkable of any of the Graſs-kind. Its Roots
are many and fibrous. The ſeveral Stalks join there together, as in
a Bunch of Scallions. The main Stalk riſes about fourteen Inches high.
This is ſmall, round, and folid ; ſurrounded, within two Inches to the
Ground, with ſeveral ſlender narrow gramineous Leaves. From thence
upward the Stalk riſes in an upright Spire, which, at the Top, ſpreads
into ſeven other graffy Leaves, ſtanding almoſt horizontally round a Tuft
of ſmall whitiſh Seed-veſſels, containing a great many ſmall black Seeds.
Theſe Leaves are remarkably ſtained, or, as it were, enameld on the Inſide
with a clear White for near an Inch long; the Remainder of the Leaf
is perfeâly Green. They are in their Bloom in June and July; but this
white Part is not a tranſitory Embelliſhment, but is as permanent as
the Leaf.
DUTCH
ΤΗ
a
.

Book VIII. mand of B A R BA DO S.
239
THIS
Dutch GRASS; Gramen dactylon procumbens.
HIS hath but few Roots at its Appearance from the Ground. It is
divided into many low Branches, each thickly cloath'd with narrow
ſharp-pointed Leaves, each main Stalk ending in two or three angular
almoſt horizontal Spears, bearded on one side with ſharp-pointed ſmall
capſular Seed-veſſels. This Graſs is much coveted by Cattle of every
Kind.
POND-GRASS, or CANKER-WEED.
T
HIS is a ſucculent jointed Graſs, with ſharp-pointed gramineous
Leaves. The main Stalk is jointed at every four or five Inches, and
as it creeps along the Ground, there ſprout, from each Joint, two white
ſtrong Roots, which foon penetrate into the Earth; and by this means it
is too ſucceſsfully propagated, to the great Prejudice of the Planter. It
is ſaid to be of fo corroſive a Nature, that a Cataplaſm of this bruiſed
Plant, ſteeped in Urine, will eat down any Malander, or ſuch-like fun-
gous Excreſcences. It is further ſuppoſed, or rather believed, that, if the
Juice be given to a breeding Sow, it will make her abſolutely barren.
This Plant grows beſt in wet marſhy Land.
os
SAVANNAH-GRAS.
THIS is a long creeping Grafs, full of Joints
. From each Joint
riſes a graffy ſharp-pointed Leaf, and, as it creeps along the Ground,
it ſhoots Roots from each Joint, and ſo propagates. It grows to a
great Length
RICE-GRASS.
THIS Graſs grows to about two Feet high. Its Roots are many
and white. The main Stalk is ſomewhat flat, ſending out from
its Sides ſeveral Leaves alternately : Theſe are graffy, and about five
Inches long. The main Stalk ends in two oppoſite Leaves. From the
Centre of theſe riſes a two-inch-long Spear, on whoſe Side alternately
riſe ſeveral triangular Races, compoſed of ſeveral Seeds. This is much
coveted by Cattle of every Kind.
TH
The PLUSH-GRASS.
HIS Grafs feldom grows above a Foot high, decorated near
the Root with many narrow fpoon-like blunt-pointed Leaves ; the
Spear continuing naked from theſe Leaves for ſeveral Inches; but de-
corated at the Top with ſeveral fmall Pannicles, fet round the Stalk
circularly, ending in an umbilical Form ; each Diviſion of thisPanni-
cle
TH
Рpp

240
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VIII
cle being bearded with a fine white Down, at whoſe Root lie the finall
capſular Seed-vefſels. The green Leaves near the Ground are flightly
cover'd with a very ſoft light-colour'd Pile.
2
FLAG-GRASS.
HIS hath but few Roots.
THI
The main Stalk is jointed near the
Ground at every two or three Inches aſunder. The graffy Side-
blades are ſharp-pointed, and near eight Inches long. As theſe grow no
higher round the Stalk than about eighteen Inches, the remaining Part
of the Stalk, which is generally two Feet more in Height, continues un-
jointed ; its Extremity ending in a five-inch-long white Pannicle, whoſe
numerous ſmall capſular Vefſels are thickly ftudded with very fine white
Down.
.
SCOTCH GRASS; Lat. Gramen panicum.
HIS
T very uſeful Graſs grows in ſwampy wet Places. Its Roots are
fibrous and many. The main Stalk grows in Joints, at three or four
Inches aſunder, riſing often to five Feet in Height. Its Side-leaves are
many and graffy. Its quick Growth, and always thriving in ſuch wet Places,
makes it very valuable in the dry Time of the Year, when other green
Fodder is ſcarce. Cattle of every Kind prefer this and Rice-Graſs to
The Method of producing it is to cut it in ſmall Pieces,
leaving always a Joint to every Piece. Theſe are ſtuck in, at eight
Inches diſtant, round the Sides of Ponds, or other wet marſhy Land;
and will not only foon grow up themſelves, but propagate others, and
conſequently grow prodigious thick. This may be ſeveral times cut
down, and another renewed Crop be in a few Weeks reaped again.
any other.
DWRAH, or AMMADWRAH.
HIS is of the Ruſh-kind. Its Root, which hath a very ſtrong
Smell, is often ſteeped in Water, and mingled with the Juice of
the Muſk-buſh. With this the Coramantee Negroes anoint their skin
by way of Perfume, eſpecially when they are to go to their Merry-meetings,
or public Dances
POND-WEED.
HE Roots of this Plant are many, white, and ſtringy. The main
Stalk is as thick as one's little Finger, ſtrong and hairy, growing
to about two Feet high. Its Leaves, which are ſet on alternately upon
fhort Footſtalks, are near four Inches long, and ſcarce one broad,
ſharp-pointed, and their Edges irregularly ſerrated. The middle Rib, as
well as the Side-ones, are very regular and prominent, which makes the
oppoſite Side of the Leaf deeply furrowed.
Dog's.
T ,

Book VIII. Iſland of B A R BADO S.
241
T'
>
06
a
а.
fiDog's-GRASS.
Dog’S-GRASS. diw bubsd guiadb
THIS derives its Name from common Obſervation, that Dogs, when
fick, often eat of this Grafs, which foon after clears their Stomachs
by its emetic Quality. This Graſs is ſo well deſcribed by Mr. Miller, in
his Botanicum Officinale
, that it would ſhew more Impertinence than
Judgment to give it the Reader in any other Words. “Dog's-Grafs hath
many long flender creeping Roots, white and jointed, ſpreading much
" in the Earth, with ſmall Fibres at every Joint; from which ariſe ſeveral
“ tall Stalks, not ſo thick as the Stalk of Wheat, having two or three
* Joints, and as many long ſomewhat broad Leaves, one at each Knot or
“ Joint : On the Top of each Stalk grows one long ſpiked Head, in Shape
« like an Ear of Wheat, but ſomewhat flatter, conſiſting of two Rows of
chaffy Glumes.” It grows in moſt Parts of the Iſland: And a Decoction
of it is looked upon to be good againſt the Gravel.
The WILD-DWRAH.
-
dan
THI
THIS hath an hard bulbous Root, its graffy Stalk, which is green and
triangular, ſeldom riſing above ſeventeen Inches high. It regularly
branches near the Top into a Star-faſhion, generally into three or four
graſſy Leaves; from the Centre of theſe riſe two or three Spikes, cover'd
at the Top with a coarſe Flag, like that of a Reed.
The NUT-GRASS.
THI
HIS is of two Sorts, the one intirely propagating its Species by its
Seed, the other by its numerous Nuts or Roots. The former is leſs
prejudicial to the Planter, tho', both by its very quick Growth and
Increaſe, it is of great Diſſervice, by preventing, or, at leaſt, by ſucking up,
the Nouriſhment of the Manure from the planted Canes, or Corn, as well
as, by its thick Growth, choaking them with their numerous wreathing
Roots. This was firſt brought here in a Pot of Flowers ſent from England,
to Mr. Lillington in St. Thomas's Pariſh : From thence it hath been more
or leſs unluckily propagated throughout the whole Iſland.
RED-FLAG, or PlusH-GRASS.
TI
HIS grows to the Height of the laſt-deſcrib'd, and every way re-
ſembles it ; except that its Pannicle is longer, and of a deep-red
Colour, ſurrounding the Extremity of the Stalk in a circular Manner;
each capſular Seed-veſſel guarded with half an Inch long ſoft-pointed
Briſtle. Neither this nor the former is eaten by Cattle, unleſs in great
Want.
The GINGER-GRASS.
THI
HIS is called Ginger-Graſs, from the great Reſemblance there is
between the Leaves of this, and the Flags, or ſpire-like Leaves, of
Ginger.
WYTHS
a

242
Book VIII.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
W Y T H S
H S
and V I N E S.
The BLACK BASKET-WYTH.
TH
THIS is perhaps the ſtrongeſt of all other Wyths, or of any Vegetable
of equal Bulk: It is of a blackiſh Colour, ſeldom growing thicker
than one's Finger. It derives its Name from its Uſe in making Baſkets; for
which Purpoſe its great Strength renders it very ſerviceable. If theſe grew
in Palæſtine, we may be allowed, at leaſt, to conjecture, that they were
the ſame with which Samſon was bound; for we know of no other Wyths
of ſufficient Strength to be worthy of an Experiment of that Nature.
The Cow-GUT-WYTH.
HIS is a ſcandent Vine, bearing Yam-like Leaves ; the Flowers are of
the Bell-faſhion, and yellow. I never could obſerve, that the Flowers were
fucceeded by either Pods, or Berries. The Wyth itſelf is very ſtrong and pli-
able; therefore made uſe of to tie the Blade of Canes, wherewith Negroes
thatch their Houſes.
002
а.
THIS
The Honey-WYTH.
I
Have given this Wyth the above Name, from its fweet fragrant Smell,
or rather from the great Refort of Bees to its Flower.
The PUDDING-WYTH.
THIS
HIS much reſembles, in its Leaves, thoſe of Yams : They are chiefly made
uſe of as Bandages to tie Bundles of Straw or Ruſhes, with which
the
poorer Sort of People thatch their Houſes.
The Wild YAM-VINE.
THI
HIS hath its Name from the great Reſemblance its Leaves have to
Yam-vine-leaves. As it is tough and ligneous, it is made uſe of to
make Baſkets.
The WILD VINE.
T
HIS is of two Sorts, each bearing a monopetalous Flower, expanding
horizontally; one of a pale White, the other equally chequered with a
ſky-coloured Blue : Theſe are ſmall trailing Vines, creeping over ſhrubby
Trees, having heart-like Leaves.
1
The

Book VIII.
243
Iſland of BARBADOS.
The HOG-VINE; Lat. Convolvulus.
THI
HIS is a creeping Vine, with a green hairy Stalk. From each side of
this Stalk riſe a great many Pedicles, of above an Inch and an half
long ; fupporting, on their reſpective Summits, four or five ſharp-pointed
Leaves, about an Inch and an half long, and an Inch broad. Theſe ſpread
horizontally regular round the Tops of the Footſtalks. The Flowers, in
ge-
neral, are four in Number, yellow, and of the Bell-faſhion, whoſe Ore are
much expanded: Theſe are ſucceeded by as many browniſh Capſule, each
incloſing ſmall Seeds.
The SWEET VINE.
HIS Vine, at ſome Diſtance from it, perfumes the Air with a very
fragrant Smell; but the nearer you come to it, the leſs agreeable, it
being then faint, if not offenſive. The Stalk affords a great Quantity of
milky clammy Juice. The Leaves are ſmall and blunt-pointed, and the
Flowers ſmall and white.
T
The SEA-SIDE VINE; Lat. Convolvulus marinus.
TH
THIS is a luxuriant trailing Vine, creeping along the fandy Banks near
the Sea-ſide. Its Stalk is long and ſucculent, cloathed with middle
fized ſmooth ſhining-green Leaves. Intermixt with theſe appear ſeveral
large bell-mouthed Flowers, of a pale White without, and a deep Purple
within. As it grows chiefly upon the Sand, its continued Verdure is very
agreeable, and covers it ; and by ſo doing prevents the Reflexion of the Sun
from the hot Sand, which would otherwiſe be very prejudicial to the Eyes of
thoſe Travellers, whoſe Buſineſs requires them to uſe ſuch Roads.
ز
The SILVER VINE.
а.
TH
HIS is a weak creeping Vine, valued chiefly for being very good to
feed Horſes with. It derives its Name from a ſhining whitiſh Hoari-
neſs upon the upper Side of its Leaves. Its Roots are many and fibrous. It
grows chiefly in Gullies, and other ſuch ſhady Places.
The WILD PURSLAIN.
TH
HIS is of two Sorts, the Red and White, each being a creeping ſmall-
jointed Plant: They emit from each Joint many ſmall fibrous Roots ;
the ſmall upright Branches bearing narrow green Leaves of a long oval shape.
Each Sort bears a ſcaly conic clover-like Flower, differing only in their re-
ſpective Colours, which are red and white: The white Sort, boiled to a Decoc-
tion, makes a good Gargle for fore Mouths. It grows chiefly by the Sea-fide.
.
Q49
The

244
The Natural Hiſtory of the || Book VIII.
a
а.
sehid range and a
to ben buona
brolla abierta la The Poison-WYTH.
Sud
THIS grows to a great Length, and is
, tho' woody, yet of a very ſpongy
long,
near an Inch and a Quarter broad. The Root, when pounded, and ap-
plied by way of Cataplaſm, is of a very drawing Nature; and therefore
it is often uſed to ripen Boils and Tumours. Its Flowers are ſucceeded
by Berries, black when ripe.
The RIGHT-WYTH, or the CATS-Claw-WYTH.
THIS
HIS is a ligneous ſtrong Vine, creeping upon the neighbouring Trees
or Rocks to a very great Height. The Leaves on the upper Side
are of a dark-green, ſharp-pointed, ſtanding in Pairs upon one common
inch-long Footſtalk; each Pair oppoſite to one another on the leffer Stalks.
From the Boſom of the Leaves riſe numerous ſmall Claſpers, or Tendrils: Theſe
not only cling round any neighbouring Supporter, as the Grape-Vine does ;
but, at the Extremity of each Claſper, it is fenced or provided with a forked
Claw like a Filh-hook, but ſomewhat more lax in the Bending. This ends
in a ſharp prickly Hook or Talon, by which it can not only take hold of, but
pierce into, the tender Bark of Trees, as well as faften to the Cavities of
Rocks. It bears a yellow Flower, but never viſibly fucceeded by Pods, or
Berries. Its grateful Verdure, and being thickly covered with Leaves,
affords an agreeable Shade all the Year.
The RIGHT-WYTH.
ΤΗ
HIS ſcandent Wyth is an Evergreen, bearing upon its Stalks ſeveral
deep-green Leaves, ſet on in a Triparture-order, iſſuing from the
ſeveral Joint, which are many in Number. Theſe Wyths, when full-
grown, are, near the Ground, as big as one's Arm. Their Branches have many
Claſpers or Tendrils, by which they climb up any neighbouring Tree,
growing ſo thick, that it makes a very dark, cool, and agreeable Shade.
a
A
시
​The SUGAR-CANE; Lat. Arundo Saccharifera.
S it would be more curious than requiſite, to examine the ſeveral
controverſial Opinions, whether Canes were originally the Growth
of the Eaſt or Weſt Indies; I ſhall therefore proceed to obſerve, that in
the Manner of their Growth, Form of their Flags or Leaves, and Make of
their * Pannicle, they reſemble the Reeds which grow in wet marſhy
* There are but few Canes, eſpecially if they grow in a deep Soil, that ſhoot out into an Arrow decorated
at the Top with a Pannicle ; and thoſe that do, grow generally in a ſhallow Soil; tho' the Glumes of their
Pannicles contain a whitiſh Duſt, or rather Seed: Yet thefe, being fowed, never vegetate.
The moſt natural, and perhaps the only proper, Method of producing Canes is by Suckers, or, as Experi-
ence fhews, with the tender Tops of old Čanes : Theſe being cut into Pieces of about a Foot long, and planted
in Holes of about fix Inches deep, and two Feet wide, and covered with good Manure, each Piece will pro-
duce from its Roots a great Number of Canes,
Grounds
a
a

Book VIII. Iſland of BARBADOS.
245
more.
a
.
Grounds in England or elſewhere ; however, with this general Difference,
that the Sugar-Canes are every Way far larger; and the Inſide, inſtead
of being hollow, is full of white Pith, containing a very ſweet Liquid.
The intermediate Diſtance between each Joint of a Cane is of different
Lengths, according to the Nature of the Soil, Richneſs of the Manure,
and ſeaſonable Weather during their Growth; but in general from one to
four Inches long, and from half an Inch to an Inch Diameter, feldom
The Length of the whole Cane likewiſe depends upon the above
Circumſtances. It generally grows to Perfection in about fourteen Months,
its then Height (the top Flag-part excluded) is from threeand an half to ſeven
Feet, a Medium between both being the moſt common Length, even in a
very good Soil, and ſeaſonable Years. The Body of the Cane is ſtrong, but
brittle, of a fine Straw-colour, inclinable to a Yellow. The Extremity of
each, for a conſiderable Length, is cloathed with many long reed-like
Leaves, or Blades, whoſe Edges are very finely and ſharply ſerrated: And
the middle longitudinal Rib in each is high and prominent. dumne
F. Labat, in his Hiſtory, ſays, that there were Canes in the Iſland of
Tobago, of twenty-four Feet in Length : If he meant this in general, his
Affertion is a ſtrong Specimen of that Vanity, to ſay no worſe, which
influences many Writers to be fond of Relations of the marvelous Kind.
But whoever judges of the Length of Sugar-Canes, in general, from theſe
Inſtances, if there were any ſuch, may as reaſonably conclude from the
Height of one Goliah, that the Philiſtines were in general of a gigantic
Stature.
Whatſoever Difference fome Soils, and very ſeaſonable Weather, may
occaſion in the Growth of this Plant; yet in this all Writers agree, that it
is (unhappily for the Planter) liable to one Diſorder hitherto incurable,
that is, the Yellow Blaſt.
This, among Diſeaſes peculiar to Canes, as the Plague among thoſe
which happen to Men, too juſtly claims the horrible Precedence.
And as the Ingenious in this Part of the World have not as yet agreed
in their Opinions about the Cauſe of this deſtructive Blaſt, I may with-
out any Apology (I hope) offer my own; i.e. That it proceeds from
Swarms of little Inſects, at firſt inviſible to the naked Eye; and as the
Juice of the Cane is their proper Food, they, in Search of it, wound the
tender Blades of the Cane, and conſequently deſtroy the effels
. Hence
the Circulation being impeded, the Growth of the Plant is checked ; and
ſoon after it withers, decays, or dies, in proportion to their Degree of
Ravage.
.
From this Suppoſition we may eaſily account for the various Phænomena,
which attend the Blaſt, whether in its firſt Appearance, or its further Pro-
greſs
. It is difficult to diſtinguiſh the Blaft in its Infancy, from the Effect
of dry Weather; the Appearance in ſome Inſtançes ſeems to be alike:
However, the firſt ſeaſonable Rain manifeſts the Difference; the uninfected
Plant
reaps
the Benefit of it, thrives and flouriſhes with great Vigour ;
whild
C

246
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VHI.
a
whilſt the infected, being made more ſoft and tender by the Rain, be-
comes eaſier to be pierced by the devouring Worms. At fuch and other
times, there are often ſeen, on the Blades of ſuch fickly Canes, many
ſmall protuberant Knobs, of a ſoft downy Subſtance, often containing
in them ſmall white Maggots, which, I believe, turn afterwards into
ſmall browniſh Moths, which are to be ſeen in great Multitudes among
the Blades of infected Canes. It is likewiſe obfervable, that ſuch Blades
,
will be full of browniſh decaying Spots : Theſe are ſo many Places, which
,
have been deeper pierced by the Worms.
Multitudes of Ants are likewiſe feen on the blafted Canes; theſe are
invited hither to ſuck the Juice that ouſes out of the wounded Leaves,
eſpecially when the Plant hath attained any Degree of * Sweetneſs. This
*
appears by the Clammineſs
, that, at ſuch times, covers the Leaves, prevent-
ing all Perfpiration. In this lacerated Condition of the Plant, the Juices
want their natural free progreſſive Motion upwards ; the moſt fubtile
and fineſt Part burſting through the wounded Leaves, whilſt the more
groſs returns back unſecreted to the radical Veſſels
. By this means they
are overloaded, and, burſting, fupply the Ants at the Roots with a nouriſh-
ing Liquid. In this injured Condition the Roots become incapable of
ſupplying the Stalk or Leaves with Nouriſhment from the Earth, if the
latter ſhould ever recover.
The Blaſt is obſerved to be moſt frequent in very dry Years, there having
been but little of it when ſeaſonable Rains have begun early, and conti-
nued till the Canes were ripe. In ſuch Years, a great many of theſe Ver-
min are perhaps drowned by the heavy Rains, as well as their Eggs
made leſs prolific.
It is obſervable, that the Blaſt uſually appears ſucceſſively in the fame
Fields, and often in the very fame Spot of Land : It is therefore very
likely, that theſe are but the ſucceſſive Offspring of Parent-Eggs, from
time to time depoſited there by the ſmall brown Moths above-men-
tioned. And when the Blaſt is found in Fields of Canes, far from in-
fected Places, we may, in all Probability, conclude, that the Eggs were
conveyed thither by the Wind. What makes this more evident is, that
the Infection always ſpreads faſter to the Leeward, or with the Wind.
It is remarkable, that if Canes have been once infected with the
Blaſt, although they afterwards, to all Appearance, ſeem to recover; yet
the Juice of ſuch Canes will neither afford ſo much Sugar, nor ſo good
of its kind, as if obtained from Canes that were never infected. I con-
ceive that, in this Caſe, the delicate Strainers, adapted to ſecrete the
Particles, which conſtitute the Sugar, have been ſo much injured, as not
to be in a Condition to perform their Offices to Perfection, although
ſufficient to ſuſtain the Plant alive, and in a ſeeming Vigour.
* Perhaps the Attendance of the Ants may proceed from two Cauſes : They may be invited, as above-
mentioned, when the Canes have attained fome Degree of Maturity by the ſweet Juice, which ouſes out
of the Wounds, as may be perceived by the Clammineſs of the Blades ; or, if this is not the Cafe,
when the Plant is very young, they may perhaps be allured to prey upon the dead and living Bodies of
theſe little Animals infeſting the Canes.
Should
.
2

Book VIII.
Iſland of BARBADOS.
247
W
Should it be aſked, If this Blaſt is occafioned by Worms, how comes it
to paſs, that the adjoining, and often the intermixt Corn and Pulſe ſhould
be free from it ? it may be eaſily accounted for from ſimilar Inſtances in
England, where the ſmall Worms, cauſing the Blight or Blaſt, which deſtroys
the tender Buds of Apple-trees, never affects the Pear or Cherry-trees, tho'
in the fame Orchard ; for, in all Probability, neither of theſe affords a proper
Nouriſhment for them.
Having thus, till better Reaſons are offered, ſhewed the Nature of the
Diſeaſe, the next Thing neceſſary will be to look for a Cure.
Hoc Opus, bic Labor eft.
Various are the laudable Endeavours to this End, which the Inquiſitive
in this and the neighbouring Iſlands have made ; but, alas ! made in vain :
Therefore, as this Diſeaſe hath been hitherto of the Number of thoſe which are
incurable, and almoſt literally as deſtructive to us, and our neighbouring
Iſlands, as the Locuſts were to the Egyptians; a ſtudious Attempt to remove
fo great an Evil, will
, I dare ſay, meet with the Approbation of every Well-
wiſher to our Weſt-India Iſlands; eſpecially ſince what I have to offer
upon
this Subject is attended with the ſtrongeſt Probability of Succeſs: And as it
requires very little Expence, and leſs Labour, I may with more Confidence
venture to recommend it to the Public.
When the Canes appear to be firſt infected, which happens generally when
they are young, take an equal Quantity of Brimſtone, Aloes, and the Bark
of bitter Wood; let theſe be put in the Middle of a Bundle of wet Straw;
the Whole muſt be put in a Cradle of Wire as large or larger than the Crown
of an Hat, made Lattice or Net-faſhion; this is to be faſtened to a wooden
Handle of convenient Length, and kept to the Windward of the infected
Bunch of Cane, having firſt ſet the incloſed Combuſtibles on Fire; and hold-
ing it there till the thick Smoke hath for ſome time penetrated among all the
infected Blades, and ſo on to the reſt, for a few Mornings and Evenings : This
by its very Nature cannot fail of killing thoſe minute Animalcules, as well as
deſtroying thoſe that are in Embryo in thoſe downy Nidus's already men-
tioned. Experience, which is the moſt convincing of Proofs, gives a ſtrong
Sanction to this Method; for we find, that the Smoke of Brimſtone, in an in-
cloſed Room full of Flour, peftered with Wevils, will, in a few Minutes,
intirely deſtroy them. If then Wevils, which have a ſtrong fcaly Covering,
and are grown to their full Strength, can be thus deſtroyed; how much
more probable is it, that ſuch tender ſmall Animalcules may likewiſe, in the
ſame manner, be deſtroyed? If it be faid, that in the former the Smoke is more
confined, it muſt likewiſe be conſidered, that a far weaker Degree of this
fulphureous Smoke will deſtroy Animals of a far weaker Texture, and per-
haps of but a few Days cld. The Neceſſity and Uſe of the other Ingre-
dients of the fame Nature are too evident to be further explained.
The Cane-plant being deſcribed, and the Diſeaſes of it confidered, and a
more than probable Remedy propoſed, I ſhall proceed barely to touch on the
Method of making Sugar.
The
a
a
a
а.
a
Rri

248
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book VHI.
.
а.
The * Canes, when ripe, are ſqueezed between the iron-caſed Rollers of
Wind-mills, or Cattle-mills. The Juice thus preſſed out is boiled firſt in
a very large Copper or Chaldron, mixed with a very ſmall Quantity of
Lime. When this is uſed in too ſmall a Proportion at firſt, a little Lime-
water may be afterwards poured into the Chaldron. A ſtrong Lixivium of
Aſhes will perform the Office of white Lime, and may be ſubſtituted in the
room of it, and was originally uſed, tho' the latter is generally thought to
be more efficacious. It is probable, that the Benefits ariſing from either are, in
a great meaſure, owing to their alcaline Qualities. The Sugar-cane, when
ripe, is of all other Plants the ſweeteſt; however, there is a latent Acid ſtill
.
lurking in the Juice; this is apparent by its turning four, if ſuffered to re-
main unboiled any conſiderable Time after Expreſſion. The Addition
therefore of Temper, as the Planters call it, being a certain Quantity of white
Lime, is neceſſary to deſtroy, in a great meaſure, the remaining Acid, and to
form a neutral Salt.
That this is one Uſe of Temper, is plain from the different Quantities of
that which are uſed according to the different Qualities of the Cane-juice:
That from unripe Canes, as more abounding with Acids, requires a larger
Quantity, as doth that alſo from Canes too ripe, and tainted: For in the
latter the acid Salts, that before were neutralized, ſeem to be again diſen-
gaged, and ſet at Liberty, as may be diſcovered by its acid Taſte. And
indeed many Inſtances occur in making Sugar, which demand an extraor-
dinary Proportion of Lime; all theſe betray a Tendency to an Acidity in
the Juice : But, when the Canes grow kindly ripe, the acid Particles in their
Juice are few; and as the Poignancy of theſe is inconſiderable, the Juice
will conſequently require a leſs Quantity of Lime. There is a further Uſe
in Lime, beſides the foregoing; for it ſuits greatly in cleanſing the Liquor.
When the Quantity of Lime is duly proportioned, if the Liquor is put into
a Glaſs, an immediate Separation will follow, the Impurities ſettling at the
Bottom, leaving the clear Juice at the Top: But if there is a Deficiency of
Temper, the Separation will be imperfect: If it too much abounds, there
will be little or no Separation at all.
When the Lime is mixed with the Juice in the Copper or Chaldron, the
Sordes or Impurities, being no longer intimately united with the boiling Li-
quor, and being forced about with the Heat of the Fire, are eaſily entangled
in a viſcous Subſtance that is naturally in the Cane-juice; and then riſe with
it to the Top of the Copper, forming a thick tough Scum.
.
a
а.
If, when Canes are ripe, the Weather ſhould prove very rainy, their Juice, if at that time expreſſed, will re-
quire a far longer Boiling, before it comes to the Conſiſtency of Sugar, than if it had been extracted in Weather
moderately dry. However, this Difference in the Quality of the Juice doth not intirely proceed, as it is generally
fuppoſed, from the greater Quantity of Water at that time in the Plant, but from the greater Number of newly
Particles, occaſioned by the late Rain. Thefe, if ſoon afterwards expreſſed, having not had ſufficient
time to ripen; the Make of their Particles is, as in all Acids, angular, and ſharp-pointed, and therefore diffi-
milar to thoſe ripe ones : They will therefore reſiſt the Heat longer before they are broken, and brought to ſuch a
Conſiſtency as to incorporate with the others that are already ripe. From ſuch a Mixture of ripe and unripe Juices,
it naturally follows, that the Sugar then made will be neither of equal Conſiſtency nor Goodneſs with that made in
feaſonable Weather, and from Canes grown kindly ripe.
ſprung up
a
This

Book VIII. iſland of B ARBADOS.
249
.
a
This Viſcidity is very apparently diſcovered on the leaden Beds of the
Mills, as well as on the wooden Gutters, where the Juice in its Paſſage de-
poſits it; and its * faponaceous Quality is no leſs evident in waſhing the
Cloths that have been any ways uſed in cleaning the Beds of the Mills, or
hath any other way been ſoaked in the Cane-juice.
The Clarification of the Liquor, as far as it is done in the firſt Copper,
is perfected after the more groſs Scum is taken off ; the remaining Impu-
rity, as the Liquor boils, is ſkimmed off from the four or five remaining
Coppers or Taches, into which the Liquor is ſucceſſively poured ; each of
theſe being gradually leſs, as they are to contain a Quantity of Liquor ſtill
waſting as it boils.
In conveying this to the fourth Copper, it is in its Paſſage ftrained
thro' a thick Woolen Cloth, where it leaves all the Remainder of its Im-
purities, that had eſcaped the Scummer.
After this a light white Scum is taken off; and, when this ceaſes to
ariſe in any conſiderable Quantity, and the Liquor, by long boiling, be-
comes more of a Syrup than a thin Liquid, it is then poured into the firſt
Tache, and from this to a leſſer, till it is conveyed to the laſt. When it
hath here attained the due Conſiſtence neceſſary to become Sugar ;
it
may
be aſſerted in general, that no more than a ſeventh Part of the Whole
remains; which Diminution is occaſioned by the Impurities being ſcum-
med off, and the watery Particles evaporated.
From this laſt Stage, whilſt of the Conſiſtency of a thick granulated
Syrup, it is conveyed into a large Braſs Cooler, where it begins, as it cools, to
ſhoot into Cryſtals
, which are the genuine and effential Salts of the
Plant. Theſe are forwarded and helped to ſhoot, by gently ſtirring the
whole Maſs; by which means the Air is admitted to every Part, and the
,
Particles of Sugar diſengage themſelves from the clammy Subſtance of
the Melaffes.
If the Syrup be continued longer on the Fire, than is neceſſary to bring
it to a proper Thickneſs, the Particles of Sugar cannot grain, or cryſtal-
lize, when afterwards in the Cooler, for want of a ſufficient intermediate
Fluid; the whole Maſs in ſuch a Caſe being too well united, to ſuffer
the Melaffes to ſeparate from it.
On the other hand, if the Syrup hath not undergone a ſufficient Eva-
poration, the Grains or Salts will be larger indeed, but cloſe to each
other ; Hence ſeveral of them being too much ſeparated from their neigh-
bouring Particles, they become too weak to reſiſt ſingly, and are therefore
drained away in the intermediate Fluid, the Melaffes. Upon this Principle
we may account for the Make of Sugar-candy, whoſe large Cryſtals are
а.
32
* This faponaceous Quality in the Cane-juice is capable of reſolving viſcid Concretions : It is to this, chiefly,
that we may attribute the furpriſing quick Recovery of thoſe fickly Negroes, who are permitted to drink freely
of this Cane-juice when intirely ripe. It is likewiſe ſo nouriſhing, that Slaves have ſubſiſted upon this alone
Repeated Draughts of it are very efficacious, to remove the Effect of the poiſonous Caffado-juice.
From this Juice likewiſe, when mixed with Water, and fermented, is made a Drink, called the Sugar-Drink,
This, tho' it appears muddy, yet is very wholſome and diuretic.
obtained
for a whole Week.

250
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book VIII.
ز
a
obtained from a Syrup too thin to ſhoot into Salts capable of uniting cloſe
together,
The
proper Time to remove it from the Cooler to the Pots or Moulds,
is when it hath grained or cryſtallized ; the better the Sugar is, the ſooner
this is completed : Hence that juſt, but ill-expreſſed Notion, that good
Sugar may be potted ſooner than bad. The Pots or Moulds made uſe of
are earthen, and of a pyramidal Form, containing from eight to thirteen
Gallons.
About twenty-four Hours after the Sugar is potted, the ſmall round
Hole in the Bottom of each Pot is unſtopped, and the Pots put upon
earthen Jars containing about four Gallons, into which Veſſels the Melaffes
drain from the Sugar, the latter becoming fit for Exportation in about a
Month's time, and ſometimes fooner. The Sugar in this Degree of Per-
fection is called Muſcovado, which is a Term too well known to want any
further Explanation. What is called here clayed Sugar, is brought to that
Degree of Whiteneſs, by making a Batter of the fofteſt fineſt white Clay
mixed with Water : And after the upper Part of the Muſcovado Sugar in
the above-mentioned earthen Pots is dug up, and cloſely laid on again in
a level Manner, or rather ſomewhat ſhelving towards the Middle, a fuf-
ficient Layer of this Batter is poured upon the Top of the Sugar in the
Pot. The Water from this by Degrees gently ouſes from the Clay, thro’
the Sugar; and when all the Moiſture from the Clay is abſorbed by it,
which is generally done in about a Month's time, another Layer of freſh
Putty is laid on, the former old one being firſt taken away. In about five
Weeks after the latter is put on, this becomes dry, and is taken off; and the
Water iſſuing from it meeting with leſs groſs Viſcidities than the former,
waſhes the Particles of Sugar clean, and carries away with it thoſe leſs
feculent Inpurities. This completes the Work, as far as it is manufactured
here; tho' this is brought to a far greater Degree of Whiteneſs and Per-
fection in England.
Out of the above-mentioned Skimmings, when mixed with a certain
Quantity of Water and Melaſſes, and fermented, is extracted that ſpirituous
Liquor called Rum. And from the great Quantity of Oil in the Cane-
juice, which is conſiderably tranſmitted to the Rum, proceeds the Excellency
of this Spirit, when compared with Brandy : The latter, wanting this Oili-
neſs, ſtimulates and lacerates the Coats of the Stomach ; whereas the former,
if firſt meliorated by Age, and made into weak Punch, and drank mode-
rately, by its Oilineſs preſerves the Bowels.
Moſt of our Planters are yearly great Sufferers (eſpecially when they
firſt begin to diſtil) for want of proper Knowlege how to raiſe and con-
tinue a regular Fermentation in the Mulſa intended for Diſtillation : Yet I
imagine, that their want of Succeſs may not only be accounted for, but
likewiſe remedied.
In order to do this with Certainty, we muſt obſerve, that no Fermen-
tation can be raiſed under thirty-fix Degrees of Heat, or kept up after
ninety;
а.
a
:

Book VIII. Iſland of BARBADOS. 7
251
a
ninety; a leffer than the former will not be ſufficiently warm to raiſe an
Ebullition, and a greater than the latter diſſipates the ſpirituous Particles
too much. Therefore if Experiments were made with a Thermometer in
every Diſtil-houſe, to fix the certain Degree of Heat, that a well-propor-
tioned Mulſa would ferment in, it would be eaſy, by the Help of this In-
ſtrument; always afterwards to aſcertain this neceſſary Degree of Heat; let
the Change of Weather be ever ſo ſudden or conſiderable. For if the
Heat proved ſo great as to exceed that Degree, in which ſuch a well-
proportioned Mulſa was uſed in Time paſt to ferment beſt, then the
Windows towards the Eaſt ought to be opened ſo as to admit ſuch a
Quantity of cold Air as would reduce the Heat to a proper Standard.
On the contrary, if the Spirit in the Thermometer ſinks below the
neceffary Degree of Heat, then theſe Windows ought to be intirely or
partially ſhut up, in order to procure a ſufficient Degree of Heat. By
this means the Diſtiller may come to a Certainty, and proceed by Rule,
and not by Chance.
If after ſuch Rules, and neceſſary Cautions, the Mulla doth not fer-
ment, if this happens in the Beginning of the Crop; ſuch a Failure ought
a
to be attributed to the then, comparatively ſpeaking, four and unripe Juices
of the Canes : For the Juices of theſe, as well as moſt, if not all other
unripe Fruits, witneſs that of the Grape, ſeldom or never ferment well;
becauſe their Particles, in that unripe State, are not ſufficiently meliorated
by the Heat of the Sun. In fuch a Caſe, I am apt to believe, that a
greater Proportion of Sweetening, than when the Canes are ripe, ſhould be
added to the Mulſa.is
ils
On the other hand, a diſproportionate Quantity of Sweets, as they are
oily, will prove too inactive, and will incline the Liquor more to a Ran-
cidity, than Fermentation : Therefore a greater Quantity of Water, and
thin returned Liquor, which hath a great deal of Acidity in it, ſhould
be added to the Skimmings of Canes that are full-ripe, and conſequently
n
very ſweet.
As to thoſe who keep their fermenting Veſſels in the open Air, or ill-
covered under Sheds, their bad Succeſs may be evidently accounted for, by
the Inequality of the Heat and Cold they are expoſed to.
I cannot conclude the Deſcription of this very uſeful Plant, without
taking Notice of a moſt ſurpriſing Inſtance of the Effect of ſome Ef-
fluvia, or Vapours that aroſe from the Mudgeon or Dregs of the Liquor
returned from the Still, and which for fome time had been reſerved in a
Ciſtern.
In the Month of April 1743. Abel Alleyne, Efq; the then Manager
at the Eſtate of the Honourable and Reverend Society for propagating
the Goſpel in foreign Parts, ordered one of the Cifterns, which the re-
turned Liquor was kept in, to be cleanſed : The Quantity of this thick
Sediment in it was not above ſeven Inches deep. The firſt Negio Slave
who attempted to clean it, was no fooner at the Bottom, than dead; the
* Sf
fecond

252
The Natural Hiſtory of the city Book VIII.
a
ſecond and third met with the fame Fate inſtantly. A white Perſon, who
A
was a Workman on the Eſtate, being near at hand, determined, if poſſi-
ble, to bring them up, imagining they were only in a ſwooning Fit. To
this Purpoſe he went down to the Bottom of the Ciſtern, which was
about nine Feet deep, and found the Negroes dead: He went down a fe-
cond time with a Rope, in order to fling it round them, and to bring
them up; but he had no fooner reached the Bottom, but a fulphureous
fuffocating warm Blaſt took away his Senſes, and he was taken up for
dead; however, being blooded, though he was for a long time after-
wards very fickly, yet he at laft recovered. The beſt Method of diſlim
pating theſe noxious Vapours is to admit into them a free Circula-
tion of the Air, as well as to pour in, by Gutters, a conſiderable Quantity
of Water. This Plant is delineated in Plate XXIII. Fig. 1.
The DUMB-CANE.
THI
HIS Plant grows to four Feet high, having, at the Top, two green
fhining Leaves, about nine Inches long ; between theſe rifes up a
ſmall Spite: The Body of the Plant hath fome Reſemblance of a Sugar-
Cañe. "From hence, and from the Effects it hath upon Perſons who igno-
rantly taſte it, it derives the Name of Dumb-Cane; for as ſoon as any
of the Juice is ſwallowed, the Tongue, Fauces, and Oeſophagus, im-
mediately ſwell fo prodigiouſly, that the Perſon afflicted cannot ſpeak.
It fo affects the ſalival Glands, that it cauſes an immediate Salivation.
If what is thus diſcharged, hath the fame Quality as that occaſioned by
Mercury, and if the narcotic Quality could be corrected, it might, per-
haps, be of great Uſe in Phyſic; for it hath been experienced, that fe-
veral poiſonous Plants, whoſe Juices were properly corrected, and ex-
actly dos’d, have been ſucceſsful Remedies.
A Phyſician, who accompanied the Duke of Albemarle formerly to
Jamaica, fays, that the Juice of the Dumb-Cane, mixed with a certain
Portion of freſh Fat, is a fovereign Remedy in Dropſies, externally uſed,
by rubbing the Part affected with this Ointment.
a
ਰ
The REED.
ΤΗΝ
HIS is a ſlender long graffy Stalk, creeping upon the adjoining
Wood, jointed at every fix Inches : From theſe Joints iffue ſeveral
ſmaller Side-branches, cloathed alternately with long ſharp-pointed grami-
neous Leaves. The main Stalk is hollow ; the Side-ones folid." The
Flowers are ſucceeded by ſeveral ſmall griſly-grey Colour Grains, like
Guiney Corn.
OF

Plate, 23. Page 52
اور وزیر
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 1
NEC CUPIAS.NECOMBUAS
Based
To the Honourabled
Cod: Yorke
this Plate is humbly inscribed
&c. C

- ೩

Book VIII. Iſand of B A R BA DO S.
253
Ο F
GRAMIN E OUS PLAN T S.
M
R. Ray, in treating of the Wiſdom of God in the Creation, juſtly
obſerves, that it is no ſmall Inſtance of his Goodneſs, that Wheat,
and we may add Rye, the moſt common Corn uſed for Food, ſhould
be the Growth of moſt Parts of Europe and Aſia. It is likewiſe no leſs
worthy our Notice to obſerve, that where the Soil under the Torrid Zones is
too hot to produce fuch, the fame divine Wiſdom hath appointed other kinds
of Corn to grow and ripen there in great Plenty. Thus in Africa, and the
Weſt-Indies, the Want of Wheat is ſupplied by Indian and Guiney Corn.
And in fome Places, where the exceſſive Heat of the Climate renders Labour,
and the Cultivation of Corn, painful, there bountiful Providence, with an
unſparing Hand, ordains Food without Labour, by cauſing Plantain and
Banana Trees to grow in great Plenty; whoſe Fruit is, by many Perſons,
preferred to any Kind of Bread whatſoever. It was under the Shade of theſe
that
many
harmleſs Nations of Indians lived ſecure, until Luxury taught
their more artful Neighbours unneceſſary Wants: And ſucceſsful Tyranny
called that a glorious Conqueſt, which was the Effect of Fraud and Op-
preſſion.
The INDIAN CORN; Lat. Mays.
THE
"HE Roots of this Plant are many: Its Stalk, which is jointed at uncer-
tain Diſtances, and within pithy, is ſtrong, and of a Reed-like Subſtance:
It hath likewiſe ſeveral long Reed-like Leaves. The Extremity of the Stalk is
decorated with a Tuft of waving chaffy Glumes, which are called the
Male-flowers.
From the Side of the Stalk, generally near the Summit, appear the
Ears, which are ſometimes three in Number : Theſe ſtand upon ſhort Foot-
ſtalks, and are inwrapped in ſometimes ten or eleven green huſky Leaves,
the Whole having the Appearance of a long Cone, from whoſe Summit ap-
pears a Taffel of long ſilky Filaments, each having its Riſe from one of the
Grains : Theſe are looked upon to be the Female Flowers. The cloſe-folded
Leaves prevent the incloſed Grains from the Injury of Weather whilft young,
and from Vermin and Birds when ripe ; and anſwer every Intention of a
Pod in leguminous Plants. The Ear, which is generally from five to eight
Inches long, contains often three hundred Grains, which cloſely, and in
per-
pendicular Rows, regularly ſurround a ſtrong chaffy Huſk, whoſe Inſide
is pithy. This is delineated in Plate XXIII. Fig. 2.
JOB's
a
I

254
Book VIII.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
THI
Job's Tears; Lat. Lacrymæ Jobi.
HE Stalk and Pannicle of this plant much reſemble that of the Guiney
Corn; and their Seeds, which are incloſed in ſmall Capſula, are about
the Bigneſs of an Engliſh Pea, and of different Colours. Theſe are ſtrung
upon Silk, and uſed inſtead of Bracelets by ſome of the poorer Sort, but
eſpecially by the Negroes.
,
.
Guiney CoRN; Lat: Milium Indicum arundinaceum.
de
ΤΗ
HE different Sorts of this Corn are generally diſtinguiſhed into that of
the Looſe-ear Guiney Wheat, the White, and the Red, the Loaf, or
the Clove-corn. The Stalk of each is a Reed or Cane-like Subſtance, jointed
at about nine or ten Inches aſunder, more or leſs : Its Roots are many and
long, cloſely matted together, and to be ſeen, fome Parts of them, above-
ground: The Stalk often grows to eight Feet high, ſometimes higher, ac-
cording to the Richneſs of the Soil it is planted in. It bears long Reed-like
Leaves, gently waving into ſeveral Bendings, ending in a ſharp Point. The
Top of the Stalk terminates in a ſpicated Tuft, compoſed of numberleſs Fibres,
each ſupporting many ſmall Grains of about the Bigneſs of a Coriander-ſeed.
I have reckoned on one large Ear near four thouſand Grains. There is like-
wiſe ſometimes one, if not two other ſmall Ears upon the Stalks, fomewhat
below the large one, which terminates the Stalks; however, where theſe Side-
ears are, the main one is generally leſs. This Grain made into Bread, or
otherwiſe uſed, is juſtly eſteemed very wholſome. It is with this that the
Slaves are generally fed, each being allowed from a Pint to a Quart
apiece every Day. This is delineated in Plate XXIII. Fig. 3.
- enoja
Catatan sebagian
cantoro
adabra
od tego sam
Jooga
Bolosi
ovoce
goiaban
oberto
2

Book. IX. Iſand of BARBADOS
251
A Proſpect of Bridge -Town in the Thand of Barbadoes,
Hanse
*
TR
ܙܟܠܐܬ݂ܬܐ
...の​よう​だ​ん​いく​。
....5 min
đối,
A本​山
​标
​BOOK IX.
HE ſeveral foregoing Books being taken up in conſider-
ing the Nature of our Land-Animals, Vegetables and Mi-
nerals, I ſhall proceed to make ſome Remarks on the
Shores and its Inhabitants ; firſt curſorily obſerving, that
thoſe are (a few Bays excepted) intirely invironed with high
Cliffs, from three to fixty Feet high ; which, under Provi-
dence, are in a great meaſure, our Bulwarks againſt our Enemies, as well
as fix'd Boundaries to the raging of the Sea in the Time of Hurricanes.
As far as the Sea in moderate Weather waſhes them, they are almoſt
one continued Rock from thence upwards; they are in ſome Places (ef-
pecially at the North End of the Pariſh of St. Lucy’s) ſomewhat ſhattered
and divided, by Veins of gritty Marl, Earth and loomy Chalk; likewiſe
all the Stones found on the Shores (except a few Flints on a Place called
the Green-Shoal) are of the Afterites-Kind; and the Sand (except in a
few deep Bays) ſeems, 'in a great meaſure, to be only Fragments of Star-
ftones and Corals.
The ſeveral Cavities in the Cliffs facing the Sea, are proper Dens for
Racoons, and ſuch like wild Beaſts. They are likewiſe a Place of
Safety for ſeveral Sea-birds to breed in, eſpecially, at a Place called the
Bird-rock; where are to be ſeen, at moſt Times of the Year, a great
many of their Nefts and Eggs: The young ones are ſharp-bill’d, web-
footed, and very fat, but taſte fiſhy. The old ones are ſeldom or ever
ſeen in the Day-time; for they are obliged to range to fo great a Diſtance
from the Shore for Food, that they have been ſeen Scores of Miles from
Land; yet they direct their Courſe, in the darkeſt Night, with a ſur-
prizing Exactneſs, to their reſpective Neſts.
Sff
The

The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IX:
252
The Sea Weeds, which grow in Plenty near the shores of this Iſland,
are no leſs beautiful to the Eye than they are uſeful ; affording Food
for ſeveral Kinds of Fiſh, ſuch as the Tortoiſe, Chubbs, Mullets, Blue-
fiſh, and the Mofs-grooper, &c.
°.
And as in Northern Climates they prove a Shelter from the Inclemency
of the cold Weather, to ſuch Fiſh as are obliged to ſeek their Food in
ſhallow Water; ſo likewiſe, in hot Countries, they equally ſhelter them
from the intenſe Heat of the Sun. Nor are the large Beds of Sea-Weeds,
which are ſeen floating in the Ocean, without their peculiar Uſes; among
others, in theſe ſeveral Kinds of the lefſer and moſt helpleſs Species of
Fiſh, depoſit their Spawn; and here likewiſe they are protected whilſt
young from their Enemies.
The Variety of theſe Weeds, eſpecially the ſoft Fuci, growing on
the Rocks and Stones near the Shore, are not only curious in their
Make, but they are likewiſe, in all Probability, (were we to know all the
Intentions of Providence in creating them,) as many, as uſeful, and
valuable, as the terreſtial Vegetables we are better acquainted with.
Some of them, like Groves in Miniature, extend their numerous Branches
to a conſiderable Diſtance: Others, like weak creeping Vines, are of ſo
ſmall, ſoft and delicate a Texture, that they may be intended for Food,
to the ſmalleſt Animalcules. So that upon the whole, from the little
that we do know of ſubmarine Productions, we may juſtly conclude, that,
as the Earth is full of God's Goodneſs, ſo is the great and wide Sea.
The BLACK-FRINGED SEA-WEED.
HIS is very finely fringed, and very buſhy, eſpecially near the
Top. Its ſeveral Subdiviſions are neatly bearded with infinite
Numbers of ſhort, hairy, ſoft pointed Briſtles. Its moſt fubftantial
lower Branches are thickly ſtudded with ſeveral ſmall Berries.
The FRINGE SEA-WEED.
HE Colour of this is generally White, and exactly reſembles
the Fringe or Border of Cuſhions: It is found upon almoſt every
fandy Bay
TH
The WHITE, NARROW-LEAFED SEA-WEED:
HE Roots of this are cloſely matted together. Its ſeveral, thick-
ſet, capillarious, fringy Branches, are divided into lateral, ſmaller
ones ; and theſe again, elegantly ſubdivided into others, ſtill leſs; each
generally ending in a triparture Diviſion, and ſometimes, tho' rarely, in
a white, leafy, broad Point.
TH
2
The

Book IX. Iſand of BARBADOS,
253
The LONG BROWN SEA-WEED.
TI
KHIS Moſs is the longeſt of all others, being often above twelve
Inches in Length; the main Branches are ſeldom ſubdivided into
leffer ones ; each being thickly cloathed with ſmall oval Leaves, inter-
mixed with browniſh Berries. This chiefly grows upon Rocks, at ſome
Diſtance from the Shore.
The WHITE BROAD-LEAF'D SEA-WEED.
.
HE Leaves of this ſomewhat reſemble thoſe of a ſmall curled
Lettuce, but far more membranouſly thin; and the Leaves more
ſinuated and involved in the Foldings of each other.
T
The PALE-GREEN SEA-WEED.
T!
HIS grows into a Cluſter of thin, flat, pale-green Leaves, di-
vided ſideways into many Branches, each terminating in a blunt,
forked Point.
а.
The CORAL SEA-WEED.
T
HIS extends itſelf from the Rocks, in a long, naked Stem, of a
brown yellowiſh Colour, in Subſtance near as thick a as Raven's
Quill; each, at its Extremity, divided into a Group of many blunt-
pointed Diviſions.
The BROWN HEAD-LEAF’D SEA-WEED.
Ta
HIS grows in a thick Bunch; the Leaves, as they grow, widen ;
and, towards the Top, divide into five or fix deep round-pointed
Sections.
T!
The FINE, WHITE SEA-WEED.
HE Branches of this are very ſmall, and all over hairy: I have
found this Sort growing upon the Sea-Cliffs, near a Place called
the Spout, in St. Lucy's Pariſh : There is likewiſe a black Sort, which
differs from this only in Colour, as well as a dark green ſimilar to it.
This, as it grows, becomes a ſtronger Plant, and expands into Branches,
reſembling, in Miniature, a Deer's Horn.
The

254
Book IX.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The New-ENGLAND, or RIBBAND SEA-WEED.
HIS reſembles a Half-inch-wide green Ribband, and is about two
Foot long; it is generally to be found in deep Water.
а.
T
The RUSSET NARROW-LEAF’D SEA-WEED.
THIS grows in Bunches, upon one common Foot-ſtalk; its
Branches, which are about two Inches long, are flat, and later-
ally divided into many others, ending generally in a blunt, forked Peint.
T'
The FEATHER SEA-WEED.
TI
HE Roots of this are long, and creeping, having ſeveral up-
right, ſingle Stalks; theſe are about four Inches high, each exact-
ly reſembling a ſmall blunt-pointed Pen-feather, whoſe Plumes are wet,
and ſeparated : Theſe are in general, of a dark Colour.
The SEA-JEWS-EARS.
HESE are thin and pellucid; of a ſemioval Form, growing upon
looſe Stones and Rocks.
T
The ORANGE-COLOUR SEA-WEED.
HIS feldom grows above four Inches high, is of a fine bright
Orange-colour, and very much reſembles a ſmall, thick-branch'd
-
Tree, in Miniature.
TO
The BLACK BRANCHING SEA-WEED.
T
HIS divides into many upright ſtreight Branches, each forked
at the Top
The KNOTED SEA-GRASS.
HIS is by far leſs pliable than the laſt deſcribed, and about as
flender as a ſtrong Horſe-hair, the whole being ſeemingly knoted,
the intermediate Space being very
ſmall.
T
The PALE-Yellow SEA-GRASS.
a
T
HIS is of a fine, ſoft, filky Texture, growing upon old Logs of
Wood under Water, and hanging wavingly in it,
The
j]

Book IX.
255
Ipand of BARBADOS
The SHORT PURPLISH SEA-Moss.
TH
HIS is ſeldom above an Inch long, and generally grows upon
the
Extremity of a pendent Rock or Stone.
.
The PALE PURPLE SEA-WEED.
THIS very beautiful Weed grows like a Tree in Miniature ; it is
very full of Branches, and the Whole tranſparent.
The CARBUNCLE.
.
THI
HIS is a ſtony or ſhelly Excreſcence, growing hollow upon Rocks,
and ſometimes even upon the Back of a Tortoiſe-ſhell: When up-
on the latter, they are generally of a Limpet-ſhape, the former, of many
irregular Shapes : Each Sort is inhabited by a Shell-fiſh peculiarly.
а.
•
The TUFTED PENNATED SEA-WEED.
TH
HE Roots of this are ſmall and long; the main Stem is generally
ſingle; each Side elegantly adorned with ſmall oval Leaves, grow-
ing oppoſite to one another, and, when dried, of a tranſparent yellow Co-
lour; theſe grow in ſeveral Pairs, and then diſcontinue; ſo that the
Stalk ſhall appear naked for about a Quarter of an Inch in Length; and
then another Tuft riſes ; and ſo on alternately to the Top. This Plant
feldom grows above four Inches high.
The PENNATED SEA-WEED.
HIS ſeldom grows above three Inches high, and exactly reſembles a
very ſmall Pen-feather. It generally grows upon old Logs of Wood
in the Sea, and moſt commonly not far from Shore.
The GREEN BROAD-LEAF'D SEA-WEED.
TH
HIS differs not materially, in its Make, from the White-lettuce Sea-
Weed, already deſcribed. It is obſerved, that Tortoiſes feed more
upon this, than any other Kind of Sea-Weed.
The RED-LEAF’D SE A-WEED.
THESE grow in many
oblong Leaves, about three Quarters of an
Inch long, and of a light-purpliſh Colour ; generally between high
and low Water-mark.
Ttt
The

256
Book IX.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The SEA-GRASS. 12
THIS
HIS is of a green Colour, hanging in many very fine long filky
Shreds; growing generally upon the Rocks, between high and low
Water-mark,
INTIU
аттота в
The THICK PLUSHY SEA-Moss.
SOVE
ed. In
VDYSI
THIS is generally of a green Colour
, of a ſoft pluſhy Texture ;
growing upon Stones and Rocks in the Sea.
The GRAPE-SEA-WEED.
а портоор
ROZE
ponosTodo o 223
HIS is of a dark Amber-colour. Its ſeveral Branches are ſo many
a fo
hollow Tubes, the Extremity of each generally ending in a ſmall,
round Berry, about as big as a Grain of Pepper.
The GREEN SILKY SEA-Moss.
T
HIS grows generally between high and low Water-mark; and very
much reſembles, in its Texture and Appearance, a confuſed fcat-
tered Cluſter of raw Silk.
has
go
como
toto
3
toe
SAVITOL
COM
CUTA
os luento para sordo com o conto og
Here
los oldal
TO
OF

Book IX.
257
Ipand of BARBADOS.
.
Σ
T
ο
dos 0 F is
EX ANGUIOUS ANIMALS.
HES E are divided into Terreſtrial, Aquatic, and Amphibious 3
and, according to Ariſtotle, they may be farther claffed, by the
following Order, into three Kinds.
(1) Firſt, Thoſe that are compoſed of a ſoft fleſhy Texture ; ſuch as
;
Snails.
(2) Secondly, Thoſe that are more firm ; as all the cruſtaceous Kinds,
s
ſuch as Crabs and Lobſters.
And (3), Thirdly, Thoſe that inhabit the firmeft Shells; ſuch as Oy-
ſters, as well as all other Shell-fiſh.
Theſe, and ſuch bloodleſs Animals, are called Exanguious.
I
The MARBLED SNAIL.
. ci
Found theſe in Plenty upon the Bank of a Pond, whoſe freſh Water
had a Mixture of Salt-water, ſometimes thrown into it at high Tides.
The young Snails hang in great Numbers upon the Grafs, in the wa-
tery Edges of the Pond.
(1) Μαλακία εςιν όσα αναιμα όντα εκλος έχει το σαρκώδες, εύλος δε το ξερεόν, και τα εναιμα
) Matavil
των ζώων, διον το των Σηπίων γενο..
(2) Μαλακόσαρκα εςιν όσα το μεν στερεών εκτός έχεσι, ενός δε το μαλακόν κ σαρκώδες, το
δε σερεών αυτών και θραυσον, άλλα φλαςόν, διον το των καράβων γένει, και το των καρκίνων.
(3) 'Οσρακόδερμα εςί, ών ενός μεν το σαρκώδες, έκος δε το σερεόν, θραυσον, κ κάτακλον, αλλ' και
φλαστον, τοιέτον δε το των κοχλίων και των ορέων γενον,
ή
The
עס

258
Book IX.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The SEA-LEECH.
T "
HE common People call this the Sea, or the Black-pudding :
However, I ſhall call it, the Sea-leech; it hath the Name of
Black-pudding from its great Reſemblance to it.
Its ordinary Bulk is about five Inches long, and two in Breadth ;
yet I have known it to extend itſelf above eight Inches in Length.
They are generally found clinging to the lower Sides of Rocks or
Stones, between high and low Water-mark.
They have no Appearance of Eyes, Legs, or Feet; at leaſt, to the
naked Eye.
a
Their Motion is very flow, and of the muſcular Kind.
When the Tide of Flood begins to waſh the Holes they are in, they
extend from what we muſt now call the Head-Part, in a Bunch, ten or
twelve Snouts like the Horns of a Snail, all coming from one common
Root, like a Bunch of Coral; the Top of each being far wider than the
Shank.
I am confident, that theſe (if I may be allowed to compare ſmall Things
with great) are deſigned, as Trunks are to Elephants, to be the Inſtru-
ments of receiving their Nouriſhment thro' them.
Having examined the Inſide of this, it is one continued Circumvolu-
tion of white Guts, not bigger than the baſe String of a Fiddle.
The Water that it emits, when ſqueez’d, is of fo corroſive a Nature,
that it ſmarts very much, and raiſes Bliſters upon that Part of the Skin,
upon which it falls.
.
The NAKED SEA-SNÁIL.
THI
*HIS is generally of about an Inch and an half long; but, as it is
capable of greatly contracting or expanding itſelf, it appears of va-
rious Bulk, according to its different Motions; ſlender, when it extends
itſelf, and thick almoſt to a Roundneſs, when it is contracted.
It is found under the Rocks and Stones near the Shore.
The SEA-SCORPION.
W
HAT we call here the Scorpion, is by Petiver called Stella
marina Scolopendroides.
Its five Rays might perhaps properly cauſe it to be called the Stella
Marina,
The

Book IX. Iſand of BARBADOS.
259
The SEA-FORTY-LEG.
TH
HIS is about two Inches and a quarter long ; the Back jointed;
and divided into ſeveral Annuli, thick-ſet, with ſtiff ſhort white
Briſtles.
Theſe, when they are all erect, exactly reſemble Pluſh.
The Head is guarded with a Forceps, reſembling that of a Land Forty
Legs; and is found under Stones and Rocks near the Shore.
The SEA-SUCKER.
T
HIS almoſt ſhapeleſs Animal is of a brown fungous tough Jel-
ly-like Subſtance, ſticking to the Rock always under Water: At a
Diſtance, it hath the Appearance of a Sponge.
It is generally of an irregular roundiſh Shape, of about an Inch and
an half in Diameter.
In the Centre of it appears a round Hole, about a quarter of an
Inch broad: This I take to be its Mouth; for when this is touched, it
clofes its Sides together.
I
SHALL finiſh this Claſs of Exanguious Animals, by deſcribing one
of a ſurpriſing Make, fixed to the Rocks and Stones, without any
ſhelly Covering
Its Length, is about an Inch, and three Quarters; and is an Inch in
Diameter ; the Outſide granated, very much reſembling the Roe of a
Fiſh, interſperſed with Veins of a Snuff-colour, and pale-red, mixed with
very pale green Lifts: When it is feeding, both Ends are flat, the one
cleaving to the Rock, the other expoſed to the Flux and Reflux of the
Waves : In the Centre of the latter is its Mouth : In this, when it opens,
,
or gapes to receive what Nouriſhment the Sea, by the daſhing of its
Waves, throws in its Way, are ſeen innumerable fmall blunt fpiral
Feelers, of about a quarter of an Inch long; interwoven within one
another: Theſe are all in Motion, as well as the Mouth open, when the
Waves daſh againſt the Rocks they are upon, as if they were, at that In-
ftant, in Search of Food. In the Intermiſſion of the Waves, the Mouth
,
cloſes; and theſe Feelers, which are very many, and much reſembling,
in Shape, the ſmall Veſiculæ, which conſtitutes the pulpy Part of Oranges
or Lemons) are contracted, and with a ſtrong, but ſlow muſcular Motion
cloſe together, and are, as it were, ſucked back into the Body of the Ani-
mal: Yet they immediately dart out upon the Return of the Waves;
but when the Whole is intirely left dry, by the Abſence of the Water,
this flat circular End, in which the Mouth and Feelers appeared, and
a
.
which,
Ử u u

260
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IX.
which, juſt before, when feeding, were of an Inch Diameter, is in an
Inſtant contracted, like the Mouth of a Purſe drawn together; and be-
comes of a blunt conic Form, the Baſe being the Part fixed or clinging
to the Rock
Its Appearance, in this its quieſcent State, is repreſented in Plate X.
Fig. 4.
There is likewiſe a leſs Sort, of the ſame Species with the above
deſcribed, differing chiefly in Colour, which of the ſmaller Kind is
black.
TELLUS
CG
OF

Book IX. Tand of BARBADOS.
261
va
கோரம்
2 IBANI
ATENDE
O Ο F
CRUSTACEOUS ANIMALS.
a
a
A
S thoſe kinds of Fiſh, whoſe Safety depends upon their Swiftneſs
in Swimming, have not only their Tails and Fins properly adapted
for that Purpoſe, but their Eyes likewiſe (witneſs the Dolphin) never jut-
ting out above the Surface of the Head, left they ſhould retard their
Motion thro' ſo thick a Medium; fo, on the other hand, as the Safety
of Crabs and Lobſters, &c. depends not upon their Celerity, and as
theſe inhabit the Cavities of ſubmarine Rocks and Cliffs, where their
Enemies often lurk under the fame Shelter ; to prevent therefore a ſudden
Surprize from any of theſe, Providence hath not only guarded them
with a ſtrong ſhelly Covering, and often Prickles ; but hath fo commo-
diouſly formed the Eyes of theſe Creatures, that by their great Promi-
nency, and jutting out, fometimes above half an Inch, they can, with-
,
out moving their Bodies, take at once a circular View all around them.
The Weſt-India Lobſters, or what are ſo called, being in Reality the
ſame Make in this Part of America, differ in general, from the Engliſh
Kind, by their Want of Claws, and being guarded with many Prickles.
Theſe, as well as all other Kind of Shell-fiſh, as Milton elegantly ex-
preſſes it,
Within their pearly Shells at Eaſe attend
Moiſt Nouriſhment, or under Rocks their Food
In jointed Armour waich.-
The

262
Book IX.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The DOMINICO-LOBSTER.
HIS Lobſter feldom weighs more than about two Pounds.
THI
The RED LOBSTER.
HIS is the largeſt Lobſter that we have in this Sea; for it often
weighs twenty Pounds; its Colour as above ; but the larger it is in
Bulk, the leſs delicious it is.
The GREEN LOBSTER.
TH
HIS derives its Name partly from its Colour ; and generally weighs,
when full-grown, between three and four Pounds.
Its two largeſt Horns, or Feelers, are about eighteen Inches long :
From between theſe come two lefſer ones, forked or divided near their
Extremities.
The Eyes are guarded by two ſharp-pointed crooked Horns,
The Extremities of the Feet are hairy; and the Shell upon the Back,
eſpecially about the Roots of the great Feelers, is very thickly ſtudded
with ſharp Prickles.
The QUEEN or the BONNE-GRACE LOBSTER,
ΤΗ
HE largeſt of this Sort never weigh above two Pounds.
This is juſtly eſteemed one of the beſt of the Lobſter Kind.
The LAZY CRAB.
T
THIS is a very large beautiful Crab.
The Back is generally full of ſmall Knobs of a pale-ſcarlet Co-
lour ; guarded here and there, but eſpecially about the Edges of the
Back-Shell, with ſhort ſharp Prickles.
It hath four ſtrong Legs on a Side ; theſe are covered over with a
ſhort browniſh Hair or Pile, and are likewiſe, in the Male Crab, defended
with Prickles, the laſt Joint of each Leg ending in a ſharp Point.
Its two great Claws, from the Setting-on to the Body to their Extremi-
ties, are often ten Inches long.
The very Tips of the two meeting Claws, with which it holds its Prey,
remarkably differ from all other Crabs, by their great Breadth, as well as
by their ſeveral regular Indentings, which, when they cloſe together, fall
as regularly into their Sockets as the oppoſite Sides of a Pair of Nippers.
A Claw of one of theſe uncommon Crabs may be feen in the Collection
of Mr. Peter Collinſon.
The Whole is delineated in Plate XXV. Fig. 1.
The

Pl:25 Page 264
Fr z
2
F 3
.
Via
F.
7
.
SOLA
VIRTUS INVICTA
To His Grace the DUKE OF NORFOLK ,
This Plate is humbly Inscribd3cc
I. Mynde vi


Book IX. Tand of BARBADOS.
263
The HORSMAN-CRAB or BEN-TROTTERS.
T!
HIS finall whitiſh Crab, which is generally to be found between
high and low Water-Mark, and is called Horſeman from its great
Speed in ſecuring itſelf, either by running into its Hole, or the Sea, is
far leſs than the white Land-Crab: Its Number of Feet are equal.
The CLUB-MEN.
.
T!
HESE are very ſmall Crabs, near as ſmall as thoſe called the She-
Biters.
They are to be ſeen near the Edges of falt-water Marſhes; they
burrow in theſe fandy and clayey Places.
Their Claws are very large, in proportion to their Bodies: From hence it
is ſaid that they derive their Name.
The SHE-BITERS.
HESE are very ſmall Crabs, inhabiting the Shoals.
Their Backs are not wider than an Engliſh Shilling.
Their Claws, in proportion, are very large.
The LONG-LEGGED VERY SMALL WHITE CRAB,
.
THI
HE Body of this is not larger than an Engliſh Silver Groat.
Its very flender Legs are at leaſt a Foot and an half long, and re-
femble knotted Thread.
This Species of Crabs are ſo ſeldom to be met with, that I never ſaw but
one, and that dead, which was in the Collection of my learned Friend
, ,
Dr. Warren, deceaſed.
The SCUTTLE-CRAB.
a
T
HIS is a ſmall browniſh Crab, marbled on the Back with darkiſh
Lines.
It feeds generally upon the Mofs that grows upon the Rocks, between
high and low Water-Mark.
Their Arnour, when caſt, which they caſt once a Year, looks very
beautiful.
This Crab will creep up and down the moſt ſteep perpendicular, or even
a projected Rock
Xxx
The

264
Book IX.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The Red SEA-CRAB.
а
Th
HIS differs very little, if any thing, from the fame Species in Eng-
land, except in the Colour, which is of a fine Scarlet ; and there-
fore abundantly brighter than that of the Engliſh Crab, which is of a dirty
Red.
They grow here to a great Size; but are not, however, ſo large as
thoſe of the fame Kind in England, but better taſted.
Sales
The SiR-EAGER CRAB,
HE Back-Shell of moft Crabs is ſomewhat foundiſh; but of this
’tis near four Inches long, and not full two broad, the oppoſite
Parts in Length ending in a fharp ſtrong Prickle.
From each of theſe Points to the other the Shape of the Shell comes
neareſt to that of a Semicircle.
This is regularly and deeply indented like the Teeth of a Saw, each
ending in a ſharp Point.
The Colour of the upper Shell is blackiſh, clouded or ſtained with
fome ſcattered Spots of Pale-white.
The two Claws are long, but flender ; the upper Joint, as well as the
Claw itſelf, guarded with three or four Prickles or Teeth.
The upper Part of the laſt Joint is irregularly ſquared, and of a
browniſh Colour; the Part underneath ſomewhat rounder, and of a bluiſh
Colour.
Their Legs are equal in Number to thoſe of the Crabs already deſcribed ;
and they are chiefly caught in falt-water Ponds near the Sea.
They are juſtly eſteemed good Eating.
а.
С
The LARGE WHITE LAND-CRAB.
THE
HE Claws of this are very long and large, in proportion to the
reſt of the Body.
Theſe always burrow in a fandy Soil, near the Sea ; and come chiefly
out at Nights, to feed upon the green Graſs, and tender Vines, growing
upon ſuch Places.
They often likewiſe feed upon Manchaneel Apples, as well as upon
the Leaves or Berries of Poiſon-trees.
At ſuch times they are dangerous to be eaten, unleſs very great Care be
taken to waſh the Fat, as well as the other Meat on the Inſide, with a fuffi-
cient Quantity of Lime Juice and Water.
a
The

Book IX. Iſand of BARBADOS.
265
The MULATTO CRAB.
HIS differs from the white, already deſcribed, chiefly in the Colour
of its Shell, which is yellowiſh, and its Reſidence, which is often
up in the Country, above two or three Miles diſtant from the Sea.
They generally burrow about the Edges of freſh-water Ponds, the
Bottom of their Holes being always fo deep as to reach the Water.
Theſe feed in the Night upon the green tender Graſs about the sides of
the Ponds, and are in general eſteemed as good Eating as the white
Crabs ; but prove equally as poiſonous, if eaten foon after they have fed
upon the Berries of Poiſon-trees; unleſs, as before, the Fat and the in-
fide Meat is firſt waſhed in Lime-Juice; which either corrects or waſhes
off the venomous Quality.
The BLACK LAND-CRAB.
T
HIS ſmall Crab, though I have never ſeen it, yet, as I am credibly
informed, is generally an Inhabitant of old Timber-Houſes, and ſuch
Ruins; and it is very fat and delicious, but rare and uncommon.
The RED LAND-CRAB.
HIS is but a ſmall Crab; the Back ſeldom above two Inches long;
а.
It hath two Claws, and four Legs, on a Side.
Theſe Crabs, after a heavy Shower of Rain in the Months of March,
April, and May, are to be ſeen in great Numbers, loaden with Spawn,
going down to the Sea-Side to depoſit it in the Sand, near the Waſh
of the Water; and ſoon afterwards to return into the Country, but
generally not very far from the Sea ; though I have often ſeen them at
above two Miles Diſtance from the falt Water.
As theſe are very fat, they are eſteemed good Eating.
The common Method of dreſſing them among the Negroes is, to roaſt
them.
This Species of Crabs were perhaps very plentiful in Italy in the Time
of Virgil ; for, in his fourth Georgic, he forbids roaſting of red Crabs
near an Apiary, the Smell of them being diſagreeable to the Bees.
The SOLDIER-CRAB.
THIS is amphibious.
Sometimes it is caught upon the Rocks at a conſiderable Diſtance
from the Land; but they are moſt commonly ſeen upon the Shore.
It

266
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IX.
It is thought to have derived its Name from its frequent Change of its
Quarters; for its firſt Appearance is generally in a very ſmall Periwinkle-ſhell;
as it grows too big for this
, it looks out for another empty Shell, agreeable
to its preſent Bulk; ſoon after, it takes up its Abode in a large Wilk-ſhell.
It hath two Claws, reſembling thoſe of a Crab.
The Tail-Part affords a great Quantity of Oil, which is looked upon
to be of great Service to lubricate fwoln or ſtiff Joints.
Theſe are often found cleaving to Rocks in the Sea, but oftener in
Granaries on Shore, where they deſtroy much Corn.
The Tail, or the hinder Part, is covered with a thin Skin.
This is delineated in Plate XXV. Fig. 2.
a
The HORNED CRAB.
.
THIS Crab is of a middle Size.
The Shell upon the Back, in ſome Places, is much elevated, and
again indented.
Its Head is guarded with two Pair of Horns, both very ſtrong, and
ſharp-pointed ; the one Pair about an Inch and an half long, the other
not above half an Inch.
Each Side of the Trunk or Body is likewiſe armed with four ſharp
Prickles, reſembling a Cock's Spur.
The Body is ſupported by four Legs on a Side, beſides two long feed-
ing Claws, each ending in a Forceps.
The whole Crab is covered with browniſh pluſhy Hairs.
As to the reſt of its Make, it differs from other Crabs, in that its Shell
is longer in proportion than moſt other Crabs, the Sir-Eager excepted, and
more ſharp-pointed than any towards the Head.
This is delineated in Plate XXV. Fig. 3.
The Sea Cock ROCH.
TH
а.
HIS is of the Crab-Kind, and about an Inch long.
Its upper Shell, which is of a browniſh White, freckled with Black,
much reſembles, in its Make, that of a Tortoiſe.
The Head is provided with two hairy Feelers, like the Land-Cock-
Roch.
It hath likewiſe near the Mouth two long Legs, or Providers, one confi-
derably longer than the other.
The Body is likewiſe ſupported by fix other ſhorter hairy ſtrong Legs.
The Tail-Part ends in a ſharp-pointed Flap, which covers Part of the
Belly, and in the Females is the Repoſitory of the Spawn.
Theſe live in Holes in the Sand, in the Waſh of the Water.
They are ſometimes eaten ; and have a Crab-like Tafte.
SHELLS
a

Book IX. Iſand of BARBADOS .
267
AN
SHELLS, and SHELL-FISH.
T
а.
HESE are alſo of the exanguious Tribe ; and differ from the
cruſtaceous Kind, by having their Organs leſs perfect ; for, as the
admirable Mr. Locke obſerves, an Oyſter or Muffel hath not as many,
nor as quick Senſes as a Man, or ſeveral other Animals : Nor, if it had,
would it, in that State, and Incapacity of transferring itſelf from one Place
to another, be bettered by them. What Good would Sight and Hearing
do to a Creature that cannot move itſelf to or from an Object wherein at
a Diſtance it perceived Good or Evil? And would not Quickneſs of Sen-
fation be an Inconvenience to an Animal, that muſt be ſtill where Chance
hath once placed it, and there receive the Afflux of colder or warmer,
clean or foul Water, as it happens to come to it?
It may be expected, that I ſhould here conſider theſe beautiful Pro-
ductions in a phyſical Light, and as they are a Curioſity belonging to the
Cabinets of the Virtuoſi: Yet I ſhall beg leave to ſpeak of them, as they
contribute to the Amuſement of the Ladies. And this I am the rather
induced to do, as I have heard ſeveral of the Fair Sex, who are fond of
Shell-work, frequently ridiculed, as waſting their Time in a trifling and
uſeleſs Manner; and this not without a very conſiderable Expence. That
this Employment is by no means trifling or uſeleſs, is eaſily proved, as it
is abſolutely grounded on the noble and elegant Art of Deſigning, and as
its End is equally that of Imitation. What the Painter performs by an
Aſſemblage of various Colours properly diſtributed, is here produced by
a Diſpoſition of Shells, as their different Tinctures, Shapes, or Sizes,
happen to direct the Fancy : Add to this, that the Repreſentation is by
far more ſtriking in Shell-work, than on the Canvas.
I have ſeen a Roſe in Shells, glowing with as exquiſite a Red, as that
which it received from the Spring. And hence it appears, that Shell-
work partakes of the Nature of Painting, if not of Statuary; imitating
not only by Colours
, but a full Relievo. In ſhort, nothing can be more
properly termed a new Creation, than a well-executed Syſtem of Shell-
work.
а.
Yуу
What

268
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IX.
What can be more delightful to the Imagination, than a Grotto com-
pletely embelliſhed with this kind of Imagery? With what truly roman-
tic Ideas muſt it inſpire one, to fit in a Room furniſhed with the Riches
of the moſt diſtant Shores and Oceans! And theſe not confuſedly thrown
together, but judiciouſly diſpoſed into regular Repreſentations of natural
Objects! We are ſtruck with Aſtoniſhment ! Nor can we determine,
whether we ſhould moſt admire the Sun, which gave to each particular
Shell its delicate Hue, or the Hand of the fair Artiſt, which ranged
them with ſo much Skill.
It will be needleſs perhaps to add in this place, that one of Mr. Ad-
diſon's Sources of the Pleaſures of Imagination may be found in a
Work of this Sort, in its higheſt Perfection; namely, The Beautiful.
Thus I have obviated the Objection, that this Amuſement (or rather
Art) is uſeleſs and trifling. And here it will be proper to take Notice,
that the Genius of Women is much better fitted for this Employment,
than that of Men. For as Shell-work conſiſts in forming pleaſant Pic-
tures, and agreeable Repreſentations, and as theſe are effected by the
means of Shape and Colour artificially put together, a certain Facility
and Fancifulneſs is required, which our Sex is an intire Stranger to.
But, allowing this Diverſion to be trifling and uſeleſs, the moſt ill-
natured Caviller cannot deny, but that it is innocent. How many La-
dies do we ſee faſhionably murdering their Time in Gaming ! A Diverſion
attended with ſome of the moſt abject Vices, and ſhocking Conſequences :
Vices, which one would think inconſiſtent with the Softneſs of the Sex,
and Conſequences, which, I am ſure, that Softneſs can but ill fuſtain.
A Practice this, which ruins their Honour, their Families, and Fortunes;
and (what one would think the Ladies would take more to Heart)---their
Faces. Whereas the Joys of this our Purſuit are pure, and intirely
founded on a contemplative Turn of Mind; eſpecially, if we ſuppoſe,
that one of our modern Calypſo's, after having thus adorned her Grot,
would no doubt chufe to reap the Fruit of her Labours, by making it a
Place to cultivate her Mind in by Muſing.
Some Diverſions muſt indiſputably be indulged the Fair Sex; and this,
I think, is not only as becoming, but as proper, as any. We cannot
ſuppoſe, that our Cynthia's and Flavia’s can leap a five-barr’d Gate, or
walk half a Day with a Gun in queſt of a Wood-cock; Sports, which
are better ſuited to the Strength and Roughneſs of the oppoſite Sex.
But it may be objected, that there are other Diverſions equally adapted
to the Delicacy of Women ; for Inſtance, the Cultivation of Flowers.
In the firſt Place, I ſhall remark, that the Study of the Floriſt is not fo
pleaſing ; whoſe chief Pride conſiſts in a Variety and Beauty of Colours.
Now I appeal to the moſt experienced Naturaliſt, Whether the moſt
choice Collection of Tulips, can vie in beautiful Colours with the Pa-
mana, or Sun-ſhell, the Ear-ſhell, and the Murex, which affords the
genuine Tyrian Purple ? And now I am particularly inſiſting on the
Beauty
a
a

Book IX. INand of BARBADOS.
269
Beauty of Shells, I cannot but obſerve, that no antient Author, beſides
Lucretius, has taken notice of them in that View. His Lines are thefe :
Concharumq; genus, parili ratione, videmus
D
Pingere telluris gremium, qua mollibus undis
Littoris incurvi bibulam lavit æquor arenam. L. II. v. 374.
The Race of Shells, with ever-varying Birth,
So paint the Bofom of the bounteous Earth ;
Where the calm Sea the concave Margin laves,
And bathes the thirſty Beach with gentle Waves.
In the next Place, the Study of Flowers is more expenſive. I confefs in-
deed, that a Collection of Shells cannot be prepared without ſome con-
ſiderable Charge. But do not we daily ſee large Sums thrown away on
a ſingle Tulip-root, the Succeſs of whoſe future Beauty is intirely pre-
carious ? And are not the Hopes and Fears of its Maſter determined by
Showers and Sun-fhine? Beſides, after much Pains and Solicitude, when
the Flower is arrived at its utmoſt Luitre, how foon does it fade! Where-
as the Strength and Beauty of the Shell is fixed, and will ſtand through
many Ages. Indeed, the only Argument that the Study of Flowers has
to recommend itſelf to the Ladies, is, that it will admirably teach them
how frail and fugitive is Beauty !
I ſhall only add, that I hope the following Book, from what has been
faid, will be conſidered as not only written to gratify the Curioſity of the
inquiſitive Philoſopher, but to improve the Imagination of the Female
Artificer.
Of the MUREX.
» UT of all the Shell-fiſh, which are picked up on the shores of this
Iſland, the Purple-Fiſh is the moſt curious and valuable, and de-
ferves a diſtinct and a more accurate Deſcription.
We make no Scruple to affert, that this Purple-Fiſh is the ſo much
celebrated Murex of the Antients; ſince it ſo well agrees with the Ac-
count which Pliny and other Naturaliſts have tranſmitted to us of the
latter ; as we ſhall endeavour to evince in the following Remarks.
And that we may proceed with as much Clearneſs and Perſpicuity as
we can; it may not be amiſs to enumerate the ſeveral Appellations with
which this particular Species or Sort of the Purple-Filh was diſtinguiſhed
from the reſt, and to account for each as well as we may.
I. It is too notorious, that claſſical Authors, and more eſpecially the Its ferveral
Poets, have indiſcriminately uſed the Words Purpura, and Murex; and
have given the general Name, Purple, to the ſeveral particular Tinętures
of theſe different Shell-Fiſh, as if the Dye of the one did not differ from
the
Names

270
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IX.
Jame Fiſh.
Κήρυξ, and
Buccinum.
Murex.
the Dye of the other; and the Purpura and Murex were on and the
But let us, if it be poſſible, be more exact, and diſtinguiſh
them as well as we can ; which we ſhall attempt to do, by giving the
Reader as clear and preciſe a Deſcription of the Murex [for to that more
eſpecially ſhall we confine our Inquiries) as we are able to collect from
antient Authors.
1. The Murex is often called by Greek Authors, rõpus, and Buccinum
by the Latins ; both which Appellations are evidently beſtowed upon it,
becauſe it belongs to the Tribe of thoſe Shell-fiſh which are ſtiled Bucci-
natores; or, as Horace names them, fonantes Concha, ſounding Conchs ;
whoſe Shells, being twiſted, hollow, and fit for the Retention of the Air,
reſemble, in an imperfect Degree, that Shell, which the Antients uſed in
giving their Alarms and Summons, both at Sea, and on Land; and which
ſome of the Moderns at this Day carry and uſe in their Ships.
2. And as theſe Names are attributed to the Murex from the Form or
Make of its Shell; ſo we are induced to believe, that the Appellation
Murex owes its Riſe to the Roughneſs of it. For its Shell is ftudded with
Prickles, ranged in regular Rows, as is the Purpura alſo, and many other
Shells of this Clafs : So that the Name Murex is by no means proper to
the Purple Conch we are ſpeaking of; but belongs to a large Tribe, whoſe
particular Families are variouſly diſtinguiſhed. It is confeſſed, that
Pliny (a) [if we underſtand him, and the Copy be clear of Errors] af-
ſerts, “ that the Buccinum hath no Prickles, as hath the Purpura ; and
cc that in the Shells of both there is a Number of circular Rows, or Ribs,
correſponding to the Number of their Years.” But we preſume this
laborious Naturaliſt either means, that the Prickles of the Buccinum are
not ſo prominent or large as thoſe of the Purpura; or herein has forgotten
himſelf. For if the Buccinum and Murex are the ſame Fiſh, and allowed
by him (6) to be ſo; it follows, that the Buccinum muſt have the Aculeos,
as well as the Purpura, ſince the Name Murex was evidently beſtowed
upon it, becauſe its Shell is pointed or prickled (c). This is the proper
Senſe of the Word Murex; which is therefore applied to Calthorps, or
Chauſſe-trappes, warlike Engines, which are armed with Iron Teeth, or
Spikes; and its Derivative Muricatus, to every thing that is ſharpened
and pointed.
From theſe two Appellations, taken together, we may form a juſt De-
ſcription of the Murex, and define it to be “ a Conch, ſtudded on its
,
a
60
L. ix. c. 36.
(a) Alterum (viz. Purpura] clavatum eft ad turbinem ufq; aculeis in orbem feptenis
fere; qui non ſunt Buccino ; ſed utriſq; orbes totidem, quot babeant annos. Nat. Hift.
(6) See Notes, ibid. And Voffius in his Etymologicon ſhews, that the Murex anſwers
to Ariſtotle's Kõpug [i. e. the Buccinum], and is ſuppoſed by ſome to be derived from it.
In Voce Murex.
(c) So Ifidorus ſays, “ Murex eſt Cochlea Maris, diéta ab Acumine & Aſperitate."
Lib. ii
. c. 6. Originum. Here Ifidorus's Acumen ſignifies juſt the fame Thing, as Pliny's
Aculei.
66 outer

Book IX. Iſand of BARBADOS.
271
e outer Shell with ſharp and regular Points; and twiſted or wreathed in the
« Form and Likeneſs of the Blowing-/hell." In which laft Particular it is
diſtinguiſhed from the other Purple-Fiſh, which is uſually ſtiled the
Purpura.
3. Ineed not add, that the Murex is often called Oſtrum alſo: For from Ofrem.
this Name we ſhall receive no further Information in our preſent Inquiry;
unleſs it be, that as this Word means really no more than the Shell (d);
ſo we may from hence conclude, that the Antients beſtowed this Appel-
lation upon it, by way of Eminence; to teſtify, as it were, the juſt
Senſe they had of its ſuperior Excellence to all other Shells.
II. Thus far then as to the Names attributed by the Antients to the
Murex; which have enabled us to diſcover the Form and Faſhion of its
Shell; which the curious Reader will find to correſpond with the annexed
Draught (Plate XXIV. Fig. 2.], which is taken from a Shell now lying
before me.
The Murex is a ſmall Fiſh; the beſt and largeſt Sort of
them, if we believe Atheneus (e), not exceeding one Pound in Weight.
Thoſe we met with on the Shore of this Iſland (as far we could diſcover)
are much leſs, falling very ſhort, even the greateſt of them, of a
Pound; and moſt of them being little more than half as heavy. The
Dimenſions of the Shell before us, which is one of the common Size of
thoſe, that are here found, will juſtify this Account: For on the flat Side,
or Mouth, it meaſures no more than three Inches and an half in Length;
and two in Breadth; and on the Curve, or outward Shell, four Inches
and an half in Length; and over the thickeſt Part, three Inches and an
half in Breadth: And this Meaſure rather exceeds, than falls ſhort of the
Truth.
The Colour of the outward Shell is a dark Grey, ſometimes faintly
tinged with a Yellow.
a
Its Size:
(d) Oftrum is derived from the Greek öspeov, a Name, which the Grecians beſtow on
all Sorts of Shell-Fiſh. It was alſo ſtiled Conchylium, for the ſame Reaſon, i; e, the
Shell-Fiſh, from the fame Greek Origin, xoyxúrov. But neither this nor that Appel-
lation was peculiar to the Murex, properly ſo called; but attributed alſo to the
Purpura.
(e) Γίνον αι δ' ενιαι των μεγάλων και μναίαίαιL. iii. C. 11. " There are ſome of the
great ones, and thoſe of a Pound Weight.” He calls them indeed loppupce, the
Purple-Fiſh; but I make no Doubt this Word muſt be taken for the ſeveral Species ; for
the Murex, as well as for the Purpura. But if this be not granted, it will follow, that
if the largeſt Purpuré do not weigh more than a Pound, the largeſt Murex will not weigh
ſo much: For Pliny aſſures us, that the Purpura is larger than the Murex, Buccinum
minor Concha, L. ix. C. 36. And though Rondeletius here corrects the preſent Read-
ing, and changes minor into major ; yet this Liberty with the Text is not to be al-
lowed. And Athenæus's Authority in another Place, L. iii. C. II. is againſt it, who
ſays, that the ſmaller Purpuræ are bred on the Shores and Sea-coaſt [the uſual Haunts
of the Murex, as we ſhall ſee hereafter] ; and that their Flos is red; whereas that of the
larger Purpure is moſtly black, and ſometimes, spuépoy purpov, a little red, i. e. of the
Violet Colour. Theſe two Circumſtances convince us, that by the ſmaller Purpura,
Athenaus means the Murex.
Z Z Z
The
ފް

272
Book IX.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
a
Where
found.
The Inhabitant of fo ſmall a Shell cannot reaſonably be expected to
abound with a large Quantity of fo valuable a Liquor; and indeed an
hundred of them are ſcarcely ſufficient to wet and diſcolour a Cambrick
or Lawn Handkerchief of an ordinary Size.
III. As the Shell of the Murex differs from that of the Purpura ; fo
the Places, which each more particularly delights to frequent and inhabit,
are alſo different. Pliny, in recounting the various kinds or Sorts of the
Purpura, diſtinguiſhes them very circumſtantially (whether juſtly or no,
let the Reader determine) by the Places of their Abode ; ftiling fome
Pelagia (f), that love and haunt the deep Water; and are thoſe of which
he ſpeaks, when he ſays, that ſome are caught with ſmall Nets, caft into
the Deep: Others again he calls Littorales (g), ſuch as frequent the
Shore; others Lutenſes, which delight in Mud and Slime; and others
Algenſes, which ſhroud or hide themſelves in the Sea-Weed But the
Buccinum, or, what is the fame, the Murex, ſticks and faſtens, he ſays,
only on Rocks, and there or thereabouts is gathered or picked up (i).
And in this Situation I firſt diſcovered it. For, walking one Day on the
Shore, on the North Side of the Iſland, and ſeeing a Shell-Fiſh, fixed to
the Rock before me, I ordered a Slave to fetch it. The Lad, advancing
towards it with too much Hurry and Impetuofity, graſped it with fo
much Roughneſs, that his Hand was immediately ſtained with a florid
and moſt delightful Crimſon.
This Accident, the Reader will fuppoſe, awakened my Curioſity in
no leſs a Degree, than one of much the like Nature did that of the
Egyptian Hercules ; whom the Inhabitants of old Tyre acknowlege to
have been the firſt Diſcoverer of the Murex, and Inventor of the Purple-
Dye. “He," as Julius Pollux relates the Story, " amuſing himſelf on
“the Sea-coaſt, and perceiving the Hair of his Dog's Lips to be tinged
“ with a fine Red, was excited to examine more nicely into the Cauſe
6 and diſcovered that his Dog had found, and been eating, the Purpura, or
Purple-Fiſh (k).” Or rather thus; as the Story is related by Polydore
2
>
() The Scholiaſt on Apollonius's Argonauts, commenting on the Word troppúperkev,
L. i. v. 461. explains it, xala belles éveGupceiro, " He thought upon it deeply or ferioudly in
ένεθυμείτο,
το his Mind ;” and adds this Reafon, Πορφύρα γαρ είδος ιχθύος εν βάθει της θαλάσσης ευρισ-
κόμενον ;
xóuevov ; the Purple is a Kind of Fish found in the Bottom of the Sea. See alſo Schol. .
in L. ii. v. 548.
(8) I am induced to believe theſe Purpuræ littorales are the Murex; and that what he
ſays of them, means no more, than what he tells us of the Buccinum or Murex, when
he ſays, it is gathered or taken about or near the Rocks. And then the Purpuræ littorales
of Pliny are the ſame as the ſmaller Purpuræ of Athenaus, which are bred on the
Shores and Sea-coaft.
(1) Buccinum non nifi petris adhæret ; circague fcopulos legitur. L. ix. C. 36.
(k) No one will doubt, I believe, that this was the Murex ; and yet we ſee the Gram-
marian calls it the Purpura: An Inſtance of what hath been before obſerved, that theſe
Names are attributed indiſcriminately by Authors to the ſame Fiſh. And Polydore Vergil,
in the Citation that follows, is guilty of the fame Error.
Vergil,

Book IX. Tand of BARBADOS.
273
66
a
>
Vergil (1), who hath given it a more ſprightly and gallant Turn. «Her-
6
“ cules was in Love with a young Lady, a Native of that City, whoſe
« Name was Tyros. A Dog that uſed always to attend her, creeping one
** Day among the Rocks, found a Purple-Fiſh; and, having broken the
“ Shell, and eaten the Meat, returned to his Miſtreſs with his Chaps tinged
« with a purple or ſcarlet Dye. The Lady, delighted with this uncommon
“s and beautiful Tincture, declared to Hercules, when he was paying her the
“ next Viſit, ſhe would no longer receive his Addreſſes, till he had procured
« her a Gown of a Colour as bright and ſplendid, as what he ſaw on the
“ Dog's Lips. This full and pofitive Injunction forced the Hero to go
« in queſt of the Shell-Fiſh; which being found, he not long after
« brought the Lady the Preſent ſhe had required, and became the Inven-
66 -
“ tor of the Purple-Dye.” The Tyrians, it is evident, gave ſo much
Credit to the moſt particular Circumſtance belonging to this Tradition,
viz. the Manner whereby the Purple-Fiſh was firſt diſcovered, as to preſerve
the Remembrance of it long after on their Coins; fome of which may be
now ſeen, with the Dog and Purple-Fiſh, in the Cabinets of the Cu-
rious.
But to return : I ſhall offer my Remarks on the ſeveral Particulars of
theſe Stories hereafter, in the Proceſs of this Diſſertation, and as they occur :
And in this place only take notice, that though theſe Authors differ very
much in other Circumſtances; yet they agree in this, that the Dog, both
that belonging to Hercules, and that of the young Lady, found the Shell
among the Rocks, which Pliny fays is the uſual Habitation of the Murex,
and the Place where I firft diſcovered the Barbados Shell, which we
preſume is a third Circumſtance in favour of our Shell, towards proving
it to be the Murex of the Antients.
IV. The Flos or Tin&ture of the Barbados Conch ſtained, as we before of the
obſerved, the Hand of the Slave, with a florid and bright Red. Now Tincture
.
Ariſtotle (m), in deſcribing the rýpuxes, i. e. the Murices (for of them only
he muſt be fuppoſed to ſpeak), uſes almoſt the very fame Words, ſaying,
" The Juice or Liquor, being either ſqueezed or emitted, dyes the Hand
« with a florid Colour.” And Pliny (n), after him, aſſures us, that the
"
Tincture of the Buccinum, mixed with that of the Purpura Pelagia,
gives the latter auſteritatem illam, nitoremque illum, qui quæritur, cocci, the
Fulneſs and Brightneſs of Scarlet. Laſtly, we obſerve, that the Shell
which Tyros's Dog picked up, emitted a Liquor, which tinged his Chaps
with a Scarlet-Dye (0). This Colour, then, we fuppoſe to be, among
Flos, or
(1) De Rerum Invent. Lib. iii. C. 6.
(m) The Words are inſerted into Athenceus, L. iii. C. 11. from Ariſtotle, by his Latin
Tranſlator ; and are theſe, “ Expreflus ille fuccus manum tingit florido colore."
(n) Nat. Hift. Lib. ix. C. 38.
(0) “ Sua labia puniceo colore infecit.” P. Vergil. ibid,
other

274
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IX.
a
other Marks, a diſtinguiſhing Note and Sign of the Murex, properly fo
called. For Pliny (p) aſſures us, there are only two kinds or Genus's of
the Purple-Fiſh; and that, from the different Mixture of the reſpective
Juices of each, the various Sorts of Purple were made.
The Colour therefore of the Flos or Tincture is another favourable Cir-
cumſtance, which ſtrengthens our Compariſon, and renders it probable,
that the Barbados Conch, we are now treating of, is the Murex of the An-
tients. And here we defire the Reader to recollect another Particular in
the forementioned Story, which muſt not be omitted : It is this; TheLady
required, that Hercules ſhould preſent her with a Veſt or Garment of as
beautiful and lively a Colour, as that, which he then faw on the Dog's
Lips (9).
This Purple-Juice is repoſited in a ſmall tranſparent Bag, or rather
Vein, on the Back of the Fiſh, not far from the Head. And when it is
taken with a Pencil or otherwiſe from the Vein, the Shell being broken,
it is of the Conſiſtence of a thin Cream, of a yellow-greeniſh Colour
ſmelling raw, and very diſagreeably; and the Wool, Cotton, or Linen,
that hath been ſoaked in this Liquor a few Hours, afterwards affumes a
deep ſcarlet Hue. But what ſhall we ſay is the Reaſon, why this fame
Liquor, when transfuſed or ejected through the Mouth of the living Fiſh,
dyes the Hand of him who plucks it from
the Rock, immediately ? Is it be-
cauſe, when the Juice is percolated or ſtrained through the Vein by the
liring Fiſh, it is mixed with ſome other Liquor, that accelerates this Al-
teration of Colours? Or becauſe, when the Fiſh is dead, the Flos is itſelf
debilitated ; becauſe leſs vigorous and able to exert its extraordinary Vir-
tue? Whatever be the Cauſe, the Fact is certain : For the Liquor, when
emitted by the Fiſh, immediately ſtains the Hand ; but when taken out
of the Vein of the dead Fiſh, it is ſome time before the Wool receives the
Tincture.
But though we are not able to account for this ſudden Tranſmutation of
Colour; yet the Uſe of it ariſing to the Fiſh itſelf we think is evident;
and affords us a freſh Inſtance of the Wiſdom and Contrivance of the
great Creator; who hath hereby furniſhed the Murex with the Means of
و
ramento.
a) Concharum, ad purpuras & conchylia, eadem quidem eft materia ; fed diftat tempe-
Duo funt genera. Buccinum minor Concha alterum Purpura vocatur. Lib.
ix, C. 36.
(9) Canis illius labris fplendidiorem, fays P. Vergil. ibid.
(r) Buccinum per ſe damnatur, quia fucum remittit. Plinii L. ix. C. 38.
(5) Athenaus, from Ariſtotle, ſays, dve pérov të peýscovos ry TË Tpaxóns culos éxeri.
L. iii. C. 11. Mønwy, or Papaver, is tò év]òs to izbúos, internum, ſeu inteſtinum piſcis, as he
acquaints us from Epænetus, ibid. Pliny ſays, the Flos lies in mediis faucibus ; which his
Annotator corrects, and ſays, inter hæc [viz, cervicem & papaver] fupra ventrem flos
fitus eft. L. ix. C. 36.
2
fecuring

Book IX. Iſland of BARBADOS.
275
ſecuring itſelf from Danger; which, as the Ink-Fiſh, is directed, at the
Approach of its Enemy, to emit this purple Liquor, which, being nau-
Seous and offenfive, annoys and beats off its Affailant.
The LARGE CONCH.
Buccinum maximum, labro maxime patente purpureo, clavicula muricata.
Liſt. Hiſt. Conchyl.
TH
.
а.
HIS kind of Fiſh is of two Sorts, diſtinguiſhed by the Thickneſs
or Thinneſs of their Shell.
That with the thinneſt Shell is generally the largeſt, and the other the
moſt ponderous.
The Outſide is of a browniſh White, ftudded at uncertain Diſtances,
with blunt-knobbed Protuberances.
The Inſide is finely poliſhed; and its Colour, near the Extremity, of a
pale Red; farther in, of a deep Maiden's-bluſh.
The Head of the Fiſh is guarded with a black horny Beak, or Tongue.
This, being extended out of the Shell, and fixed in the Sand, by a
ſtrong muſcular Motion, drags the Fiſh with its cumberous Weight of
Shell after it.
Ariſtotle and Pliny are of Opinion, that the Uſe of this Beak, in ſome
of the Conch Kind, is to pierce thro' other leſſer Shell-Fiſh, which they
prey upon.
Though this may be one of their Ways of Feeding, yet they are fel-
dom deftitute of Food at lefs Trouble; for there grows upon the Out-
fide of their Shells a fine whitiſh Moſs. This, in all Probability, is no leſs
agreeable to them, than the green broad-leaved Moſs is to the Tortoiſe ; for
the whole Fiſh (except the Tail, which remains in the Shell) is ſeen to
come out of it to feed upon this Mofs, which it licks very clean from the
Shell; ſo that they always carry ſome Part of their Food along with
them.
They are likewiſe to be met with feeding, after great Floods, in the
Sea, oppoſite to deep Gullies, or Rivers ; for as theſe Torrents generally
carry a great Quantity of Land-Fruit, Leaves, and ſuch Fæces, into the
Sea ; the Conchs are often ſeen to feed upon them.
They are evidently Male and Female. The Penis of the Male is
above two Inches long.
The horny Beak above-mentioned is near two Inches in Length, and
three Quarters of an Inch broad, ſharp-pointed, and ſomewhat crooked.
This is fortified with a ſtrong middle Rib, and faſtened to a tough
cartilaginous Neck, as thick as one's Thumb.
The upper Part of this, by ſeveral croſs Indentings, is made as rough
as a Raſp: It is with this Part that it licks, or rather ſcrapes off, the Moſs
that grows upon its own Shell.
Аааа.
About
j

276
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IX.
About two Inches lower appear three cartilaginous Protuberances of
blunt conic Form. Sordo
Two of theſe are about an Inch and an half long, on whoſe Extremi-
ties appear the Eyes, furrounded by two bluiſh Circles.
The Third, which ſtands between theſe, is near as thick as a large
Swan's Quill, and two Inches long; the Extremity of it ending in a
Mouth, which, when the Fiſh doth not feed, is ſtrongly contracted.
Somewhat below theſe, in the Male, appears the Penis.
When the Tail-part, which is gritty, and ſomewhat fandy, is taken
away, the reſt of the Fiſh, being fry’d, eats like Tripe, but ſhorter, ſweeter,
and more luſcious.
The empty Shell, eſpecially thoſe that are thin, is made uſe of, inſtead
of Sounding-Horns or Bells, to call out the Slaves to their work in the
Morning ; for the Tip-end of the Shell being broken off, till the Cavity
appears of about the Bigneſs of a Mouth-Piece to a French-Horn, they
blow into it, and it ſounds ſo loud, that it may be heard in a calm Morn-
ing, above a Mile off.
It ſeems that theſe were made uſe of as early as the Time of the Re-
mans ; for Perfus ſays,
Buccina jam priſcos cogebat ad arma Quirites.
Neither was the Uſe of the Fiſh unknown to the Romans; which ap-
pears by the following Lines.
Lubrica naſcentes implent conchylia lunæ.
Sed non omne mare eſt generoſa fertile teſte.
Murice Baiano melior Lucrina peloris.
Hor.
viles pellent obſiantia conche.
Hor.
-----
С
Manilius likewiſe very well deſcribes their burying themſelves in the
Sand; which they do during the Winter Months,
Sic fubmerfa fretis concharum, & carcere clauſa.
te zien
Theſe are found in great Plenty at the Bottom of the Sea, in about
five or fix Fathom Water, in moſt of our Bays; but chiefly to the Lee-
ward of the Iſland, eſpecially in the Summer-Months.
If the Day is windy, the Divers cannot well ſee them from their
Boats.
To remedy this rippling of the Water, they ſprinkle a Spoonful of Oil
upon the Surface of it.
This

Book IX. Iſland of BARBADOS .
277
This for a ſhort time unites the broken Surface of the Water, by which
means the Divers can clearly perceive any Object at the Bottom:
When the Conchs are thus ſeen, they dive, and bring them up. 700w
la sages
The Cow-HEEL CONCH, or HELMET-SHELL.Tad
OM
Buccinum roftratum grande, raris lineis circumdatum, læve, non niſi
ima parte cujuſque orbis ftriata. Liſt. Hift. Conchyl. Tab. 911.
THIS
HIS is often five Inches long; the Outſide of a dirty White, and
clouded at uncertain Diſtances with browniſh Spots : The firſt Cir-
cumvolution takes up the greateſt Part of the Shell : The Lip is not ex-
panded, as in the large grey Conch; but is thickly welted, turning out-
wards : The incloſed Fiſh is eatable, as in the former.
Food to
di dan weer
The SMALL BROAD-LIPPED CONCH.
a ovoda
Buccinum breviroſtrum labroſum craſſum nodoſum, columella late plana.
Liſt. Hiſt. Conchyl. Tab. 989.
THIS shell is about three Inches long;
HIS Shell is about three Inches long; its Mouth very wide, and
its Lips much expanded: The firſt Circumvolution of this takes up
the greateſt Part of the Shell.
Das
The SMALL CONCH.
Buccinum minimum oblongum læve, e cinereo & fufco variegatum, rittu
anguſto.
THIS
HIS is about an Inch long: The Aperture for the Mouth is long,
and narrow; the whole Shell ſmooth and ſhining, more or leſs
ſpeckled with greyiſh-white and browniſh Spots.
The LARGE BROWN CONCHA VENERIS.
THIS
Concha Veneris major fuſca, cui maculæ fufcæ albis circulis circumdatæ,
Lift. Hiſt. Conchyl. Tab. 698.
un baiat olan
WAS
TO
HIS is often near four Inches long, and about half as broad over
- the Middle, growing bluntly tapering towards both Ends: The Co-
tour of this is of a ſhining Brown, interſperſed with whitiſh and black
Spots : The Slit or Mouth is on each side dentated. homan
The

278
Book IX.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The BROWN BLACK-SPOTTED SMALL CONCH.
Concha Veneris parva ſubfuſca lavis nigris maculis donata.
HIS is a very ſmall well-poliſhed Shell, not much exceeding a
Quarter of an Inch. Its Back is high-raiſed, and variegated with
blackiſh Spots.
TH
The SMALL DARK-COLOURED CONCH.
Concha Veneris fubfuſca lævis, elato dorfo bifaſciata. Lift. Hiſt. Con-
chyl. Tab. 670.
HIS is from an Inch to two Inches long, of a dark-reddiſh
Brown: In every thing elſe it reſembles the laſt-deſcribed.
TE
The SMALL WHITE CONCHA VENERIS.
Concha Veneris alba.
HIS is a very ſmall white Conch, not much above a Quarter of
an Inch long: Theſe often go here by the Name of Rice-Shells,
and at a Diſtance very much reſemble that Grain.
TH
The MUSIC-SHELL,
This is what Doftor Lifter calls Buccinum muficum grave, faciatum ex
lineis quibuſdam interfectis, et maculatum, clavicula leniter muricata.
TH
HIS Shell is about two Inches long, and near an Inch broad
towards the Clavicle: Its Mouth is large : The Circumvolutions
are ſcarce perceivable, ſeveral longitudinal Riſings fupplying ſeemingly
their Places: The Shell is thick and ponderous, and of a Fleſh-colour,
regularly marked with blackiſh ſtrait Lines and ſeeming Notes, as if
drawn for Muſic: Theſe are as regularly croſſed with other leſſer Lines :
It is from theſe that it derives the Name of Muſic-ſhell
.
a
LO
Bola
The

Book IX. Iſand of BARBADOS.
279
The BEEF-SHELL.
Patella oblonga, articulata articulis ftriatis
, extus ſubfuſcis, intus e
viridi coeruleis.
TH
THIS is from one to two Inches long: The Shell, which is of a
blackiſh-grey Colour, is divided into eight Joints laid over one
another : By the Help of theſe the incloſed Fiſh can either bend inwardly,
or expand and ſtreighten its Shell at Pleaſure. The Edges of the Shell are
covered over with a greeniſh ſtrong bearded thread-like Subſtance :
The Fiſh, which is of a pale-reddith Colour, is very firm eating, ſhort,
and well-taſted. Theſe Beeves are likewiſe diſtinguiſhed into the Day and
Night-Beeves.
The CORNUA AMMONIS.
IT,
.
THESE are properly called Tubuli vermium albidi, vel e rubro
fufci; and are generally of a dull-white Colour, incurvated in
many
Revolutions like a Ram's Horn, but far cloſer together; the
ſmall gyral Extremity ending in a Point, the other being ſealed or glazed
over. There are ſome to be met with by far leſs curvated than the above-
deſcribed. They are often found upon a Place called Long Bay, in the
Pariſhes of St. Andrew, and St. Jofeph.
The SEA-EGG.
TH
a
:
HESE are diſtinguiſhed into three Sorts; the black, the grey,
and the ſhooting Sea-Egg. The two former are chiefly the
eatable Kind: Their Appearance very much reſembles an Hedge-hog
in a defenſive Poſture : It is of a globular Form, depreſſed at both Ends;
its Mouth being a ſmall round Hole in the Middle of one of the depreſſed
Surfaces, having five Teeth, the Points of all meeting in the Centre :
The whole Shell is very thickly ſtudded round with ſharp-pointed Prickles
of about an Inch long. Theſe ſerve as offenſive and defenſive Weapons,
the latter to guard it againſt the white Gavally, a Fiſh, which, inſtead of
Teeth, hath ſtrong bony Mandibles, and preys upon Shell-Fiſh. Theſe
Prickles ſerve alſo inſtead of Feet; for, by moving theſe, it can roll on in
an orbicular manner to find out its Prey, or to avoid Danger. Theſe
Prickles are jointed to the Shells by a Socket
, which exactly fits a protube-
rant Knob ariſing from the Surface of the Shell. From the Socket of theſe
Prickles ariſe likewiſe many ſmall cartilaginous Sinews, which terminate
in the innumerable ſmall Holes, which in a very beautiful Manner per-
forate the Shell. It is by the Help of theſe that the Prickles are capable
B b b b
of

280
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IX.
of Motion. When it moves, which it does but ſlowly, it ſeems as if a
Grove of Spears was in Motion. The Inſide of the Shell is lined with
about five Lobes of a granulated yellow Subſtance, reſembling the Roe of
a Fifh: Theſe Lobes are in Length about three Inches, and in Breadth
near an Inch: However, their Bulk depends much upon the Time of their
being taken ; for theſe Lobes are larger, and even better taſted, in the
(a) Full than in the Wane of the Moon; but if not quickly eaten, or
put into ſtrong Vinegar to harden, they very ſoon diffolve into a rich
reddiſh Liquid: A full-grown Shell is about fourteen Inches in Circum-
ference. The Difference between the black, the grey, and the whitiſh
Sort, is not worth mentioning: However, the black ſhooting Sea-Egg dif-
fers from all the reſt by the extraordinary Length of its Prickles, and its
great Force in darting them to annoy its Enemy; which it does with
that Violence, that I have known them to ſtrike or dart them thro' the
thick fleſhy Part of the Toe-nail of a Fiſherman. The Sea-Eggs were
known to the Romans; which appears from the Words of Horace.
.
D
- Miſeno oriuntur echinie
Horret capillis, ut marinus, afperis,
Ecbinus.
Epod. V. 27
a
It appears from a Paſſage in Lucilius, that the Antients were not well
acquainted with the proper Seaſon for taking this Fiſh, as being larger
and more delicate in the Full of the Moon.
Luna alit oftrea, et implet echinos.
Theſe Sea-Eggs are to be found in the Bottom of fine ſandy Bays, in
about ſeven or eight Feet Water. This is delineated in Plate XXVI.
Fig. 1. Fig. 2:
The PLATE-FISH, or the FLAT SEA-EGG.
TH
HE Plate-Fiſh hath a flat Shell ſomewhat diſhing inwards on
one Side ; It is generally from two to three Inches Diameter. The
upper and the under Shell are ſo thin, and ſo cloſe together, that the in-
cloſed Fiſh is very ſmall. The ſeveral thouſand little Holes in theſe Shells,
by which, I ſuppoſe, Nouriſhment is conveyed to the Fiſh, are no leſs re-
markable for their Number, than their Regularity and Beauty. This
(a) This evidently confutes Mr. Rohault, who ſays, that the Moon hath no Influence
in repleniſhing at the Full, or leſſening at the Wane, the Meat that is incloſed in theſe
and ſuch-like Shell-Fiſh.
Shell-
2

26:
280
Plate24pag. 298
F19,3.
Fig.4. .
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Figit.
.
Fig. 2
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old
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HONI
ONSE
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SARA
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To His Grace The DUKE of BEDFORD
This Plate is humbly Inscribd?
J. Mynde.

Oblood
byla
Instala
.
1

Book IX. Iſand of BARBADOS.
281
Shell-Filh is generally found ſlightly covered with Sand, which I
take to be their Security from being perceived by Crabs, Conchs, or
other Animals, which prey upon them: Their Surfaces are covered
with thick ſetaceous Villi ; and the Middle of the Shell is by ſmall
Punctures divided into the Appearance of five narrow roſaceous Leaves,
as well as four oblong Holes of near half an Inch long, and a quarter
wide. Perhaps Nature intended theſe, that the Fiſh might faſten itfelf by
them to the Points of Stones or Rocks in the Bottom, left the Current
ſhould drive them away from their Feeding-place, or Place of Safety,
Plate XXVIII. Fig. 3. Fig. 4.
XXVI
The MUSSEL-SHELL.
T!
HIS is not here above an Inch and an half long at moſt; and the
incloſed Fiſh is proportionably ſmaller, a dozen of them not
weighing an Engliſh one: Theſe I have found in Beds to the Leeward
of the Iſland in the Pariſh of St. Lucy.
T
The LARGE WHITE COCKLE.
co
C
HES E are found near Needham's Fort. The Shell is a great deal
larger than that of the Engliſh Cockle, and flatter.
The RIBBED LIMPET.
T
HESE are called here the Nipple-Shell. Some are of a white
Colour, others browniſh, and ſome ſpotted: There are likewiſe of
theſe Species fome that are ſmooth,
The THIMBLE-LIMPET.
TH
HIS is ſmaller, and more compreſſed, than the laſt-deſcribed.
The ROCK-OYSTER.
a
T
a
THIS is a rocky rather than a ſhelly Subſtance. It grows to the
Side of moffy Shoals and Rocks at different Diſtances from the
Shore. When opened, they have the Reſemblance of a Shell on the In-
fide, and contain a fleſhy Subſtance, in Taſte very much reſembling an
,
Oyſter, differing very little, if any thing, from the Mangrove-Oyſters
fo

282
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IX.
ſo commonly growing to the Roots of thoſe Trees, in ſeveral of our
Weft-India Iſlands.
The RED SPECKLED WILK-SHELL.
T
HESE Shells are beautifully ſtreaked with ſmall broken Veins
of Red upon a white Ground: They are to be found in Plenty
clinging to the Rocks on the Leeward-ſide of the Iſland, eſpecially in
St. Lucy's Pariſh.
The Blue and WHITE-MARBLED WILK-SHELL.
HIS is of the Make and Bigneſs of the laſt-mentioned, and differs
only in this, that the white Ground of this is finely ſpeckled with
blue broken Streaks: Theſe are likewiſe found chiefly in the Leeward-
part of the INand.
The BLACKISH WILK-SHELL S.
T.
HESE are of the Bigneſs of the laſt deſcribed; and I take them
to be the ſame Species, but that the Shells of theſe are turned black
with Age.
PUNCHES.
TH
HES E long ſlender Worms are very ſeldom ſeen. Their Habitations
are innumerable Cluſters of wreathed vermicular open-mouthed
Tubes, cemented together into irregular Lumps, and ſometimes into
large Beds many Feet in Circumference: Theſe Tubes differ in Colour,
being ſome of an Amber-colour, ſome black, and others of a dirty
White. The Aperture, by which the Worm enters, is round and open,
of the Bigneſs of a Raven's Quill. The Edges of theſe Tubes are ſo ſharp,
that they will, if trod upon, cut a circular Inciſion in the Fleſh, leaving
the middle Space of their Diameters untouched : This Puncture exactly
reſembles the Impreſſion made upon Leather by an Inſtrument, which
the Shoemakers call a Punch. Theſe are generally found between high
and low Water-Mark,
а.
The

Book IX. Iſland of BARBADOS
283
The PRICKLY HAM-MUSSEL.
r
TH!
HIS Shell is often eight Inches long, ſmooth within, and rough
without; being ſtudded without jutting ſeeming Tubes. This is
feldom found with Fiſh in them on our Shores,
The LARGE THREAD-GIRDED COCKLE.
T!
HIS is a large flat Cockle, generally found in the Sand near
Needham's Fort.
GRATER SCALLOP.
GE
HESE are here but ſmall, and very feldom found on our Shores.
THESE
CURL-GIRDED NEEDLE.
THIS is very harp-pointed, of about two Inches long and wreath-
ed. From the Uſe made of it, it is often called here the Tobacco-
Stopper. I have found theſe upon the green Shoal near Six Men's Fort
in St. Peter's Pariſh. The Fiſh inhabiting this Shell, when it moves,
carries it upright: When Numbers of theſe are together, and in Mo-
tion, they reſemble a Grove of Spears.
2020
TRITON'S TRUMPET.
370
a
T!
HIS is the largeſt, as well as the moſt beautiful of the Turbinate
Kind, and very ſeldom to be met with upon our Shores : Thefe
are beautifully ſtained with black and white Spots, and the Shell is often
nine Inches long
SS
Сccccape The

284
Book IX.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The SMOOTH GREY CASKET.
A
Small Species of theſe are often found on our Shores, but ſeldom
any of the large Sort : What are here found are generally of a
yellowiſh dirty-white Colour.
The SPIRE-SHELL.
Gaia
THE
HESE are generally ſmall, and very ſmooth, of a reddiſh Brown,
ſpotted with Black. There are others of a Pale White, ſpotted with
Black ; both Sorts generally well poliſhed. Theſe are very common
upon almoſt all our Shores.
.
The WELTED CASKET.
coor
TH
HIS is generally of a brown Colour, and furrowed length-ways: It
is of a far ſtronger Conſiſtence than the laſt-deſcribed.
a
The GREY CASKET.
TH
*HIS is generally of a grey Colour; and ſometimes they are found
of a browniſh Grey. Their Texture is generally very thin.
a
The WHIRLIGIG.
THIS
HIS is generally of a bluiſh Colour, and is often found upon the fe-
veral Shores of the Iſland,
2o The KNOBBED TRUMPET.
T
HIS Shell is of a dirty White, as well as fome of a brown Colour;
and found in many of our Bays, but not in great Plenty.
The SMOOTH-LIPPED CASKET.
THI
*HIS Shell is often found on the Shore at Maycock's Bay in the
Pariſh of St. Lucy.
AGATE-

Book IX. Iſland of BARBADOS
285
AGATE-STAMPER.
а.
THIS
HIS Shell is from half an Inch to two Inches in Length, generally
of a reddiſh Brown ſpotted with Black : They are likewiſe found of
a pale-white as well as bluiſh Colour, and very common upon the
Shores of this Iſland.
5. ਪੰਜ ਮ003
buatda
E The ROYAL STAIRCASE, uc
TI
HIS is a ſmall white fpiral Shell, belted with a ſharp riſing Ridge
from the Top to the Bottom in the Form of a wreathed Staircaſe.
The SPOTTED CYLINDER-SHELL:
a
T , .
HIS is about two Inches long, of a dirty Colour, white ſpeckled with
!
ſometimes black, ſometimes brown Spots.
The BROWN CYLINDER-SHELL.
THI
HIS is thin, and well poliſhed; ſeldom longer than two Inches,
and of a reddiſh-brown Colour.
T
The Mole Cowzy.
THI
HIS is very feldom found on the shores of this Iſland : What I ſaw
was three Inches long, of a brown Colour, and faintly ſpotted with
Black.
The TRIANGULAR STRIATED BUCCINUM,
THI
HIS is a middle-ſized Shell, thickly labiated, and pretty ſharp-
pointed ; the ſeveral Strie, on the Back-part eſpecially, running
tranfverſly and deep.
The

286
.
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IX.
The Top-SHELL.
.
THIS is a large shell, fpotted moft commonly with
Blue and White
,
Red and
taken off, the inner Part conſiſts of fine Mother of Pearl. The Mouth-piece,
or Cover of the Mouth, is of an horny Subſtance, of a browniſh-black
Colour, incircled with ſeveral Ringlets of a Gold-colour. Theſe are
generally found in deep Water, and in great Plenty in the Sea, oppoſite
to St. Lucy's Pariſh. The laſt Stage of an Hermit-Crab or Soldier is, to
inhabit one of theſe empty
c.
22
cocoon
empty Shells.
C.
E
te for
5
CS
THE
Τ

Book IX. Mand of BARBADOS .
287
TH
THE Deſcription of our ſeveral exanguious Tribes of Animals be-
ing completed ; our next Inquiry will naturally fall upon our
Submarine Plants. I ſhall divide theſe into three Claſſes : The Firſt and
moſt perfect is the large black Sea-Rod, which often grows to the
Height of a ſmall Tree; this, as well as each of this Species, is ſmooth,
black, and ſhining, of a very tough Subſtance, ſomewhat between Horn
and Wood, ſmelling ſtrongly of the latter when burnt. The Second is
very buſhy, feldom exceeding four Feet in Height; its very numerous
Branches ariſe almoſt together from very near the Root, and are in gene-
ral of an equal Height and Bigneſs: This differs from the naked black
Sea-Rod, by having their Surface covered with a calcareous Cruft (of
about the Thickneſs of an Engliſh Shilling), and here and there marked
with Aſterisks; the innner Texture of the Plant being of the ſame Na-
ture as the above deſcribed. The Third and laſt are all Kinds of Coral-
line Bodies,
The LARGE BLACK SEA-Rod.
T!
HIS often grows to about fifteen Feet high, and always in a con-
ſiderable Depth of Water; its Branches are few, but ſtrong and
tapering; the Outſide appearing almoſt as ſmooth, black, and ſhining, as
Ebony; and if firſt boiled in freſh Water, and afterwards often oiled,
they will be very pliable and tough, and make very beautiful Switches.
The LESSER SEA-ROD.
a
HIS is a ſlender ſmall black Rod, having a great many very
ſmall
TH
weak undivided Side-branches. This species grows between high
and low Water-Mark in the Clefts of Rocks, ſeldom riſing above five
Foot high.
D d d d
The

288
Book IX.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The Sea-FEATHERS.
TH
HESE ſeldom grow, on the Shores of this Iſland, above two Feet
and an half high; they likewiſe ſeldom or never differ in their
Make or Texture, being each compoſed of a ligneous horny Subſtance,
and beautifully reticulated. Some are of a darkiſh Colour, and others of
a light Grey: I obſerved fome of the latter to have their Edges bordered
with a faint Yellow, ſlightly tinged with Green.
.
The INCRUSTED SEA-RODs.
T
*HESE are always in Bunches, ſeldom growing above four Feet
high; their many Branches ſpring from one common Stalk, very
near the Root: Theſe are almoft all of a Size, in Length and Thickneſs;
and the Outſide covered with a calcareous Cruft, of about the
a
Thickneſs of an Engliſh Shilling. The Surface of this is pitted with many
very -
ſmall Star-like Holes. This is delineated in Plate XXVII. Fig. 1.
The SMALL INCRUSTED SEA-ROD.
THIS
"HIS ſeldom grows above a Foot and an half high; and its Surface, in-
ſtead of being, as the laſt-deſcribed, covered all over with a thin
pliable calcareous Cruſt, is here-and-there annulated with irregular
knotty Bandages, of a white coralline Subſtance, reſembling the ſmall
Star-Coral. This kind of Sea-Rod branches very little, and its Branches
are but very flender. .
Ο Ε
or

Plate, 27. Page 288
lan
THE
Fig. 1
PIE
SAUFRAGIS
290
bel
So the hight Hm Herthe
To
Earl of Sandwich,
First Sords of the Admiralty
This Plate is humbly inſcribd
Fig. 2
Ehret
de,

BOGATA ood
2 TAD
Geo
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sino and both boy
o lodi u baiqqa ad end
sode todo
como o

Book IX. Iſand of BARBADOS
289
OF
C 0 RA L S.
O
TH
HOUGH theſe, in general, are Vegetables; yet we are not to look
upon them among the loweſt Claſs of this Kind, becauſe they bear,
at leaſt here, neither Leaves, Flowers, nor Fruit, having likewiſe their Con-
ſiſtences ſo brittle, that they are neither malleable, nor any ways pliable :
However, their innumerable Shoots and Branches are not void of Beauty,
nor uſeleſs in medicinal Preparations; the white Sort being, when pul-
verized, eſteemed good to free the Stomach from acid four Juices; and
the red Coral is not leſs efficacious in itopping Fluxes : From the
Growth of theſe, we may likewiſe obſerve, that Providence is not tied
down in its Operations to mechanical Rules: For among Vegetables,
which flouriſh upon the the Surface of the Earth, all our Art and Contrivance
are in vain, unlefs we can procure them either natural or artificial Heat;
and a Communication of Air ; whereas theſe grow to a great Length in
above forty Fathom Water, where the Heat of the Sun cannot penetrate.
I ſhall begin the Deſcription of Corals with that called the Harts-
born Coral.
The SEA-GINGER, or the PALMED HARTS-HORN.
HIS is a digitated Sea-Coral, and is called Ginger from its very
hot Quality ; for if a Piece, newly broken, be apply'd to the Tongue,
it taſtes exceſſively hot. It is found in great Plenty upon the Shores in
the Ifland of Antigua, as well as among many other places upon the Pen
lican boal in this Iſland,
This is delineated in Plate XXVII. Fig.
,
a
2.
The

290
Book IX.
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The HART'S-HORN CORAL.
:
.
TH
HIS takes its Name from the great Reſemblance its wide-extended
Branches have to an Hart's-horn, both in Colour and Shape: They
grow upon Rocks, at different Depths under Water: The Branches are
of a browniſh White, but always at the Top ſharp-pointed, and tipped
with a clear White: They are of ſo cloſe a Texture, that, when ſtruck by
any Piece of hard Wood or Iron, they afford a metallic vibrating Sound:
This Sort grows to be often above five Feet in Length. I have likewiſe
ſeen a leſſer Sort, reſembling the palmed Hart's-horn.
а.
а.
The Pan SHOAL, or HONEYCOMB STONES.
a
TH
HESE are to be found under Water at different Depths, from two
to twenty Feet: Their Shape generally reſembles a Honeycomb,
and that not only as they are broad with a ſimilar Thinneſs, but like-
wiſe as they are full of Holes: Several of theſe, eſpecially near the thickeſt
Edge, are cemented, or, as it were, waxed over, exactly reſembling that
Part of an Honeycomb which is filled with Honey. From the Stone
when broken, drops a liquid Subſtance of the Conſiſtence of thin Oil.
Theſe in few Years grow to a conſiderable Bigneſs, and are to be found
upon
almoſt all the Shores, more particularly at a Place in St. Lucy's
Pariſh, called Fryer's Well.
The WHITE CORAL.
TH
HIS Coral is found upon the shores of moſt Bays in the Iſland:
The Stars are compoſed of ſo many thin Partitions; the interme-
diate Space, between each Line, hollow; and the folid waved Inter-
ſtices of the Coral-ſmooth, hard and well-poliſhed: Theſe intervening
Ribs riſe higher than the Star-like Reſemblances.
This is delineated in Plate XVII. Fig. 7.
The MILLIPORA PERFORATA.
HIS is all over perforated into innumerable ſmall Holes, gene-
rally of an equal Size : I am of Opinion, that theſe Holes were
formerly filled with ſtar-like Subſtances; but, as the Rays which
compoſe theſe, are from their ſofter Texture, as well as their hollow In-
terſtices, leſs able to bear the violent Toffings of the Waves againſt the
ſharp-pointed Rocks, that theſe Stars, in time, were ſo intirely broken,
nothing now remains, but the Holes which they once occupied, among
the ftony Ribs.
The

Book IX. Tand of BARBADOS
291
The LARGE WHITE FINE-RAYED STAR-CORAL.
TH
HIS is very often of a conſiderable Bulk, and its Surface thickly
crouded with very ſmall Stars, whoſe Rays are ſcarce perceptible
to the naked Eye.
The KNOTTY STAR-BEAMED CORAL.
T!
THIS is to be found on all our Shores, and very much re-
ſembles that of the ſame Claſs found in the Mediterranean by
Dr. Shaw, with this Difference only, that the Extremities of this are of
a blunt conic Shape.
The TUBULAR CORAL.
ΤΗ HIS ſpreads into ſeveral thick ſhort Branches ſtudded all over
with innumerable ſmall open-mouthed Tubes, the Whole generally
of a browniſh Colour without, and white within.
The COMMON BRAIN-STONE CORAL:
Fungus coralloides encephaloides, gyris in medio ſulcatis, lamellatis;
ſerratis. Boerh. Ind. Plant. p. 1.
Lapis fungites cerebriformis. Ray's Hiſt. App. p. 1850.
THIS, as do many others of the fame Species, derives its Name from
its Reſemblance to the human Brain, the waving white Ribs riſing
higher than the intermediate Spaces: Theſe Stones are to be ſeen very
common on all our Sea-ſhores, as well as on the Land, eſpecially about
Black Rock, in St. James's Pariſh, and generally near the Sea.
The LARGE-RAYED BRAIN-STONE.
Fungus coralloides, laminis magis undulatis. Boerh. Ind. Plant. p. 2.
THIS
HIS hath its ſeveral ſinuated Riſings and Depreſſions intirely
rayed, whereas theſe Riſings in all other Kinds of Brainſtones are
ſo many folid Veins dividing the porous Part into many ſinuated In-
fo
terſtices.
What is called here the fine ribbed Brain-ſtone differs from the above
by having many hard finuated Veins running through it, and riſing
higher than its porous Interſtices.
Ееее
The

292
The Natural Hiſtory of the
Book IX.
The SMALL STAR-CORAL.
HIS differs from the laſt deſcribed, by having its Stars even with
the Superficies of the intervening Ribs.
The VERY SMALL STAR-CORAL.
Fungus coralloides, ftellis minoribus, rupibus corallinis accreſcens. Boerh.
Ind. Plant. p. 2.
THE Surface of this is almoſt intirely covered with the Appearance
of very ſmall Indentings like Stars.
The LARGE STAR-CORAL.
THE Surface of this is indented with the Appearance of Stars, far
larger than thoſe already deſcribed.
The WIRE-SPONGĖ.
THIS
HIS is of the Sponge-kind, though it hath no Elaſticity: Its Sub-
ſtance is far more reticulated than any other Sponge: It grows
chiefly upon the broken Stumps of Sea-Rods: It generally grows of a
cylindrical Form, and hollow in the Middle: It is of the Colour of a
common Sponge, and its Parts are as ſtiff as if they were compoſed of
very fine Wire.
- The SOFT SPONGE.
THIS Claſs cleave to the Rocks, or rather grow from them, as Fews-
'
.
The BEAMED CORAL.
Madrepora ramofiffima fuſca, halcyoniis et offreis accretis infignis.
Boerh. Ind. Plant. p. 5.
T HE Specimen I ſaw here has no Oyſters or Halcyonia on it; but
it hath a fine brown Tubulus Marinus.
a
I
Shall conclude this Book with the Deſcription of that ſurpriſing Crea-
ture the Animal Flower firſt obſerving that the remarkable Place called the
Spout, in St. Lucy's Pariſh, is a large Hollow under a rocky Cliff impending
over the Sea : As the Waves continually ruſh with a violent Force into this
hollow confined Part; it throws upwards, through an Hole in the Surface
of the Rock, a conſiderable Body of Water, from fifteen to fifty Feet high,
• containing ſeveral Hogſheads. It may be ſeen at ſeveral Miles Diſtance.
THE

X
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to bloque ad
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Salt og
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Saved on toredai
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Plate 24 pag. 293
bod
=
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Fig.2.
NEC CUPÍAS
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To the Right Honourable
3 bilio. Sord. Hardwick.
LORD HIGH CHANCELLOR OF GREAT BRITAIN;
This Plate is humbly inseribd.
&c
motos
J. Mynde sc.

Book IX. Iſland of BARBADOS.
293
2
THE
AN I MAL FLOW E R.
A
а.
S in Man, the moſt perfect Part of the ſublunary Creation, there
are apparently ſeen ſeveral different Degrees of Perfection of Body
and Mind ; and in Animals the Sagacity of ſome is evidently ſuperior to
that of others ; ſo likewiſe in this ſeemingly confuſed Species of animal
Life, and vegetable Appearance, the Chain gradually deſcends with a
ſurpriſing Mixture and Connexion.
Whoever hath Leiſure and Abilities to purſue a general Inquiry of this
Nature, will ſoon find, that this progreſſive Series runs through the
whole Creation -- From the moſt exalted Genius to the almoſt ſenſe-
leſs Idiot ---- From the moſt fagacious ſenſible Creature to the almoſt
inſenſible Muſſel ---- From the towering Cedar to the Hyſſop ſpringing
from the Wall, or the humble Moſs.
Such is that univerſal Harmony and Connexion, that runs through
the numberleſs Ranks and Orders of Beings, till we come at laſt to in-
animate Matter.
This ſurpriſing Creaturë, that I am to treat of, háth, for a long
time been the Object of my own filent Admiration ; and it would even
now be thought chimerical to mention, much more deſcribe, the Qua-
lities of ſo ſtrange a Phænometion, if the Polypus of late Years had not
afforded a ſurpriſing Inſtance of Almighty Power.
The Cave that contains this Animal, is near the Bottom of an high
rocky Cliff facing the Sea, in the North Part of the Iſland, in the Pariſh
of St. Lucy: The Deſcent to it is very ſteep and dangerous, being in ſome
Places
a
I

294
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IX.
а
mer.
Places almoft perpendicular; and what adds an Horror to this dreadful
Situation, is, that the Waves from below almoſt inceſſantly break upon
the Cliff, and ſometimes reach its higheſt Summit.
As ſoon as you are freed from this complicated Apprehenſion of Dan-
ger (in your Way down) you enter a Cave ſpacious enough to contain
five hundred People. The Roof of this is in ſome Places imboſſed with
conglaciated Incruſtations intermixed with ſmall Tubes, through whoſe
Extremities a ſmall Quantity of the moſt limpid Water drops.
From this you enter another Cave, ſmall in Compariſon of the for-
The Bottom of this is a natural Balon of Water of about fixteen
Feet long, and twelve in Breadth. This, at low Water, is about eleven
Feet perpendicular Height from the Sea, which, when the Wind is high
on that Point, daſhes into it; ſo that the Water in it is intirely ſalt, ex-
cept a ſmall Mixture of freſh, which ouſes and drops through the Roof
of the Cave.
In the Middle of this Bafon there is a fixt Stone, or Rock (as I ſhall
call it), which is always under Water.
Round its Sides, at different Depths (ſeldom exceeding eighteen Inches)
are ſeen at all Times of the Year ſeveral ſeemingly fine radiated Flowers
of a pale Yellow, or a bright Straw-colour ſlightly tinged with Green,
Theſe have in Appearance a circular Border of thick-ſet ( 1 ) Petals,
about the Size of, and much reſembling, thoſe of a ſingle Garden Mari-
gold, except that the Whole of this ſeeming Flower is narrower at the
Diſcus, or Setting on of the Leaves, than any Flower of that Kind.
I have often attempted to pluck one of theſe from the Rock to which
they are always fixt; but could never effect it. For as ſoon as my Fin-
gers came within two or three Inches of it, it would immediately con-
tract, and cloſe together its yellow Border, and ſhrink back into the
Hole in the Rock; but, if left undiſturbed for the Space of about four
Minutes, it would come gradually in Sight, expanding, though at firſt
very cautiouſly, its feeming Leaves, till at laſt it appeared in its former
Bloom: However, it would again recoil with a furpriſing Quickneſs,
when my Hand came within a ſmall Diſtance of it.
a
Having tried the fame Experiment by attempting to touch it with my
Cane, and a ſmall ſlender Rod, the Effect was the ſame.
Theſe were ſtrong Appearances of Animal Life; yet, as its Shape,
and want of local Motion, claſſed it among Vegetables, I was for
ſome time in Suſpenſe, and imagined it might be an aquatic Senſitive
Plant : And though its Contraction to avoid the Touch was quicker than
any Plant of that Kind ; yet, as its ſeeming Leaves might be, and in reality
а
( 1.) Petals are the fine coloured Leaves, which compoſe in a Marigold, and fuch-like
Flowers, the yellow circular Border.
They are called Petals to diſtinguiſh them from the green Leaves of the Plant.
were,

Book IX. Iſand of BARBADOS.
295
were, of a far thinner and more delicate (1) Texture than thoſe of any
Plant ; and as Water is eight hundred times heavier than Air, the ſud-
den Weight of fo thick a Medium, by its Undulation cauſed by the Pref-
ſure of my Hand or Stick, might very well account for its ſudden
Contraction.
This was my Opinion, till a ſubſequent Viſit cleared my Doubts; for
I plainly ſaw four dark-coloured Reſemblances of Threads ſomething like
the Legs of a Spider, riſing out of the Centre of what I have termed a
Flower. Their quick ſpontaneous Motion from one side to the other of
this circular yellow Border of ſeeming Leaves (which in reality were fo
many Arms or Feelers), and their cloſing together in Imitation of a For-
ceps, as if they had hemmed in their Prey (which the yellow Border like-
wiſe foon furrounded and cloſed to ſecure), fully convinced me, that it was
a living Creature.
Its Body at a Diſtance appears to be about as big as a Raven's Quill,
and of a blackiſh Colour; the one End ſticking to the Rock, the other
a
extending a very ſmall Diſtance from it; and incircled round with a yel-
low Border, as above deſcribed.
Thus what in its firſt Appearance ſeems to be of the vegetative Kind,
by its Motion, and quick Senſe of Self-preſervation, proves an Animal.
Now, ſince the ſame Wiſdom and Goodneſs, which give Being to
Creatures, often preſerve them in that Exiſtence by Ways and Means
as wonderful as their Creation was before; this leads me to offer a probable
Conjecture, why God's amazing Providence (which doth nothing in vain)
endued the Arms or Feelers of this Animal with a fine yellow Colour,
and hath ordained it to differ in this particular from the ſeveral Tribes of
fungous Animals, that are always found cleaving to the Rocks in the
Sea.
As theſe latter may be fed with Spawn, or ſome Animalcules, which
the Flux or Reflux of the Waves may throw in their way, there was no
Need of any uncommon Means to intice their Prey (if Animals) within
their Reach; whereas the Water in the Cave is, for the moſt part, void of
any Motion that can convey Food for theſe Animals. Therefore there
was a Neceſſity of ſome extraordinary Temptation to allure their Prey
within their Power, to ſeize it; otherwiſe they might ſtarve in the midſt
of Plenty.
To this End, that Divine Goodneſs, which filleth every thing living
with Plenteouſneſs, hath finely deviſed this providential Stratagem (if I may
(1) Tho' I could not by any means contrive to take or pluck from the Rock one
of theſe Animals intire ; yet I once cut off (with a Knife which I had for a long time
held out of Sight near the Mouth of an Hole, out of which one of theſe Animals appeared)
two of theſe ſeeming Leaves. Theſe, when out of the Water, retained their Shape and
Colour ; but, being compoſed of a Membrane-like Subſtance, ſurpriſingly thin, it ſoon
ſhriveled up, and decayed.
,
ffff
be

296
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IX.
be allowed the Expreſſion), and given theſe Animals that fine tranſparent
Colour, to be a Means to provide for them their daily Food : For as
bright Rays of Light (or ſomething ſimilar in its Effect) are very invite-
ing to ſeveral Animals, eſpecially thoſe of the aquatic Kind, the beauti-
ful Colour of this circular Border may ſerve as a Decoy for very young
Fiſh, or other Animalcules, to divert themſelves (as Flies about the
Flame of a Candle) in ſwimming about the Verge of this ſeemingly
harmleſs Flower, until they come within the Circle; then theſe bright
Leaves in Appearance prove, in Reality, ſo many Arms or Feelers, that
with a quick Motion cloſe together, and ſurround the Prey; which,
being thus fecured, is conveyed to the Mouth, as above-mentioned.
There are likewiſe on the uppermoſt Part of the Rock, in the above-
deſcribed Baſin, innumerable Cluſters of (what are here called) Water-
Bottles, very much reſembling ſcattered Cluſters of unripe Grapes; the
Outſide conſiſting of a bluiſh ſkinny Tegument, like that of a Grape;
the Inſide full of Water ſomewhat turbid.
Among theſe alſo are a great Number of Animal Flowers of the fame
Species with the yellow large ones. Theſe now to be deſcribed are like-
wife fixt to the Rock, not in Holes, as the above-mentioned, but ſtick-
ing to the Surface among theſe Water-Bottles, and generally not above
nine Inches under Water.
The Leaves, or rather Feelers, of theſe are of a greyiſh-purple Colour
variegated with black Spots. Their Motion likewiſe to avoid the Touch
is not ſo quick.
Having plucked one of theſe from the Rock, I perceived the Body,
which was about an Inch long, to have, whilft between my Finger and
Thumb, a ſenſible vermicular Motion. The Feelers likewiſe, which de-
corated one End of it, when expoſed to the Air, ſhrunk up, and remained
as lifeleſs: But as ſoon as the Whole was dipped in their proper Element
the Water, they would immediately, as it were, affume a new Life, and
appear again in their full Vigour.
Soon after the Diſcovery of theſe ſurprſing Animals, a great Number
of People came to view them : But as this was attended with ſome ſmall
Inconveniency to a Perſon, thro' whoſe Land they were obliged to paſs ;
he therefore, to get rid of the Company, reſolved to deſtroy the Object
of their Curioſity : In order to do ſo effectually, he took a Piece of Iron
prepared for that Purpoſe ; and then carefully bored and drilled every
Part of the Holes where theſe ſeeming Flowers were bred; but, to his
great Surprize, they in a few Weeks appeared again iſſuing from the ſame
Holes.
Let us here, for awhile, ſtop, and ſee whether our much boaſted Rea-
ſon can find out how even a latent Principle of Life can be preſerved,
after the whole organic Body is torn in Pieces.
When we ſee this Animal, in a ſhort time after, reſuſcitate, and
appear
in its former Proportion, Beauty, and Life, can we, after ſuch an ocu-
lar
a
a
a

Book IX. Inand of BARBADOS.
297
a
а.
lar Demonſtration of fo aſtoniſhing a Change in a Creature deſtined for
this Life only, and removed (in all Appearance) but a few Degrees from
the vegetable Creation, any longer entertain Doubts about the poſſibility
of another Doctrine of a far greater Conſequence? And as every paft Age
hath been, fo undoubtedly every future will be, bleſſed with ſome fur-
priſing new Diſcovery of God's unſearchable Power and Wiſdom.
Our own hath produced a wonderful Inſtance of this ; for what Scep-
tic, fome Years ago, would have believed the Poſſibility of fo extraordi-
nary a Production as the Polypus? Who would not have faid, with the
,
unbelieving Jews in the Wilderneſs, Can God do this? And yet we
find, that this ſurpriſing Generation is now a known Matter of Fact.
That the above-mentioned Conjecture about the Uſe and Efficacy of
its Colour is not groundleſs, may be made ſtill more evident, by many
analogous ſtriking Inſtances.
For thoſe ingenious Gentlemen, Mr. Turberville Needham, and Mr.
Trembley, obſerve, that Polyps, and aquatic Inſects, kept in Glafs Vef-
fels, by excluding the Light from every Part, except one little Opening,
after ſome time all aſſembled at this Opening; and yet theſe Polypes have
not, perceptibly to the ſtrongeſt Magnifier, any Organ that in the leaſt
reſembles Eyes.
If Light is therefore ſo attractive to theſe Animals which are viſible,
why may it not be likewiſe fo to other Animalcules to us imperceptible ?
And may we not further ſuppoſe, that the Appearance of the former to-
wards the Light may be in Search of theſe Animalcules, their deſtined
Prey ?
But in what manner the Rays of Light affect theſe Animals, whether by
its Motion acting upon their whole exceedingly delicate nervous Syſtem,
which, like the Retina of the human Eye, is in every Part ſenſitive, is, I
believe, inexplicable
Where Sight is apparently wanting, as in Polyps, a Delicacy of Touch
may, for ought we know, and indeed in all Probability doth, take up
the gradual Chain, and, in a ſurpriſing manner, fupply its Place.
Such is the inſenſible Gradation, which is progreſſively continued by
imperceptible Degrees thro' the whole Creation, from animate to inani-
mate, rational to irrational, that we know not where preciſely to deter-
mine their reſpective Boundaries. In like manner, Light and Darkneſs,
Motion and Reſt, we ſpeak of as Things very different and oppoſite : Yet
no one will preſume to ſay, what is the preciſe and abſolute Boundary
between langid Motion, and abſolute Reſt; or determine the Period where
the laſt dying Sound expires in dead Silence.
And perhaps this gradual Chain and Connexion terminates not with
fublunary Things; but may be progreſſively continued far above the Ken
of the moſt exalted Genius, or even the Comprehenſion of perhaps celef-
tial Beings, till all created Perfection is loft in him, who is Perfection
itſelf.
This
а.

298
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book IX.
This Animal, and the Cave containing it, are delineated in Plate XXIV.
Fig. 1.
The SMALL BLUISH ANIMAL FLOWER.
TH
a
HESE grow in Cluſters upon the Rocks between High and Low-
water Mark. The Edges of each are compoſed of a circular Bor-
der of ſmall fiftular thread-like brown Petals (if I may ſo call them) ſur-
róunding a fungous Subſtance, of about the Breadth of an Engliſh Silver
Two-pence, and of a bluiſh-green Colour. This Species is by far leſs quick
in avoiding approaching Danger than thoſe already deſcribed; confequent-
ly their Organs of Senſation are leſs perfect; for they will ſuffer themſelves
to be touched, before their guardian Petals or Arms cloſe together to de-
fend or preſerve the Whole. I have obſerved a larger Sort of the ſame
Species, having their brown Petals or Arms longer than the above-de-
fcribed, as well as of an irregular unequal Length: Theſe likewiſe gradu-
ally leffen in their ſenſitive Perfection, and are generally found at ſome
Diſtance under Water, whereas the former, in Neap Tides, are often for a
ſhort time expoſed to the Air, and that ſeemingly without any Prejudice,
The

men
THE
NATURAL HISTORY
OF THE
Iſland of BARBADOS.
| BOOK X.
Of the SEA and its INHABITANTS.
a Time
a
A
INVIONDR
DIEU EN
Is the Earth is full of God's Riches, fo is the great and
wide Sea, wherein are Things creeping innumerable,
both ſmall and great. We are no fooner advanced to
the Shore, at leaſt a few Yards farther upon the
ſmooth Surface of the Water, on the Weſt Side of
this Iſland, but we are, eſpecially in calm Mornings and
Evenings, pleaſed with the Sight of ſeveral Groves of
Coral, Sea-Feathers, and Sea-Rods; the former grow in thick Cluſters,
yielding an imbrowned Shade, and remain as ſturdy Oaks unmoved;
the latter, with their numerous, pliant Branches, wavingly bend with
the undulating, flow Motion of the Water. The interſperſed, vacant,
fandy Spaces reſemble ſo many bright Lawns which pleaſe with a Kind of
regular Confufion.
a
Gggg
The

The Natural Hiſtory of the Book X.
300
♡
The Whole is made more grateful ſtill by the Sight of numerous
Tribes of Fiſhes, which either feed upon, or wantonly fkim the Sur-
face of the deep Water, or lie groveling at the Bottom.
There the bulky Conch, as it moves, is ſeen to furrow the glittering
Sand; and the Warlike Sea-Egg ſlowly waves its thouſand Spears.
A Scene of this. Nature cannot be better repreſented than in the
Words of Milton:
Theſe
With their Fins, and ſhining Scales
Glide under the green Waves in Sculls that oft
Bank the Mid-fea : Part ſingle, or with Mate
Graze the Sea-weed, their Paſture, or through Groves
Of Coral ſtray, or ſporting with quick Glance
Shew to the Sun their waved Goats dropp'd with Gold.
For 50
As the Inquiries we have inade in the foregoing Books have fuffi-
ciently convinced us, that Nature hath provided terreſtrial Animals,
ſome with Strength, others with Swiftnefs, and even the weakeſt and
feebleſt of the exanguious Tribes (ſeemingly the moſt helpleſs and im-
perfect) with ſome Skill or Contrivance to preferve its Species ; ſo we
ſhall be no leſs agreeably ſurprized to find that the fame Divine Power
is not leſs conſpicuous in the Make of the Inhabitants of the wide-ex-
tended Ocean, from the huge Leviathan to the ſmalleſt Fry. Each In-
dividual is not only adapted, by its Blood and Juices, to the Element
they are in; not only taught to propagate their Species, but alſo to
preſerve them from their Enemies; for the Lamb flies not the Wolf
with greater Dread than the Flying-Fiſh doth the Dolphin, and that in
like Manner its Enemy the devouring Shark.
It is remarkable in the Flying-Fiſh, that theſe, whilft fmall and un-
fit for Uſe, are never ſeen near the Shores; and the few that accident-
ally appear, avoid the Bait or Net with a ſurpriſing Shyneſs; but when
full
grown,
and in Perfection, they croud to a convenient Diſtance from
the Shores, and by their Tameneſs court, as it were, the deſtroying
Hand of Man; for they will neither fly out of his Way, as they do
from the Dolphin, nor will they dive into the Deep; but ſuffer them-
felves to be taken up with the Hand, or with a ſmall Hoop-net, which
is the common, and moſt expeditious Way of taking them.
Many have been the fruitleſs Inquiries to find out the certain Pe-
riods and Cauſes of the various and oppoſite Sea Currents, ſo remark-
able near this Iſland. As I have obſerved theſe to be higher and
ſtronger at the Full and Change of the Moon, as well as more rapid,
and more inclined to the Northward, this induced me to believe
that, tho' the primary Cauſe of the Current, as well as the higher Flow
of the Water, at fuch Times, is owing to the Influence of the Moon;
yet the Byaſs of this Current, more to the Northward than to any other
Part,
a

Book X. Iſland of BARBADOS.
301
Part, is occaſioned by the Nearneſs of the South-Weſt Continent of
America to this Iſland, and the Remoteneſs of the Continent on the
North-Eaſt, or oppoſite Part from it.
For, when the Waters at theſe Spring-Tides are elevated and depreff-
ed, by Turns, by the Influence of the Moon, they will naturally recede
towards that Point where they meet with the leaſt Reſiſtance; there-
fore, tho' the Courſe of the Current may, and often doth, run towards
the South-Weſt; yet, as ſoon as it is reſiſted by the Continent of
America, on that Point, which is not quite three hundred Miles
diftant from this Iſland, it recoils back with redoubled Force towards
the oppoſite Point, which is the North-Eaſt; and, as it meets there
with no Reſiſtance, 'till it comes to the Continent of Africa; which is
about two thouſand Miles diſtant from this Iſland, it is no Wonder that
the Current, eſpecially in the Decreaſe of the Moon, is more inclined that
Way; and, when it varies from theſe Courſes, it may be attributed
chiefly to the Change of the Wind from the true Trade Eaſterly
Winds to the South-Weft; or perhaps to the great and violent Land-
Floods from the many and large Rivers from the neighbouring South-
Weſt Continent of America, which måy ſometimes byaſs theſe Currents.
It hath been obſerved by many Writers, that the Sea-water is falter
in theſe hot Climates than in other Northern Seas. This Difference the
ingenious Mr. Rohault fays, ariſes from hence, viz. “ That the Sun's
Heat, being more intenſe near the Equator than in thoſe Seas which
« are at a greater Diſtance from it, a much greater Quantity of freſh
“ Water muſt continually aſcend up in Vapours, than elſewhere;
« which do not often deſcend again in Rain, 'till they are carried to a
great
Diſtance from thence: ſo that there being a leſs Quantity of
" that which temperates the Salt to be found in thoſe Seas which are
« between the two Tropics, than in thoſe Seas which are in the frigid
« and temperate Zones; it is no Wonder if their Waters are falter:”
And he likewiſe adds, " That the Ocean is of much larger Extent be-
tween the Tropics than any where elſe, and yet there are fewer Ri-
vers that diſcharge themſelves into it.
The Cauſe of the Water's greater Degree of Saltneſs in theſe Parts,
being thus explained, the Wiſdom of fuch Allotments of Providence
will ſoon appear, when we farther conſider, that as the calm Latitudes
are within the Tropics, therefore if the Sea was not much impregnated
with Salt, its Surface in thoſe Parts, called the calm Latitudes, would
in all likelihood ftagnate, and fend up fo many impure and ſtinking Va-
pours, that it would infect not only thoſe but the adjacent Climates with
Diſtempers, perhaps very little leſs pernicious than the Plague itſelf.
Of all the Fiſh caught in our adjoining Sea, I ſhall take notice of
fuch only, as have been either inſufficiently deſcribed, or whoſe Deſcrip-
tions have been totally neglected by other Authors. Among the former
is the following
(6
66
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60
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302
Book X
The Natural Hiſtory of the
The TOAD-FISH.
T
a
а.
HIS Fiſh, which is the Dread and Terror of Fiſhermen, is no leſs
ugly in its Shape, than miſchievous by its Prickles; its Length
in general, is from Eight to Eleven Inches ; the Colour of the Skin, is
of a browniſh-red, intermix'd with blackiſh Spots; the Head is very
large, in Proportion to the reſt of the Body, and almoſt intirely cover'd
with ſharp Prickles; the Eyes are pretty large, incircled with a white
Iris ; its Back is remarkably arm’d with a Row of very ſharp Prickles;
theſe, when the Filh is neither in an offenſive nor defenſive Poſture, are
almoſt couchant; and, to prevent their Points being by any Accident
blunted, they are ſheath'd in a ſtrong muſcular Membrane, or Web,
dividing each Prickle. When the Filh is diſturbid, this Skin or Mem-
brane is immediately contracted, and lies in Folds cloſe to the Back,
ſo that almoſt the whole Length of theſe Spears are then unſheath’d,
and better fitted to make deeper Wounds, than if the Web had been
immoveable, as it is in almoſt every other Fiſh, guarded for common
Defence with Prickles. When theſe Spears are erect, if the unwary
Fiſherman treads upon it, (for it will not attempt to get out of his
Way,) gives a ſtrong Flutter with its Fins, and ſtrikes or darts them into
his Foot: the Pain that immediately enſues, is not to be deſcribed, be-
ing ſo very violent for the Time it laſts, (which is generally 'till the ſame
time of the next returning Tide) that the Agonies they endure are in-
expreſſible: And as few, (if any) that have been once wounded, will
be ſo hardy as to venture a fecond Time to the Sea, without being firſt
guarded; perhaps the Proverb, letus Piſcator ſapit, might have its Riſe
from hence; eſpecially if theſe Filh are in Plenty upon the Italian
It is obſerv'd that the Part affected near the Wound turns livid;
but, if the Liver of the Fiſh be immediately applied to it, it gives Eaſe
in ſome ſmall Degree. This I take to be owing to the Oylineſs of the
Liver, which blunts the Spicula of the poiſonous Particles; for I am
very confident, that this ſevere Pain doth not proceed from, or is oc-
caſion’d by the Wounds, or Punctures made in the Feet, however ſen-
fible that muſcular and nervous Part may be, but from ſome liquid
Poiſon injected into the Wounds, thro’ theſe Prickles.
а.
Shores.
O"
Of FLYING-Fish in general.
F this Claſs there are no leſs than Five Sorts, in this Part of the
Weſt-Indies; tho' there hath been I believe, as yet, but one of
them taken Notice of, or deſcribed by the Writers of Natural Hiſtory;
which, by way of Eminency and Diſtinction, is called the Flying-Fiſh:
the reſt, no leſs deſerving of that Name, are the Flying-Gar-Fiſh, the
Sea-Bat, the Guinea-Men, and the Ballahws.
The

Bcok X.
303
Iſland of BARBADOS
"The FLYING-FISH.
TH
a
a
THIS Fiſh is prepoſterouſly deſcribed by moſt Travellers, who often
take more Pleaſure in ſetting Men a ſtaring at Repreſentations
in themſelves incredible, than in candidly and honeſtly relating ſuch
Matters of Fact, as come within the Sphere of their Knowledge.
Thus, when this Fįſh is made the ſurprizing Topic of Wonder, as
the Generality of Mankind know no other Method of flying but with
Wings, they are immediately induced to believe, that this Fiſh hath,
according to the real Acceptation of the Word, Wings to fly with ;
whereas what are ſo called, are only Fins common in their Make with
the Fins of ſeveral other Fiſh; differing only in Bigneſs
, which in Pro-
portion to the Size of this Fiſh; are indeed far larger than any other;
the Flying-Gar-Fiſh excepted: This, that we are now deſcribing, is
not, at its utmoſt Growth, more than Nine Inches long, flattiſh on the
Back, and growing broader towards the Head; the Back and Head are
of a dark Blue, and whitiſh under the Belly; they have two large Fins,
a
ſituated poſt Bronchia ; theſe in a full-grown Fiſh are fix Inches long;
and each in Breadth at their greateſt Expanſion; about three Inches:
When purſued by a Dolphin, as their Swiftneſs in ſwimming is far in-
ferior to that Fiſh; to avoid him they give a Spring out of the Water,
and immediately (if I may be allowed the Expreſſion) unfurl or expand
their Fins, not with a tremulous, but a ſteady, quick, gliding Motion;
which they do with great Swiftneſs; but, if the Day be hot, or the
Weather ſultry; their Flight is ſhort; for, as ſoon as the Heat of the
Sun dries up the Moiſture upon their Fins, which made them pliable,
they muſt dip into the Water to receive a freſh Supply. By the beſt
Gueſs that I could make; I never perceived any of them to fly above
ſeventy of eighty Yards, tho' oftener but forty or fifty at a Time.
Their Increaſe is prodigiouſly great; otherwiſe the whole Species muſt
have long ago been deſtroyed; for they are a Prey to Men; Fiſh, and
Birds; having no certain Tenure of Life, either in Air or Water :
for, when purſued by Dolphinsj, or other voracious Fiſh, if, to avoid
theſe, they ſeek Refuge in the Air, a Bird called the Cobler, among a
great many others, dafts with the Swiftneſs of an Eagle to deſtroy
them. I cannot help obſerving here, that there is ſomething very pe-
.
culiar in the Make of the Wings of this Bird; for, as it ſeeks its Prey
at a great Diſtance from Land, and being obliged to be long upon the
Wing, often at the Diſtance of a hundred Miles off, to be able
therefore to endure ſo great a Flight; the Wings are not only large in
Proportion to the Body, the better to enable them to bear its Weight;
but the Tip-end alſo of the Pinion, inſtead of having one, the common
Make of moft Birds Wings, it hath two ſtrong Bones; by which means
the Vibration of the Wings is ſtronger and more ſtca lý.
Hhhh
TH

304
Book X
The Natural Hiflory of the
The FLYING-GAR-FISH.
THIS is a far larger Fifh than that
HIS is a far larger Fiſh than that properly called the Flying-Fiſh: it
hath a long Duck-like Noſe; and its Fins are fo large, that it
can raiſe itſelf out of the Water, but its Flight is ſhort.
o The FLYING-SEA-BAT.
a
THI
HIS is of different Size, from fix to fifteen Inches long ; tapering
from the Head to the Tail; the Mouth is cloſe to the lowermoft
Part of the Head ; the lower Jaws are expanded, and terminate in two
long Prickles, in Length an Inch; the Eyes are large ; between
;
theſe the Head ſinks in, or is much indented; this, as well as the Neck,
is cover'd over with a hard Scarf, or thick Coat of Mail, which termi-
nate in two long ſharp-pointed Lobes in each ſide of the Back; the reſt
of the Body of the Fiſh, which is of a dark Grey above, and whitiſh
a
under the Belly, is cover'd over with hard finall Scales; from behind
the Gills on the Belly-fide riſe two Fins ; theſe are in Length about two
thirds of the Length of the Fiſh; with theſe it flies; for, when ex-
panded, they are from the Extremity of the one, to the Extremity of
the other Fin, full as broad as the Fiſh is long; theſę Fins are narrow
and ſtrong when cloſe to the Body; but towards their Extremities very
membranaceous, thin, and of a black Colour ; the Back is fupplied with
two ſmall Fins; the Belly likewiſe under the Wings, is guarded with
two Inch-long, ſoft pointed Horns, the whole Fiſh ending in a mid-
dle-fized forked Tail; theſe when caught with a Hook, and brought
to the Surface, will fly a conſiderable Way, unleſs check'd by pulling
the Line : they, as well as the two following, are very feldom to be
a
:
met with
The GUINEA-MAN.
HIS is confiderably larger than the Flying-Fiſh, and hath a ſome-
what Duck-like Noſe, and Fins fo large, that he can raiſe him-
ſelf out of the Water, and fly a ſmall Diſtance, tho' not ſo far as the
Flying-Fiſh.
T
The BaLLAHW.
а.
T
THIS is a ſmall Fiſh, ſeldom aboye ſeven or eight Inches long; the
under Part of the Noſe is a great deal longer than the upper : :
this likewiſe by its large Fins, flies a ſmall Diſtance ; but not near
ſo far as the Flying-Fiſh.
The

Book X.
gos
Tiard of BARBADOST
The INK-FISH.
TA
HIS is of the cartilaginous Kind, and hath been by ſeveral
Authors, ſo well, and ſo often deſcribed, that I have nothing
to add, unleſs that the Curious hitherto have in their Accounts look'd
upon this to be the only one that emits a black Liquid; whereas the
two following are provided with ſuch, which they ſpirt out to diſcolour
the Water when in Danger of being caught. By this Means they eſcape
the Ken of their Enemies; for, as they are not provided with defenſive
or offenſive Weapons; this Liquid, which is as black as Ink, is as
neceſſary for their Preſervation, as Swiftneſs is to a Dolphin, or their
large Fins to any of the Flying-Fiſh Kind. The blackeſt Liquid lies
in the Tail of this Fiſh;
The CÂT OF NINE TAILS.
T
HIS cartilaginous Fiſh, notwithſtanding its Name, hath but
five inſtead of nine Tails ; which in general are not above ten
Inches long, tapering to the Point ; and, tho' they are but flender,
yet their Strength and elaſtick Power is almoſt inconceivable. The
largeſt of thefe ſeldom weighs above a Pound, yet it is found to be a
difficult Taſk for a very able Man to uncling one of them from the
Rocks to which they are fix’d. As cartilaginous Fiſhes in general
have no Air Bladders, it is no Wonder that none of this Clafs are found
in deep Waters, their Reſidence being chiefly among Shoals and Rocks
between one and fix Foot deep. They feed chiefly upon Wilks, ;
young Conchs, and Crabs; the latter it breaks to Pieces, and the former
it ſucks out of their very Shells:
The SCUTTLE FISH.
ܕܽ
TE
HIS hatli eight Tails, ånd öften weighs near two Pounds
every Part of this Fiſh is full of ſtrong elaſtick Muſcles, eſpe-
cially its numerous Tails, which are often fifteen Inches long, tapering
to the Point. This, as well as the Ink-Fiſh, is provided with a black
Liquid, to diſcolour the Water, whilſt it makes its Eſcape from its
Enemy, with this ſmall Difference, that the Liquid is lodged in the
Head of this, whereas that of the Ink-Fiſh lies in its Tail.
The TRIANGULAR FISH.
T!
HiS often grows to be near fifteen Inches long, weighing fix;
ſeven or eight Pounds; the Mouth is ſmall, and pouched and
tinged with a blackiſh Hue for near an Inch round ; the Teeth are
many,

306
Book X
The Natural Hiſtory of the
-
many, long and blunt-pointed; the Body of the whole Fish is å
triangular Trunk, the Belly-part making the Baſe of the ſmalleſt Angle;
the Skin is black, hard and rough; being raiſed into innumerable
ſmall Angles repreſenting Fret-Work; the Mouth lies level with the
Baſe of the Angle which conſtitutes the Belly-Part; its Eyes are large,
and the upper Part of the Head much indented between them ; the
Back is very crooked and ſharp-edged, being almoſt of the Conſiſtence
of a Horn; it hath two ſmall Fins poft Bronchia one upon the Back
near the Tail, and one nearly oppoſite to it under the Belly ; each
Side of the loweſt Angle being the Belly-Part is, near the Tail, guarded
with a ſhort horny Prickle ; the whole Fiſh ending in a forked Tail.
This is delineated in Plate XXVIII.
а.
а.
The HORNED CONEY FISH.
T
THIS chiefly differs from that already deſcribed, by having its
Head guarded by a Pair of ſharp-pointed Horns of, ſometimes,
near an Inch long, bending ſomewhat downwards. There is another
remarkable Difference, which is peculiar to this Fiſh alone ; for if eaten, ,
eſpecially the Liver and the Head, the Perſon feeding on it will, in a
few Minutes after, be as drunk as if he had drank ſtrong Liquor to
Excefs : For his Reaſon and his Limbs will fail him, until reſtored to
both by a ſound Sleep.
The SOAP FISH.
T
THIS is a ſmall Fiſh, not above fix Inches long ; it is of fo
ſoapy a Nature, that when caught and ſtrongly agitated in
Water, it will cauſe almoſt as ſtrong a Lather as an equal Quantity of
the beſt Soap. I am of Opinion that Nature intended it this Quality
(ſince it is incapable of every other Defence) to be as much a Means of
avoiding its Enemy, as the Swiftneſs of fwimming is to ſome, or their
Prickles to others : But as the extraordinary Slippineſs of this Filh can
be no Defence againſt an Antagoniſt provided with Teeth, therefore I
beg Leave to conjecture that its natural Enemy is among the cartilagi-
nous Claſs of Fiſh (eſpecially as it is alway found feeding near the
Shore ;) and none more likely of this kind than the Cat of Nine Tails,
and Scuttle-Fiſh;. for theſe, by their numerous Tails which have ſo
Atrong a muſcular Force, graſp and hug their Prey to Death, unleſs by
its Slippineſs it can diſentangle itſelf from them: The Strength of the
above-mention’d Tails is otherwiſe ſo great, that by fixing their Heads,
and, perhaps, ſome of their Tails to a Rock in the Bottom under
Water, and the remaining round the Arm of the Perſon diving for
them, there hath been one Inſtance of the Diver not being able either
to

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PL 28. pag 306


Book x. Iſand of BARBADOS
307
to pluck up the Fiſh clinging to the Rock, nor to extricate himſelf
from it, and conſequently periſhing in the Attempt.
The OLD MAN.
T!
,
a
HIS Fiſh is about eleven Inches long from the Head to the
Tail, and about ſeven in Breadth ; the Head and Mouth are
ſmall; the Teeth many and ſharp; the whole Skin is black and rough:
It hath two very remarkable Prickles upon the Back, not far from the
Tail; theſe, when the Fiſh feeds; are couchant cloſe to the Back;
but, when annoy'd, are erect and prove offenſive or defenſive Weapons ;
but as they have no membranaceous Web to ſupport them by its Elaf-
ticity, as moſt other Fiſh (which Nature hath endued with Prickles)
have, to ſupply this ſeeming Want; this Fiſh can, by the Help of very
ftrong Muſcles, join'd to the Root of "theſe Prickles, raiſe them in an
inſtant upright, ready to guard himſelf or annoy his Enemy; and,
even when the Fiſh is dead; if both theſe Prickles (the uppermoſt
being above an Inch and a Quarter long) are lifted up into an upright
Pofition, the largeſt falls into a Socket in the Back-Bone ; where it
will remain unmoveable, and will fooner break than bend. But as a
ſmall Touch upon the Trigger of a Gun's Lock will bring down the
Cock from its full Bent, ſo the leaſt Motion or Touch upon the lower
Prickle will, in an inſtant, bring down the upper cloſe to the Back.
The OLD WIFE.
T!
HİS differs very little frotti the laſt deſcribed; each having
their two Fins poft Bronchia ; one on the Back, and one under
the Belly, of equal Size and Poſitioni; as well as the Make of their
forked Tail alike: However there is this material Difference,
the former hath its Prickles upon the Back near the Tail, this hath
them near the Head, with this additional Circumſtance, that; inſtead
of two, it hath three Prickles, but equally intended to be its Safe-guard.
The JACK.
T
HIS Fish is about fix Inches long, and near two broad from
the Back to the lower Part of the Belly ; the Eyes very large
in Proportion to the Bigneſs of the Fiſh, and is furrounded with a
yellow Iris ; it hath two natrow, ſharp-pointed Fins poft Bronchia;
(orie ſtreight, one under the Belly; and another upon the Back as far
as the Navel ;] likewiſe a Pair of ſmall ones under the upper Part of
the Belly : Oppoſite to theſë oh the Back are likewiſe two ſmall, prickly
Fins; the Back from Head to Tail is blackiſh, and the Belly of a Sil-
ver-white : Theſe are often caught in very great Numbers in Nets.
Iiii
They
а.

308
Book X.
The Hiſtory of the
They are in ſome Seaſons of the Year, eſpecially, when caught in Chriſt-
Church Pariſh or thereabouts, very poiſonous ; at ſuch Times there are
generally in their Gills two ſmall red Lumps; and when they are
ſuſpected to be poiſonous, they try the Experiment upon a Duck,
,
by giving her one of theſe to ſwallow ; and if at that Seaſon it is
poiſonous, the Duck dies in about two Hours.
The DOLPHIN.
H E ridiculous Repreſentation of this Fiſh by moft Painters and
Engravers (even after its true Shapes being ſo well known) is a
ſtrong Inſtance that vulgar Errors are but with great Difficulty got
over. It is ſo far from having a large Head and Gills, a crooked,
thorny Back, &c. as generally repreſented, that it is one of the
ſtreighteſt Fiſh that ſwims. This is delineated in Plate XXIX.
The SEA TORTOISE.
.
Ephraim
Chambers,
vide Cham-
bers's Dic-
tiona'y.
a
OST, if not all Authors, who have treated of this ſcarce-
to-be-called amphibious Animal, have inadvertently rank'd it
among the teſtaceous Kind; tho' it is apparently otherwiſe by its nu-
merous ſtrong Ribs and Back-Bone : The ſeveral Lamina, which
adorn and fortify its Back, are ſo far from being of the Shell-Kind,
that they are rather an elaſtick, tranſparent, horny Subſtance. A late
ingenious and very uſeful Author hath been much impoſed upon, by
a pretended Deſcription of this Animal ; eſpecially where he aſſerts
that the Under-Shell is what alone is made Uſe of; and that to
ſeparate this from the upper, Fire is made underneath ; and that as
ſoon as it is heated, the Shell becomes eaſily ſeparable, and ſo taken
off with the Point of a Knife, and that with ſo little Prejudice, that
the Tortoiſe, being afterwards permitted to go into the Sea, not only
lives, but hath its Armour or Shell ſoon renewed. Thus that induſ-
trious and learned Gentleman, whilft laudably deſirous to give Man-
kind as true a Deſcription of this, as he does of almoſt every Thing
he treats of, was much impoſed upon by his Informer. This Misfortune will
ſometimes happen, when our Informations come from Perſons, who are
fond of aggrandizing, or lefſening what is, or is not, agreeable to their
own favourite Opinions, or groundleſs Imaginations. The Deſcription
of the Tortoiſe juſt now mentioned, is ſo far from being true, that the
lower Shell, or what is ſo called, is of no Manner of Uſe, the upper
alone being of Service; nor can this be come at 'till the Tortoiſe is not
only dead, but all the Fleſh likewiſe taken from the Ribs and Back; it
is not till then that a Fire is made under the inſide of the Upper-Shell
(as I ſhall in Conformity to the received Opinion call it; though
it is manifeſt it is not a Shell from its elaſtick Quality.) And
when
.

Page, se
Plate. 20
d
To the Right Rev! Father in God, -
Zachary. Lord Bishop of Bangor,
This PLATE is humbly inſerib'd xe.
M
C Bickham de.ſe.


Book X. Iſland of BARBADOS
309
.
a
a
when this Heat hath penetrated thro' the Ribs, and a cruſty hard
Subſtance which covers them, that the ſeveral foliaceous Lamina, gene-
Tally about fixteen in Number, begin to exfoliate on the outſide : thoſe
about the Shoulders are the thickeſt and beſt. The Back of a Tortoiſe
is convex, and the Belly-part flat; it is cover'd all over, except near the
Neck, the Anus, and under the Fins, with what we have called a
ſhelly Subſtance; the upper and the under Parts being both of them
cloſely join'd together, by this ftrorig Armour. The Penis of a Male
Tortoiſe of any conſiderable Bigneſs, is full twelve Inches long; and its
Tefticles are as delicious as theſe of Lambs : in Cooting-time, the Male
and Female remain in Coition, eight or nine Days, fome ſay more; at
the Expiration of which Time the Male is fo reduced, that he is ſcarce
able to ſwim, his Callapee (being the Belly-part) becomes from a hard
horny Subſtance, as ſoft almoſt as a Jelly. The Penis dryed and given
in Powder, is looked upon by ſome to be a ſovereign Remedy againſt
the Gravel.
Of the three different Sorts that frequent; or are bred near theſe Weft-
India Iſlands, the Harek's Bill alone affords what is commonly call'd the
Tortoiſe-ſhell. The two other Species, (viz.) the Green and the Yellow;
or Mulatto Tortoiſe, have each of them fuch Shells, divided into as many
regular Lamina, but they are ſo very thin as not to be fit for uſe. A
Tortoiſe hath four Fins, with which it paddles whilſt in the Water, not
much different from the Strokes of Oars; and it is likewiſe by the Help
of theſe that the Female glides along the Sand, when ſhe comes on Shore to
lay her Eggs. The common Method of taking them, is to pitch Nets with
very large Meſhes, in the Bays where they frequent, to feed upon the green,
,
broad-leafʼd Mofs that grows at different Depths in the bottom of the Sea ;
when taken entangled in theſe Nets alive, they may be brought afhore,
and kept ſome Weeks alive without any Suſtenance; for ſeveral Days
after they are taken, they ſigh heavily ; if they die in the Net; they
ſtink in leſs than an Hour's time; but if killed, which is done by cut-
ting the Throat, (to give vent to the Blood which is always as cold as
Water) the Fleſh will keep not only uncorrupted, but tho' cut in Pieces,
the fore Quarter and Callapee will continue to have a ſtrong, lively, muf-
cular, convulſive Motion, for fourteen, or even eighteen Hours'; for if
at that Time it is pricked with a Pin or Fork, it will move and contract
itſelf viſibly. Some Part of the Fleſh cuts reddiſh, reſembling coarſe
Beef; another Part as white as a Chicken ; the Fat about the Fins
and the Guts, is ſomewhat Yellowiſh, but the far greater Part, cloſe to
the upper and under Shell, is as green as a Leek; they are caught of
different Sizes; the largeſt that hath been taken in this Iſland, within
my Remembrance, did not exceed four hundred Weight: They are
often ignorantly repreſented to have three Hearts; this Miſtake 'ariſes
from their having two large Auricies, one on each side of it ; the Blood in
this Animal is very groſs, cold and viſcid ; and as the Heart hath but
a
one

310
Tic Natural Hiſtory of the Book X.
a
one Ventricle, its Circulation is performed after the fame Manner as in
a Frog; in which, not above one third paſſes through the Lungs; it is
likewiſe owing to the Coldneſs of the Blood, its flow Motion, and thick
Armour with which the Tortoiſe is ſurrounded, that it is at a very little
Expence of Spirits by tranſpiration; and conſequently hath leſs Need
of a freſh Recruit: The Liver is large, and of a dark Green, and the great
Gut or Colon, on the cutſide full of ſeeming Prickles; however their Points
are ſoft and pliable, the Fleſh when baked or ſtewed, is a moſt delicious and
nouriſhing Diet; the young ones are often caught with a Hook and
Line : the propereſt Bait for this Purpoſe is a Sea-Bladder; and they
are likewife fometimes drawn aſhore in Nets. There is another Method
of taking the larger Sort, eſepecially the Females, by watching their
coming aſhore in the Night, upon the dry, ſandy Bays, in the Months
of June, Fuly, Auguſt, and September, in which laying Seaſons, after
they have crawled above High-Water-Mark, they dig with their Fins
(which are ſtrong, nervous, and fleſhy) a Hole of about two Feet deep,
in the looſe Sand, in which the Female lays ſometimes an hundred or
more Eggs; the outward Tegument of theſe is rather ſkinny than ſhelly,
its Shape is round, of about an Inch and a Quarter Diameter; the in-
ſide of the Egg is yellow, and to the Taſte fomewhat gritty. After
theſe Eggs are thus depoſited in the Sand, the Tortoiſe fills up the Hole
in ſo nice a Manner, that it will be ſcarce perceivable that the Sand had
been diſturb’d; and the Eggs, by the Heat of the Sun, will, in nine
Weeks, be hatched, and the young Tortoiſes immediately crawl into the
Sea.
Before we conclude this Deſcription, it will not be impertinent to ob-
ſerve, that the Ancients knew the Value of the Tortoiſe-Fleſh in Phy-
fick, as well as of its Shell for making the Lyre. The former appears
from Nicander, in his Poem call’d Alexipharma; and Horace ſpeaking
z
of the Lyre made of the Tortoiſe-ſhell, ſays,
O teſtudinis aureæ
Dulcem quæ ftrepitum Pieri temperas
O mutis quoque piſcibus
Donatura cycni, fi libeat, ſonum.
By the Word piſcibus, it is evident, that the Lyre mentioned by Ho-
race was made with the Shell of the Sea-Tortoiſe, which maketh Uſe
of Fins to ſwim with as a Fiſh; whereas the Land-Tortoiſe (tho' the
Shell of this hath been often us’d in Greece to the fame Purpoſe) is:
arm'd with Claws, and is at moſt but barely an amphibious Animal ;
whereas the other, applied here by Horace, is almoſt intirely an
Aquatic
The

Book X.
311
Iſland of BARBADOS
use The SEA-HORSE: 10 bile po
SI never ſaw this Animal 'till it was ſhriveld and diy'd up,
I will not pretend to deſcribe it; any farther, than that by its
Trunk it ſeems to be a Fiſh which fucks in its Nouriſhment:
A
a
O
Of FRESH WATER FISH.
F this Kind we have very few intirely peculiar to the freſh Water;
that is, which breed in it; the greateſt Part being generally,
when very young; the Inhabitants of the Sea ; when the great Current
of our Land-Floods breaks thro' the Banks of our freſh Water Ponds,
cauſing by this Means a Communication for ſome Time with the Sea,
feveral sorts of young Fiſh ſwim from the falt into the freſh Water ;
and from theſe Ponds they are caught, and carried into others ſeveral
Miles up in the Country
sem
A CAFFUM.
.
а.
THI
HIS is a large, ſcaly Fiſh, often weighing fifteen Pounds ;
and meafuring about three Feet in length. The Head is ſmall in
Proportion to the reſt of the Body; the under Jaw is longer than the
upper; its Eyes are large, incircled with a broad, golden Iris. The
Back is of a dark blue, and the Sides and Belly of a ſhining Silver-Co-
lour; it hath one Fin upon the Back, two poſt Bronchia, two under the
Belly, and one near the Tail, which ends forked. This Fiſh is gene-
rally very poor whilft in the Sea, but foon grows very fat in Land-
Ponds, where they are fed with the Guts of Fowls, ſmall Fiſh, or up-
on Pond-Bugs, their moſt natural Food in this Situation.
The MULLET.
ΤΗ
'HESE are of two Sorts, the Sea and the freſh Water Mullet ;
the former is of a light-grey upon the Back and Sides; the latter
of an iron-grey, and the Scales very remarkably divided in regular
Rows upon their Sides and Backs.
The CARMOW-MULLET.
THI
HIS differs from the former by the Greatneſs of its Bulk,
eſpecially its Head, which is remarkably large and flat; theſe
often weigh above two Pounds, being very fat and delicious Eating.
K k k k
7 be

312
The Natural Hiſtory of the Book X
Folhe
hormon one
The MUD-FISH,
osobito
art
THI
"HERE are three Sorts of Mud-Fiſh; the firſt and ſmalleſt fome-
what reſembling Smelts in its Make; the ſecond is the Mangrove
Mud-Fiſh; this is thicker and larger, and hath often large Roes in it;
the third and largeſt is the Logger-Head-Mud-Fiſh; this hath a large
Head and Eyes, the former fomewhat flattiſh; and are often a Foot long;
every Species of theſe are juſtly eſteemed to be very delicate Eating.
The two firſt Fins appear poft Bronchia, with two ſmaller in a di-
rect Line under the Gullet; it hath likewiſe one continued membra-
naceous Fin from the Navel to near the Tail
, with another oppo-
fite of equal Length upon the Back. The whole Fiſh is covered with
many ſmall Scales, and ends with a round pointed Tail.
a
a
TH
IS
I
i to obartons
The STAR-FISH.
HIS is here likewiſe callid the Five-Finger'd-Fiſh, and but
Very feldom taken.
sopnede H -- OVESE
වන .
on mul The SHARK.
13.5 ਤਕ
ta
SHALL take my Leave of the Deep and its Inhabitants with a
Deſcription, or rather curſory Obſervation, of the Shark, a Fiſh
well known both in the Northern and Southern Seas for its ravenous
Nature; preying upon moft Animals that come in its way. The
young Sharks, upon Sight of Danger, ſlip in through the Mouth of
of the Parent Shark, and, when the Danger is over, iffue forth to
their proper Element again.
Theſe Creatures are fometimes ſeen very numerous among the Ships
in Carliſle-Bay; eſpecially when there are many Veſſels with Slaves
from Guinea : For ſome Hundreds of theſe poor Wretches being often
crouded together in one Bottom, a great many of them die with va-
rious Diſeafes ; and being thrown over-board, bring together ſo great
a Multitude of theſe voracious Animals, that it is not fafe at fuch
Times for the fatigued Sailors to refreſh themſelves by bathing in the
Bay. And here let me take Occaſion to teſtify my Eſteem of theſe dar-
ing and profitable Adventurers of the Deep, by reſcuing from Oblivion
a memorable Atchievement of a common Sailor in the Deſtruction of a
Shark: And when the Principle which prompted him to fo very un-
equal and hazardous a Combat, and the Intrepidity of the Action it-
felf are conſidered, abſtractedly from the low and mean Circumſtances
of the Perſon, it will perhaps appear to be as heroic an Inſtance of
diſintereſted Friendſhip and perſonal Bravery, as any recorded in
Hiſtory
to en meng met my
About
а.

Book X.
Iſland of BARBADOS.
.
313
er.
About the latter End of Queen Anne's Wars, Captain John Beams Com-
mander of the York Merchant, arrived at Barbados from England.
Having diſembark'd the laſt Part of his Loading, which was Coals, the
Sailors, who had been employ'd in that dirty Work, ventured into the
Sea to waſh themſelves; there they had not been long, before a Perſon
on Board '{pyed a large Shark making towards them, and gave them
Notice of their Danger; upon which they ſwam back and reach'd the
Boat, all but one; him the Monſter overtook almoſt within Reach of
the Oars, and griping him by the Small of the Back, his devouring
Jaws ſoon cut aſunder, and as ſoon ſwallow'd the lower part of his Bo-
dy; the remaining Part was taken up and carried on Board, where his
Comrade was. His Friendſhip with the deceaſed had been long diſtin-
guiſhed by a reciprocal Diſcharge of all ſuch endearing Offices, as in.-
ply'd an Union and Sympathy of Souls. When he ſaw the ſever'd
Trunk of his Friend, it was with an Horror and Emotion too great for
Words to paint. During this affecting Scene, the inſatiable Shark was
feen traverſing the bloody Surface in Search after the Remainder of his
Prey ; the reſt of the Crew thought themſelves happy in being on
Board, he alone unhappy, that he was not within Reach of the Deſtroy-
Fired at the Sight, and yowing that he would make the Devourer
diſgorge, or be ſwallowed himſelf into the fame Grave,- He plunges
into the Deep, arm’d with a large ſharp-pointed Knife. The Shark no
ſooner ſaw him, but he made furiouſly towards him,—both equally eager,
the one of his Prey, the other of Revenge. The Moment the Sharla
open’d his rapacious Jaws, his Adverſary dextrouſly diving, and graſp-
ing him with his left Hand fomewhat below the upper Fins, ſucceſsfully
employs his Knife in his right Hand, giving him repeating Stabs in the
Belly: the enraged Shark, after many unavailing Efforts, finding hime
felf overmatch'd in his own Element, endeavours to diſengage himſelf,
fometimes plunging to the Bottom, then mad with Pain, rearing his un
couth Form (now ſtain’d with his own ſtreaming Blood) above the foan-
ing Waves. The Crews of the furrounding Veſſels faw the unequal
Combat, uncertain from which of the Combatants the Streams of Blood
iſſued; till at length; the Shark, much weaken’d by the Loſs of Blood,
made towards the Shore, and with him his Conqueror ; who, fluſh'd
with an Affurance of Victory, puſhes his Foe with redoubled Ardour,
and, by the Help of an ebbing Tide, dragging him on Shore, rips up his
Bowels, and unites and buries the ſever'd Carcaſe of his Friend in one
hoſpitable Grave.
ຫລານລ
subsidostanete
The Story, I confefs, is of fo extraordinary a Nature, that I would
not have dared to give it my Reader, had I not been authoriſed thereto
by the Teſtimony of a very credible (1)Gentleman, who is ready to confirm
,
by Oath, the Truth of what is here related. This Action, intrepid as
it is, will unqueſtionably fall under the Cenſure of thoſe who are ac-
cuſtomed
(0) Lieut. Col. Hillery Rowe, of St. Lucy's Pariſh, who was not far from the Place when this happened.

314
The Natural Hiſtory, &c.
Book X.
cuſtomed to judge by the Rules of moral or political Fitneſs; it not
being prudent in any Man to expoſe himſelf to Danger, from which he
muſt owe his Eſcape as much to Chance as Valour, nor conſiſtent with
the Value which ought to be ſet on the great Gift of Life, to riſque it
upon ſmall and inadequate Occaſions ; the Exploit therefore had been
more truly heroic, had it been performed for the Preſervation of his
Friend's Life, rather than the Recovery of his Body. But ſuch Re-
flections are not the Sentiments of Sailors, a Claſs of Men to whom
Courage is a Virtue, however madly or unſeaſonably exerted.
And
yet if ſuch an Action had been recorded of Scipio or Alexander
in the Defence of Lælius or Hephæſtion, whether it would not have
been celebrated by their Admirers, among the moſt ſhining and mag-
nanimous Atchievements of thoſe renowned Heroes and Friends,
a
Ob
F IN I S.
HUDE
.
THE

stamparia!
Ε Χ Ρ Ι Α Ν Α Τ Ο RY
be
Ν Ο Τ Ε S
N T S
OF ALL
Botanical and Technical Terms made uſe
ser of in the foregoing WORK.
" යකා 19 කට . .
To
10
.
A.
out
A
CIN 1, are ſmall Grains growing in Bunches, z after the man-
ner of Elder-tree Berries in England, and yellow Hercules
Berries in this land.
Apices or Summits; are thoſe Bodies which contain the Farina foecun-
dans. They generally hang upon ſlender Threads called Chives.
Aromatic Plants
, are thoſe whoſe Leaves or Branches have an odori-
ferous Scent, as Roſemary, Lavender, &c.
C.
B.
B.
31 Acciferous Trees, are thoſe which bear Berrieś. A Berry is a
aD fleſhy Fruit incloſing ſeveral Seeds.
Bulbous-rooted Plants, are of two Şorts, viz. tunicated or coated
Roots, which conſiſt of ſeveral Coats involving each other, as the
Onion, Tulip, &c. The other fquammoſe or ſcaly, which conſiſts
of ſeveral Scales lying over each other, as the Lily, &c.
Liu
C: GAPA
was

Explanatory Not es, &c.
C
C
.
a
a
1 Apſula, is the dry Hulk or Veffel of Plants, in which the Seeds
u are contained. Say
Calyx, is the Flower-cup, or thoſe green Leaves which cover and
embrace the Flower. Theſe in ſome Plants afterward incloſe the
Seeds. Thoſe Plants whoſe Flowers have no Petals ſo incloſed, are
termed apetalous. This is by fome called the Empalement of the
Flower.
Catkin or Iulus, is an Aggregate of Summits, collected into a long Body
in form of a Rope. Theſe are the Male Flowers of Trees.
Chives, are thoſe ſlender Bodies which ſurround the Ovarium in the
Centre of Flowers, and ſupport the Summits.
Clavicle or Tendril (Capreolus) is a Part of a Stalk curling and laying
hold on any adjacent Body. As in the Vine, Briony, &c.
Clavicles, Claſpers, or Tendrils, are the young Shoots of creeping
Eſcandent Plants; it is by theſe that they take hold of the neighbour-
ing Trees or Rocks; and ſometimes, if thus ſupported, they grow to
a greater Height : Of this kind are the Claſpers of the Grape, Vine,
and moſt others of that Tribe.
Coagulation, is the condenſing or thickening the Juices of any Tree
or Plant, by the Heat of the Sun.
Coronated or umbilicated Fruits, are thoſe which have their Calyx or
Empalement of the Flower growing on their Top, as the Medlar,
Pear, Apple, &c.
Corrugated, or wrinkled, as the Leaves of Baum, Mint; &c.
Crenated, or notch'd Leaves, are thoſe, whoſe Edges are cut into fe-
veral obtuſe Angles.
Corymbiferous Plants, are ſuch as have a compound or diſcous Flower ;
the Seeds having no Down ſticking to them.
.
D.
D
Entated Leaves, are ſuch as have their Edges notch'd, ſome-
what like the Teeth of a Saw.
Digitated or finger'd Leaves, are thoſe which are divided into ſeveral
Parts, which are connected together at the Tail, ſo as in ſome
meaſure to reſemble a Hand, as in the Cinquefoil, Lupine, &C.
W
a
Е.
Chinated Pods, or Leaves, are thoſe that are ſet round with
Prickles, ſuch as the Pods of Horſe-nickers in this Iſland, and
Holly-leaves in England.
F. Fiſtular

Explanatory NOTE s, &c.
F.
FRA
Iftular Flowers, are ſuch as are compounded of many long
hollow ſmall Flowers like Pipes, all divided into many Jags åt
the End.
Falcated Pods, are thoſe which bend in like an Hook or Semicircle.
Foliola, are thoſe ſmall Leaves which grow along the Mid-rib of the
Leaf, in compound Leaves:
Gi
G.
holottaa
Laucous Leaves or Stalks, are of a whitiſh-green Colour,
-
ſomewhat of a bluiſh Caſt; ſuch are the Leaves of the
French Sorrel in England, and of the blue Edda in theſe Parts.
Galeated or hooded Flowers, are ſuch, whoſe upper Part reſembles a
kind of Helmet or Hood, as in the Flower of Sage. mula sa
Granated, or that Fruit which is compos'd of many Grains or Ker-
nels.
to rigio
modtobris
H.
to
cha
cho
vo
Erbaceous Leaves, are ſuch long ſmall Leaves as come neareſt
in Shape and Colour to that of common Graſs ; ſuch are the
gla
SO109
Leaves of Reeds.
TO
H
SO
1.
ULİ, are Catkins, being Bunches of ſmall duſty Flowers grow-
ing upon
ſeveral Trees and Shfubs, ſuch as Haſſels and Walnuts.
Indented Leaves, are ſuch as are ſlightly indented on their Edges.
I
a
43
L.
to o
L ,
Abiated Flowers, are difform monopetalous Flowers, divided
uſually into two Lips, as in Sage and Roſemary,
Laciniated Leaves, are thoſe which are naturally jagg’d or notch'd ta
the Mid-rib by Vermin.
Ligule, or ſmall Strings.
bog
de 20 dont M, Mema
Horizoval v

Explanatory Notes, &c.
M.
a.
Embranaceous, when taken in a Botanical Senſe, is generally ap-
V plied to the ſeveral thin Filaments, which diſtinguiſh ſome
partitional Cells from each other, as in the Pomegranate Fruit.
Monopetalous Flowers, are thoſe which have but one Leaf, or Petal,
which, tho' it is ſeemingly cut into Four or Five ſmall Petals, or
Flower-leaves, yet they are all one Piece.
Muricated, prickly Leaves.
N. THE
Erdous Leaves, are thoſe which confift of many Ribs, or Fibres.
Nuciferous Trees, or Shrubs, are ſuch which bear Nuts,
0.
RÆ, the Extremities of ſeveral kinds of Flowers.
O
Nguo
P
...
a
Panelowers of Stalkedifiufe des into several Pedicles, fuſtaining the
as in ti
а.
Fruitsas in Oats, &
Papilionaceous Flowers, are thoſe which reſemble a Butterfly with the
es Wings extended, as in Peas and Beans in England, as well as in the
Pigeon-Pea-Tree Bloſſoms in this Iſland.
Pappoſe Seeds, are ſuch as have a downy Subſtance fitting on the Top
of each Seed, as the Dandelion, Scorzonera, &c.
Paraſitical Shrubs or Plants, are thoſe which derive their Nouriſh-
ment from other Plants ; thus the Mifletoe from the Oak in Eng-
and, and from the Orange Tree here.
Pennated orWinged Leaves
, are fuch bas are compounded of many
ſmall Leaves or Lobes, placed along the middle Rib, either alter-
mately; or by Pairs. When the middle Rib is terminated by, an odd
Lobe, it is ſaid to be unequally pennated; and equally pennated, when
it is not terminated by an odd Lobe.
Petals, are the fine-colour'd Leaves of the Flowers, to diſtinguiſh them
from the Leaves of the Plant.
*Pedicles or the Foot-ſtalks of any Leaf, Fruit, or Flower.
Pena

Explai atory NOTE s, &c.
Pendulous Flowers, are thoſe which hang downwards; ſuch as the Aloe
Flower.
Piſtil, is that Body which ariſes in the Centre of Flowers, and gene-
rally ſupports the Ovary.
Pinnæ. The Number of theſe are reckoned from the Number of the fe-
veral Pairs of winged Leaves upon a Branch.
Pomiferous Trees or Shrubs, are thoſe which bear Apples, or ſome
Fruit of the Apple-kind, ſuch as Oranges and Lemons.
Pruniferous Trees, &c. are thoſe which bear Plums.
R.
R
Eticulated Bark or Subſtance, is that which is compoſed of a
ſtrong, Net-like Structure : Such is the moſt fubftantial Part of
the Body of a Popais-tree.
Rugoſe. This is a Term chiefly made uſe of with regard to the Bark of
fuch Trees as are wrinkled, or furrowed.
a
S.
SE
Etæ, are thoſe ſtiff ſmall Hairs which often cover the Leaves, or
the Stalks, of Plants; ſuch as Nettles, and the Foot-ſtalks of
Belly-achs.
Scandent Plants, are thoſe whoſe Stalks are too weak to ſupport them
upright; therefore by their Claſpers or Tendrils they faften unto,
or climb up, the neighbouring Trees ; by which means they often
grow to a great Height; ſuch is the Ivy in England, and all man-
ner of wild Wyths in this Iſland.
Serrated, or Jawed Leaves, are ſuch as have acute Notches in their
Edges, reſembling the Teeth of a Saw.
Stellated Plants, are thoſe whoſe Leaves grow round the Stalks at cer-
tain Intervals in the Form of a Star with Beams; as Croſſwort in
England, and Star-graſs in this Iſland.
Siliquoſe. All Trees, Shrubs, and Plants which bear Pods, are of this
Kind.
Spatha, is that Part of a Plant which incloſes the Flowers of the
Palms, &c.
Stamina (are the ſame as Chives) are thoſe fine Threads, Capillaments,
or Haiis, growing out of the Bottom of the Flower, as from Tulips
in England, and from the Flowers of the Flower-fence in this Iſland.
Theſe Stamina are generally tip'd with Apices, or ſmall Knobs, at
their Points.
M m m m.
Squammatim,

Explanatory NOTES, &c.
Squammatim, in Scales.
Stamineous Flowers, are thoſe imperfect ones which want the fine com
loured Leaves called Petala, and conſiſt only of the Stylus and Sta-
mina ; ſuch as the Flowers of Ackatee.
T.
TA
падзела да одопад
Hrum, are thoſe ſmall ſetaceous Villi, or ſtiff Hairs, riſing and
forming an equal, even, pluſhy Bed, in the broad Bottom of a
Flower, as in the Marygold and the Sunflower.
Tranſverſe Ribs, are thoſe ſmaller Ribs or Veins, which croſs the middle
Spine, or Ribs which run from the Stalk to the Extremity of the
Leaf.
Tubular Shanks or Stalks, are thoſe that are hollow like a Pipe; ſuch
as Popais-fhanks in this Iſland, and the Stalks of Hemlock in Eng-
land.
Tetrapetalous Flowers, are thoſe that conſiſt but of four ſingle-colour-
ed Leaves called Petals, ſet round the Stylus to compoſe the Flower.
a
V.
Ver
Erticillate Plants, are ſuch as have their Flowers intermix'd with
ſmall Leaves, growing in a Kind of Whorles about the Joints of
the Stalk, as Peny-royal and Harehound in England, and the
ſmall white Sage in this Iſland.
Vulnerary. All Plants that have a healing Quality in their Juices, or
otherwiſe, are called Vulnerary Plants.
a
U.
Umpel
Mbelliferous, ſignifies a Plant that bears many Flowers diſcom-
pos’d, fomewhat like an Umbrella, growing upon many Foot-
ſtalks, like Fennel Angelica, in England.
Umbel, is the Extremity of the Stalk and Branches divided into ſeve-
ral Pedicles, or Rays, beginning from the fame Point, and opening
in ſuch a manner, as to form a kind of inverted Cone, as in a
Parſnep. When theſe Pedicles, which ſurround the Stalks, are again
divided

Explanatory Notes, &c.
divided into others of the fame Form, upon which the Flowers are
diſpoſed, the firſt are called Rays, and the ſecond Pedicles.
DS
barco
awoleant es sou
POVL
W.
V
Inged Leaves, are thoſe that are ſet oppoſite to one another
on the Branches; ſuch are the Walnut-tree-leaves in Eng-
land, and the Leaves of the yellow Sauders, with a great many
others, in this Iſland.
o bar blogue
ol
N. B. I owe moſt of the above Explanatory Notes to the accurate
dist, 2018
Mr. Miller of Chelſea.
10 hari ini
Centralmed egno 2
olacakton
sta
V
USA
BO
Gerë si
U
sim
de sal wontot bara
soilaga anghel
bodi to motiXL
to zined to calable
no
OOST
ma

7
Tibbi
dos bonitas Ouito
PRESS

TO
Τ Η Ε
I N
D
E X.
E
200
A
+
235
*
168
2 40
83
A.
Page
Ckaſee, or Sweet-Briar
African Negroes, their Cruelty to
their Captives in War
17
Agate Stamper, a Shell
285
Agnus Scythicus
Its Make, and its Pretenſi-
ons to animal Life examined and confuted 236
Air, its Clearneſs and Serenity (in Barba-
dos) accounted for
3
Aloe Plant
153
American Torch
135
Animal Flower
294
Anchovy Apple Tree
131
Angola. Vide Negroes
Animals, what they are
61
their Divine Architecture, and Uſes ib.
Domeſtic and laborious Animals much the
fame in Barbados as in England
62
Animalcules, aquatic, a Deſcription of them 46
Anomalous Trees, Shrubs, and Plants 217
The red Ant
93
The ſtinging Ant
ib.
The Horſe Ant
94
The Sugar Ant
ib.
The winged Ant
ib.
The Wood Ant
93
Antigua Balſam
Roſe Tree
- 220
Arabian Jeſſamin
165
Arnotta
Arrow Root
221
Avigato Pear Tree
130
w
6695%的​外​bb
The Serenity and Clearneſs of the Air ac-
counted for
3
Diſcovered by the Portugueſe, and inliabited
by the Engliſh
Indians formerly reſided here
Proved
Its chief Towns
ib.
The Character of its preſent Inhabitants
Why more volatile and iraſcible
ib.
Number of Negroes in the Iſland
14
The Nature of its Soil
19
The Sea Bat
304
Barbados Pink
Barbary ſupplied with Water by Ponds and
Reſervoirs
45
Wild Baſil
A Fly Bat
A Cave Bat
68
A Mouſe Bat
ib.
Batchelor's Button
172
Batchelor's Pear
139
The Bay Berry Tree
145
The wild Bay Berry Tree
ib.
Bay Grape Tree
180
Beads, Strings of them wore by Negroes
round their Legs and Arms
16.
Horſe Bean Vine
215
Bean Tree
194
The black Bee
80
Beef, a Shell Fiſhi
279
Beef Wood Tree
146
Beetles, why worſhipped by the Egyptians 18
The Belly Ach
152
Berry Buſh
162
Black Berry Hunters
1 45
Black Wood
i 80
Birch Gum Tree
144.
Birds of Paſſage
75
Black Bird
72
Bitumen, ſolid, found in Barbados
50
Liquid Bitumen
ib.
Black Colour of the Negroes, not owing to the
Heat of the Sun
Black Wood
180
Bloodworth
170
Nann
Ein-
222
202
=
1
B.
Acciferous Trees, Shrubs, and Plants
BAbailahw, a Filh
141
304
157
221
%
Balſam Tree
Rock Balſam
Banana Tree
Barbados, its Extent
why ſo called
184
I
14-
2

Ι Ν D Ε Χ.
Page
216
84
159
291
ib.
139
Bonnyvis
Bonnivis Chink, an Inſect
Box-wood Tree
Brain Stone
Brain Stone, large
Bread and Cheeſe, a Plant
Bridge-Town, why ſo called
Briny Root
Broom Weed dat
Bug, a Water Inſect
Buily Berry Tree
Bumbo Buſh
Butterfly
Burgamot
Burial, Manner of it among the Negroes
IO
6
225
171
47
221
177
164
NO
Nnt
M
127
15
CA
22
III
.
221
5
252
167
Page
Circumcifion common to the Jews and Negroes
15
Citron Tree
127
Hackleton's Cliff, a Deſcription of it 23
Wild Clary
169
Climates, the conſtitutional Difference of the In-
habitants of hot and cold Climates examined in
a new and phyſical Manner
Wild Clove
Cocoa Tree
195
Cocoa Nut Tree
103
Barren Cocoa Nut Tree
107
Cochineal Shrub
135
Sea Cock Rock
266
Land Cock Rock
Cockle, a Shell Fiſh
281
Coffee Tree
158
Large Conch Shell
275
Cow-Heel Conch
277
Small broad lip'd Conch
ib.
Small Conch
ib.
Brown Conch
ib.
Brown black ſpotted Conch
278
Small dark colour'dConch
ib.
Small white Conch
ib
Horned Coney Fiſh
306
Triangular Fiſh, otherwiſe called the Cony Fiſh
Coots
71
Coot Weed
212
Corals
289
Palmed Coral
ib.
Hart's-Horn Coral
290
Star Coral
291
Beamed Coral
ib.
Tubular Coral
ib.
White Coral
ib.
Indian Corn
253
Guinea Corn
254
Corn Tree
218
Cornua Ammonis
279
Coromantees. Vide Negroes
Silk Cotton Tree
190
Cotton Tree
191
Cotton Tree Bird
72
Cow Itch Vine
206
Cowow, a Drink made in Barbados
34
Mole Cowry
285
Large Crab
262
Horſeman Crab
263
Club-Men, a Species of Crabs
ib.
She Biter, a Crab
C. bola
Abbage Tree moved by the Violence of
a Storm
Cabbage Tree deſcribed
107
Cabbage Tree, ſmall
Cæſar, how he ſupplied himſelf with Water
when beſieged in Alexandria
45
Caffuin, a Fiſh
311
Indian Cale CODE
Calabaſh, a Tree
116
Calabaſh, wild
160
Sugar Cane
si
244
Dumb Cane
Trees, Shrubs, and Plants of the Capſule-
bearing Kind
Carbuncle
255
Carrion Fly
80
Caffado Tree
150
The grey Caſket, a Shell
284
Caſket, the ſmooth lipped
ib.
Caffia Fiſtula
192
Caſhw Tree
135
Cat of Nine Tails
305
Cats Blood
160
Catacombs found on the side of Hackleton's
Cliff
Caterpillar, a Plant
DO
170
Wild Caterpillar
163
Caves remarkable in Barbados
55
Cole's Cave, a Defcription of it
The dry Cave, its Deſcription
The wet Cave, its Deſcription
Why the Heathen Prieſts and Sybils made
choice of gloomy Caves
59
Cedar Tree
Cherry Tree, red
151
Cherry Tree, black
159
Clammy Cherry Tree
151
Chigery Buſh
160
Chigery Grape Tree
179
Chigers, or Chiegoes
-
42
Chimeras, the Occaſion of their Belief
Indian Chiffels diſcovered in Barbados
山
​24
56
57
58
115
| 1
56
ib.
Small white Crab
ib.
Scuttle Crab
ib.
264
Large white Crab
ib.
Mulatto Crab
265
Black Crab
ib.
Red Land Crab
ib.
Soldier Crab
ib.
Horned Crab
266
Crab Eye Vine
198
Crab
7
Chriſtmas Buſh
Wild Cinnamon Tree
Sireager Crab
205
143

Ι Ν D Ε Χ.
Page
255
203
90
ib.
ib.
261
Endere
E.
DOVE
Page
Eartin
Soimule among the Negroes 15
Crab Buſh
Crab Tree
Afh coloured Cricket
Horſe Cricket
Field Cricket
Cruſtaceous Animals
Small wild Cucumber Vine
Wild Cucumber
Cuckold's Increaſe, a Pea
Cuckold Fly
Shivering Curlieu
Crooked Bill Curlieu
Stone Curlieu
Cuſtard Apple Tree
Cylinder Shell
166
186
216
83
77.
ib.
ib.
ib.
-Worms
92
Earthquakes in Barbados very ſeldom and flight
-29
Eaſtern Compoſitions, why ſublime 49
Echinite petrified
55
Eddas, an eatable Fruit
227
Gum Elemi Tree
224
Elder Buſh
ib.
Egypt, its Fertility owing to the Nile
Egyptians worſhipped Beetles, and Crocodiles 18
Elhcol, why ſo called
Exanguous Animals
257
Ezek, why ſo called
als je
F.
31
285
2
2
D.
D
FA
22
82
Fire Fly
ib.
36
Amaſcen Tree
179
Dancing of the Negroes
16
Deluge, its Current between the Tropics
3
The Veſtigia of it at Barbados
49
Why the Force of it was lefs between the Tropics,
than in northern Climates, proved
49
Dialthea, a Plant
172
Dialthea, red
2 12
Difeafes peculiar to Barbadoes, and the neigh-
bouring Iſlands
31
Acute Fevers
ib.
Peripneumonies and Pleuriſies
32
Peſtilential Fevers
ib.
Dry Belly Ach
34
Cholics, yellow Jaundice, and Hyſterics 35
Diarrheas and Dyſenteries
Fluxes
ib.
Leucophlegmatia, or Dropſy
Yellow Fever
37.
Small Pox
39
Chicken Pox
ib.
Leprofy
ib.
Elephantiaſis
40
Guiney Worms
Running Yaws
Wild Dolly, a Pea
Dolphin Fiſh, defcribed
308
Dove Weed
Down Tree
Down Vine
ib.
Drum of the Negroes deſcribed
17.
Wild Duck
Large Duck Weed
233
Duck Weed
Dunck Tree
134
Dwarf Mangrove
Dwrah
VAT Pork Tree
180
Sea Feather
288
Mountain Fern
237
Fern-like Plant
ib.
The great Fertility of Barbados
The numerous Armies of the Children of Ifrael,
in the Holy Land, not incredible
ib.
Fevers deified by the Romans, why
19
Fiddle Wood Tree
-e146
Fidler, a Fly
2
Fig Tree, bearing the eatable Fig187
The bearded Fig Tree
174
Fingrigo, or Savine Tree
197
182
Fire-burn Buſh
172
Fit Weed
229
Five Sprig Tree
217
Flying Inſects
80
Of flying Fiſh, in general
302
The flying Fish
303
Fly Catcher
91
Flower Fence
Forbidden Fruit
12]
Sea Forty Leg
299
Forty Leg, a Worm
259
Foreſt Bark, a Tree
Foſfils
ib.
Foſter's Plant
206
The Fuſtic Tree
178
Guiney Fowl
70
Fruit ripe in Barbados every Month in the Year
73
D
11
201
41
42
214
+ Olohet
224
163
214
77
222
m-
G.
147
G
YALL Tree
240
Wild Dwrah
24.1
The flying Gar Fiſh
Gaulding, a Birdo
Grey Gaulding
Gariick Pear Tree
te
4 116
304
70
ib.
134
worth Girger

Ι Ν D Ε Χ.
I N E
II
Page
168
159
169
215
72
1
1
11
noo
ANO
J na
1
165
15, 16
18
36
160
0 0 0
238
160
Page
Ginger
233
Hop Shrub
Goats Rue
219
Honey Tree
Gold found in Barbados
54
Hop Weed
Gold-finch
Horſe Bean Vine
Gomorrah. Vide Sodom
Sea Horſe, a Fiſh
311
Goodneſs of God in affording Remedies for Dif- Haw Nicker
195
eaſes
31 Humming Bird
74
Gooſeberry Buſh
162 Hurricanes
25
Small Gourd
138
Large Gourd
ib.
J.
Sweet Gourd
ib.
Graninous Plants
238 ACK in a Box
119
Granadilla Vine
187
Jack, a Fiſh
307
Grapple Wood
217 Jallop Vine, or 4 0°Clock Flower
203
Of Graffes
238 Jamaica Plum
179
Dog Graſs
241 Arabian Jeſſamin
Dutch Graſs
239 Jeffamin Tree
189
Ginger Grafs
241 Jeſſamin Vine
ib.
Flag Graſs
240
Jeſſamin Inſect
67
Red Flag Graſs, or Pluſh Graſs
241 Jewiſh Cuſtoms, many of them in uſe among the
Nut Graſs
ib.
Negroes
Pluſh Graſs
239 Ignorance of Religion among Negroes
Silk Graſs
224 Indian Root
Pond Graſs
239 Ink Vine
Knotted Sea Grafs
254 Ink Fiſh
162
305
Wild Pepper Grafs
Job's Tears
254
Rice Graſs
239 Jordan, the Plain of Jordan, its Situation, and
Pale yellow Sea Graſs
254
Fruitfulneſs
52
Star Graſs
Iron Vine
Scotch Graſs
240 Iron Wood
142
Ground Afs
92 Iron Vine
214
Savannah Graſs
239
Junction Vine
199
Wild French Guaya
French Guava
ib.
K.
Guava Tree
132
Guiney Worms
41
82
Guinėy-Man, a Fiſh
304
Gully, what
Gully Root
205
L.
Gumma Buſh
Gum Elerni
Acker, a Bird
Lady Bird
H.
Lady Bird ſpotted
ib.
Wild Lavender
Adramaut, why ſo called
Sea-fide Laurel
233
Hag's Horſe, or John Cook's Horſe --67
Leathercoat Tree
151
Hair, the curling of it in Negroes, not owing to
Sea Leach
258
the Heat of the Sun
Naked Sea Leach
ib.
Hard-Back, a Fly
Le Clerc's Opinion, that the Deſtruction of So-
Indian Hatchets
dom and Gomorrah was not ſupernatural, con-
Hatzamarveth, why ſo called
futed
Heat of Barbados cooled by conſtant Breezes 23
St. Helena Lemon
128
Wild Hemp
167
Spaniſh Lemon
ib.
Moor Hen. See Coot
Water Lemon
Hen Turd, a Shrub
108
Wild Water Lemon Vine, or Love in a Mift ib.
Yellow Hercules
Leproſy in Barbados
White Hercules
164
39
Lignum Rorum
Hills, a long Chain of them ſerviceable to inter-
Baſtard Lignum Vitæ
142
cept the Clouds and Vapours
20, 21
Lignum Vitae
ib.
Hog Slip
171 Red Lilly
288
Holly Thorn
194
Wild
Honey Wood
159
202
KNocker
, an Infect
56
do
164
224
L
73
87
220
2
H
%
14
82
7
2
51
184
a
146
158
em

I N D E X.
ib.
50
65
136
102
1
TH
2
220
211
more
MA
Page
Page
Wild Lilly
229 Mullet Fiſh
311
White Lilly
228
Carmow Mullet
Lime Trec
129 Munjack, or ſolid Bitumen
Limpet
281 Murex Shell
269
Ribbed Limpet
ib.
Differently called
Green Lizard
Mufk Mellon Vine
Spotted Lizard
64 Muſick Shell
278
Dominico Lobſter
262 Why ſo called
Baſtard Locuſt
149
Muſketto Fly
- 87
Locuft Tree
Muſketto Buſh
169
Loblolly Tree
143
Muſk Bufh, or wild Ockroe
207
Log-wood Tree
169 Muffel
281
Loggerhead Weed
230
Longevity of ſome of the Inhabitants of Barbados
N.
25
Lucern
202
THE original Names of Places expreſſive of
Lobſter
262
their Situation, Nature, or Quality 14
Red Lobſter
ib.
Negroes, their Number, their Nature
Green Lobſter
ib.
116
Negroe Oil Buſh
ib.
Bongrace Lobſter
Nemnem, a Tree
Nettles
M.
Night-ſhade
Black Nicker Tree
118
Ackaw Tree
114
Horſe Nicker
195
A Mad Cow cured
ib.
Ground Nut
232
Maidenhead, a Plant
148
Phyfick Nut
I15
Maiden Hair
237 French Phyſick Nut
116
Rope Mangrove
199 Nuciferous Trees, &c.
101
Garden Mangrove
193
Red Mangrove
194
0.
Dwarf Mangrove
147
Mango Tree
177
Mancheneel Tree
Obeah Negroes
15
Its Apples, and Effect of their Poiſon
123
Spaniſh Oak
Mammee Tree
133
Ockroe
Manny Seed
Papaw Ockroe
199
Marcaſite
55
Olive Tree
177
Maſon Fly
83
Wild Olive Tree
ib.
Maftick Tree
149
Old Wife, a Fiſh
307
Maſtick Fly
Old Man, a Fiſh
ib
Mary-gold
171
Orange Tree, four
125
May-pole
223
China Orange Tree
126
Muſk Melon
136
ib.
Guiney Orange Tree
ib.
Water Melon
Golden Orange Tree
ib.
Merry.wing, a Fly
Rock Oyſter
281
Milk Weed
163
Mineral Waters in Barbados
46
Milletoe
156
P.
Narrow leav'd Milletoe
ib.
ALM Oil Tree
III
Moabite, alias Mangrove Bead Tree
193
181
Mobby, a Drink in Barbados
34
Papaw Tree, Male
ib.
Mole Cowry, a Shell
285
Papaw Tree, Female
Parakite
73
Monkey Apple Tree
66 Paraſitical Plants
235
Monkies
168 Wild Parſley
Monkey Vine
Birds of Paſſage
147
75
Montabba
Mopuffes, Birds
78 Their Sagacity in knowing the ſtated Seaſons of
ib.
Thick pluſhy Sea Moſs
256 Migration
ib.
The Time of their Appearance in Barbados
255
Purple Sea Moſs
Patience, a Plant
219
Great ſilky Sea Mofs
Pea Vine
312
198
Mud Fiſh
оооо
Smallest
Mulattoes
1.4
50
I 22
RED Oaker
196
2 12
1
1
81
87
PAL
..
129
1
2 1 2
256

IN D E X.
1
1
1
216
221
144.
287
21
.
S.
185 SESea-side Sage
220
-
11
114
132
283
168
12I
Page
Page
Rock Buſh
215
219
Smalleſt wild Pea Vine w
Rock Balſam
Eatable wild Pea
232
Rod Wood
Pengwin
Wild Penny-Royal
170
Large black Sea Rod
ib.
Leffer Sea Rod
213
Pepper
Incruſtated Sea Rod
288
Picardy in France, why leſs verdant than Eng-
land
Pigeon Wood
157
Wild Pigeon
76
192
Pigeon Pea Shrub
EA Egg
Pimploes
279
Barbados Pink
155
Pine Apple
230
Black Sage
159
231
Button Pine
White Sage
Surinam
Samphire
Wild Pine
231
Sand Box Tree
ib.
Small barren wild Pine
Sappadilla Tree
280
Plate Fiſh
Scallop Shell
Plantain Tree
182 Scorpion of the Lizard Kind
Plaintain wild
184 Scuttle Fiſh
305
Plantain Shrub
Surinam Scorpion
The whiſtling Plover
Sea Scorpion
258
Sandy Breaſt Plover
Wild Senna, or, the wild Caffia Fiſtula
204
Ring-necked Plover
Senſible Plant
198
178
Gully Plum Tree
280
Shooting Sea Egg
White Plun Tree
179
Shaddock Tree
124
ib.
Jamaica Plum Tree
Shaddock Tree, the leffer
125
Poiſon Tree
144 Wild Shaddock Tree
ib.
Pomiferous Trees, Shrubs and Plants
Shark, a Fiſh
312
Pomegranate
130 Shells, and Shell Fiſh
267
ib.
Pomegranate, ſmall
Siliquoſe Trees, Shrubs, and Plants
Pond Fly
84. Silver leav’d Plant
222
161
Pops
Wild Slip
172
Potatoes
Snakes
88
Potato Buſh
92
Snake Wood
223
Wild Potato Vine
Snail
257
186
Prickly Pear Vine
Soap Berry Buſh
149
Prickle yellow Wood
167
Soap Fiſh
306
Pruniferous Trees, Shrubs, and Plants
Sober's Plant
218
Pumkins
137 Sodom and Gomorrah, their Deſtruction mira-
126
Pumple Roſe Tree
53
Punches
282 Nature of the Soil in Barbados
19
Purſlaine
165 Soldier Buſh
161
Wild Purdaine
243
Sour Sop Tree
131
147
South Sea Roſe
218
Pye Cruſt, a Tree
Sorrel
204
Wood Sorrel
203
White Spaniſh Aſh
I9I
Abbit Weed
.172
Spaniſh Anh
189
Racoons
66 Spaniſh Needle
214
45
Rainy Seaſon in Barbados
74
Sparrow
66
Rats
ib.
Sparrow, the leffer
Rattle Buſh
Houſe Spider
Ratta Pepper
211
Black Spider
Red Wood Tree
143
Field Spider
91
Reed
252
Spirit Weed
156
Reptiles and Infects
88
Spire Shell
Reſervoirs very uſeful in Barbados
45 Springs, the chief in Barbados
Rights and Ceremonies of Negroes
*15 Squaſhes
137
44
Rivers, the chief in Barbados
Star Fiſh
312
French Roſe Tree
218 Stature of the Negroes
14.
Stopper
181
228
198
culous
نعم
R
To
2 12
1
11
284
O 0.00
frent loco
43
||

I N
I N D E X.
a
258 W
WA
16
213
48
TA Barbados
215
Page
Stopfer Berry Tree
176
WV. 9 ore
Storm, a remarkable one
137
9 bolso
Deſcription of a Storm in Job defended
Ater in Barbados (various)
Sea Sucker
The ſpecific Gravity.of it compared
Sugar Apple Tree
129 with ſome remarkable Spaws
ib.
Superftition of Negroes
A Table of the ſpecific Weight of 15 cubical
Sweet-Heart
Inches of this Water compared
Sweet Wood Tree
157 Well, what in Scripture
45
Wells in Barbados
41
T.
The Water in Mr. Osborne's Well proved to ex-
cel all other
ib.
*ALE, often found mix'd in the Soil of The Water of Springs and Wells purer than Ri-
55
ver Water
A 45
Tammattas
148
Weeds
Tammarind Tree
189 Narrow leav'd Sea Weed
s 252
Wild Tammarind
Pond Weed
171
Green Tar ir Barbados, and how gathered
50 Black fringed Sea Weed
ET252
Its medicinal Qualities
ib. Fringe Sea Weed
ib.
Teal, a wild Bird
77
White narrow leav'd.Sea Weed
ib.
Texts, many in the Old Teſtament, not under- Long brown Sea Weed
253
ſtood, thro’ the Ignorance of the Land of Pa- White broad leav'd Sea Weed
ib.
leſtine
46 Pale green Sea Weed
ib.
Thiſtle, or Rabbit Weed
172
Brown leav'd Sea Weed
ib.
Black Thorn
White Sea Weed
ib.
Holy Thorn
New-England Sea Weed
254
White Thorn
135
Ruffet narrow leav'd Sea Weed
ib.
Thermopylæ, its Streights deſcribed
Feather Sea Weed
ib.
Thruſh, two Species of them in Barbados
72
Sea Jew's-Ears
ib
Tides in Barbados
50.
Orange Colour Sea Weed
ib
Top Shell
286
Black branching Sea Weed
ib
Toad Fiſh
Pennated Sea Weed
255
Tobacco
171
Green broad leav'd Sea Weed
ib
Tortoiſe
Red leav'd Sea Weed
ib.
Chief Towns
6.
Grape Sea Weed
Indian Towns diſcovered in Barbados
7.
Wilk Shell
282
American Torch
Blue and White
ib.
Trade Winds
3
White Wood Tree
192
Triangular Buccinum
French Willow
to-133
Triangular Fish
305
Red Willow
Triton's Trumpets
283
White Willow
ib.
Red Trubba
148 Black Willow
ib.
Tubee Roſe
172 Dog's Willow, or Rat's Bane
Wild Tulip
229
Wyths and Vines
242
Hen Turd
155
Poiſon Wyth
166
Turky Weed
219
Black Baſket Wyth
242
Turk's Head
Cow Gut Wyth
ib.
Turtle Dove
70 Honey Wyth
ib.
Large Turtle Dove
ib. Pudding Wyth
ib.
Two Penny Chick
71 Poiſon Wyth
244
222
194
2
24
山山​山山​山山​山
​302
மனைனை
308
- 256
134
285
196
b
201
226
V.
Y.
V
Ervaine
Sea-ſide Vine
Silver Vine
Hog Vine
Wild Vine
YAMS
!!!!
149
243
ib.
ib.
242
AMS, an eatable Root
Prickly Yams
Wild Yams
Yellow Bird
Wild Yam Vine
226
227
ib.
75
242
-
F I N I S.
CORE

조
​0

A D D DE E
N DA.
To the Account of the Murex, ending in Page 275. add,
sto
T
HÈ ſeveral Authors who have treated of the Shell-fiſh wliich
produces the Purple, have, in defcribing it, promiſcuouſly
made uſe of the Words Conchylium, Purpura, Mures, and Oſtrum:
All theſe are here convertible Terms, or figuratively applied to ex-
preſs either the Shell or Shell fiſh, the Tincture it emits, or the
Purple or Crimſon itſelf. The Greeks call'd all Shells Conchs; and
that which afforded the Purple was, by way of Eminence, called
the Conch. From hence Plautus calls purple Tapeſtry conchyliata ta-
petia. Juvenal and Martial have follow'd the Greeks in calling this
the Conch.
Horum ego non fugiam conchylia.
JUVĖN. III. 81
Ebria Sidonie cum fint de fanguine concha.
MART.
There are two Sorts of Shells that are fo term’d: The moſt ge-
nerally ſo called, is that deſcribed and delineated by Rondeletius
and others; this is ſtudded with ſeveral long Prickles, ſome of them
chanell's, and open on one side. Thro' theſe Fiffures it is ſaid that
the Tongue of the Murex darts into the other leſſer Shell-fiſh, which
theſe Prickles had before perforated, and thus feed upon them. The
other is of the Buccinum Kind we have already deſcribed and deli-
neated.
The learned Fabius Columnd; as well as many antient Authors ſay,
that this is the peculiar Characteriſtic of the true Tyrian Purple, and
that the other Conch, or Murex, emits a Liquid which dyes a fine Vio-
let Colour. That there were two Sorts of what is commonly called
the Purple, is evident from a Paſſage in Pliny (1), where a Perſon
is repreſented ſaying, Me juvene violacea purpura vigebat, cujus
libra (2) denariis centum venibat, nec multo poft rubra Tarentina.
bBy
(1) Lib. 9. Cap. 29.
(2) Denarius was a Roman Peny, vety near the Weight of the Altic Drachm; in our Mo-
ney of the Value of Eight-pence Halfpeny Farthing ; ſeven of them being made out of an
Ounce Troy Weight in the Time of Tiberius. And we read of no higher Value either before
or after that Time ; which alſo continued legal Weight in the Time of Vefpafian: After this
they weigh’d leſs ; eight of them being made out of an Ouncez which reduced them to Seven-
pence Halfpeny of our Money. For whereas their Libra before contained but eighty-four, it
now contained ninety-ſix of them. In the lower Empire they ſcarce weigh’d half ſo much in
pure Silver. Tho' this was the Price of this kind of Purple : Yet the fo-much valuable Turian
.
Scarlet was often fold for One thouſand Roman Denarii a Pound; fo that it was ten times as
dear as the common Purple.
و
a

A DD END A.
By the Help of this Diſtinction between theſe two Colours, we ſhall
be able to throw Light upon ſeveral Paſſages in the Claſſic Authors,
otherwiſe obſcure; among theſe that of Horace:
Te bis Afro
Murice tincta
Veftiunt lane.
Lib. II. Od. 16.
The bis tin&te hath been generally underſtood by Critics of Cloth
double-dy'd in the ſame Materials
, to give it a deeper Dye; but may
not we be of Opinion, that this ſo much valued Tyrian Purple receiv'd
firſt the Tincture of the Violet Colour mentioned as above? This being
afterwards dyed in the deep Tyrian Red, the ſecond Dying added a
Redneſs to it, which could not have been done by being double-dyed
in the Violet Colour.
a
τον δε
That there was one Kind of the Purple of the Antients of a deep Red,
like Blood, is evident from that beautiful Allufion of Homer :
algarian
και Ελ. Ελαβε πορφυριος θάνατος και μοιρα κραταιή. .
Lars
049 From the above-mentioned Mixture of the Violet Colour, and the
deep Tyrian Red, aroſe the moſt beautiful, and ſo valuable flaming
Purple, varying in Degrees, as the Violet, or the Tyrian Red, prevail'd.
Theſe two Colours feem to be hinted at by Catullus, who, ſpeaking of
the Marriage of Peleus and Thetis, ſays,
Tin&ta tegit rofeo conchylis purpura fuco.
And that the latter of theſe was more valuable, appears from its far
greater Price, as well as from its being more frequently deſcrib'd as the
moſt diſtinguiſhing Mark of Royalty. Thus Virgil,
Et princeps Tyrio veſtem prætexuit oſtro.
And Claudian, ſpeaking of the Marriage of Honorius, ſays,
Amplexu caleat purpura regio
Et veſtes Tyrio ſanguine fulgidas
Alter virgineus nobilitet cruor.
Lib. 5. V. 114
Many likewiſe are the Inſtances in Claſſic Authors, to prove that
it is the peculiar Property of the Tyrian Murex to dye red, or of a
crimſon Colour.
Ovid

A D DEN D A.
Ovid ſays,
tichailt to
wont oraldas
Nec quæ de Tyrio murice lana rubet,
uitno
And Virgil,
Tyrioque ardebat murice lana.
Æn. IV. 262.
The fame Author elſewhere calls it the Purple of Sarra t.
Ut
gemma bibat, et Sarrano dormiat oftro.
From hence Milton takes occafion to deſcribe the Dreſs of the Arch-
༢ པ་
angel deſcending to the Earth.
barbote
O'er bis lucid Arms
A military Veſt of Purple flow'd,
Livelier than Melibean, or the Grain
Of Sarra, worn by Kings and Heroes old.
Tarentum ſeems to be one of thoſe Places for preparing the Purple
Dye, eſpecially, as Pliny obſerves, in the Time of Auguſtus ; and the
Ruins of the Buildings, as well as Heaps of broken Shells, remain'd
there for ſeveral Ages after. As theſe Shells producing the Purple
were found in the Mediterranean, this will perhaps help us to under-
ſtand the Force of that Line of Virgil,
blo
In mare purpureum violentior influit amnis.
Georg. IV. V. 373.
Virgil likewiſe alludes to this, when he ſays,
Lumenque juvente
Purpureum, & lætos oculis aflárat honores.
The ſame Poet, deſcribing the Funeral of Pallas, gives us to under-
ſtand that this Colour was of great Eſteem :
Tunc geminas veſtes auroque oſtroque rigentes
Extulit Æneas : quas illi leta laborum
Ipſa ſuis quondam manibus Sidonia Dido
Fecerat, & tenui telas diſcreverat auro.
Æn. XI. 72.
In
+ Sar was the Name of a Phænician City, afterwards called Tyre.

A D D E N D A.
In After-ages it became the diſtinguiſhing Mark of Royalty, and
made no ſmall part of the Treaſures of the Eaſtern Monarchs. For
when Alexander the Great had defeated Darius, and taken the City of
Suſa, he found among other Spoils to the Value of five thouſand Talents
of Hermonic Purple, that had been laid up in Store for near two hun-
dred Years. In Proceſs of Time it became (as we have faid) the Mark of
Grandeur and Dignity : Hence to put on the Purple, was to aſſume the
Government : And ſometimes of Pride; thus the rich Man is repreſented
in Scripture to be cloathed in fine Linen, and Purple. And as the Ro-
mans had a Law forbidding all private Perſons the Uſe of purple Gar-
ments, ſo likewiſe none but Emperors, or ſupreme Magiſtrates, were
allow'd the Uſe of Purple, inſtead of Ink: Hence many of the Royal
Grants and Laws were fign'd with Purple; and Pamphilus, Apelles's
Mafter, made uſe of this Liquid in painting or enamelling upon Ivory,
which was done by heating the Ivory to a great Degree, and then
pouring into the engraved Lines this liquid Purple. Hence that Epi-
gram of Martial,
Encauſtes Phaeton tabula tibi pietus in hac eft.
Quid tibi vis, Dipyron qui Phaetonta facis ?
This Colour was fo admir'd by the Antients, that the Poets
added the Epithet Purple to every thing that was rare, bright, or va-
luable. Hence, by a ſurpriſing poetic Licence, Horace, fpeaking of a
Swan, ſays that he was
Purpureis ales oloribus,
PAG
DAG E 195, Line 18, add, The Flowers are ſucceeded by Snuff-
coloured Pods, theſe are deeply channell’d, and contain ſeveral
thin ſhelled Nuts.


Date Due