arguments drawn from expediency and selfinterest, a visit to the West Indies would probably induce the greater proportion of even the warmest advocates of the slave trade, to retract their sentiments, and unite in detestation of this barbarous and unnatural traffic.

The negroes in this island, and the West Indies in general, principally subsist on fish, of which the surrounding seas possess a most astonishing quantity and variety. In this latter respect, however, selection is absolutely necessary, as a great proportion is unwholesome, and many species even poisonous in their nature. The natives from experience are generally enabled to separate the fish fit for use, from that of a deleterious quality; and, accordingly, on drawing up their nets, select those of the former description, and restore the others to their liberty. But, whenever they secure fish with which they are unacquainted they bring them ashore, and decide upon their future estimation by exposing them to the ants, upon (as I am assured) a wellgrounded conviction, that these insects will

abstain from feeding upon any of a poisonous property. I have, likewise, frequently seen them determine on the quality of doubtful fish, by placing a silver spoon in the body, and leaving it there during the process of boiling; under an idea that in the event of the fish being of a dangerous kind, the metal will assume a dark tinge. How far this experiment is to be depended on, I cannot form any opinion; it is, however, generally considered effectual. Nothing can be imagined more beautiful than the colours of the West Indian fish; surpassing in brilliancy even the most gaudy of the feathered tribe.

Mr. Cromoni's estate is bounded on the South by a very lofty hill, called the Paradise, from whose summit issues a small stream, which flowing down the side, falls at the base into a deep and rocky ravine, where the rivulet forms a cool and refresh

ing bath, completely overshadowed by orange, banana, and chaddock trees, at this time in heavy bearing. Here Mr. Cromoni frequently retires to shelter himself from the overpowering effects of the noon-day sun,

and remains for hours together in the water smoking segars, an enjoyment which, however apparently indolent or luxurious, will in a West Indian, be acknowledged perfectly excusable, when we consider how difficult it is in this unhealthy climate to preserve a vigorous constitution, and prevent that lassitude of body almost invariably experienced. As Mr. Cromoni's horses were at all times at our service, we were enabled to visit the greater part of the island, which appeared in general highly cultivated, and the scenery in many places rich and beautiful.

The morning after our arrival at Marygott, we, according to custom, waited on Colonel Elliot, the French governor, by whom we were received in the handsomest manner, and the whole party invited to dine with him on the following day. Colonel Elliot's appearance and manners were in every respect those of a highly-accomplished gentleman and officer; and he had, as I understood, followed the fortunes of Buonaparte throughout the greater part of his extraordinary career.

During our visit at Saint Martin's, Mr. Cromoni introduced us to his father, one of the most extensive and respectable merchants in the West Indies. This gentleman, whose high character and unquestionable veracity are entitled to the most unqualified confidence and respect, related to us the following extraordinary account; at the same time assuring us, that during a long residence in the northern parts of the South American Continent, he had himself been, on many occasions, an eyewitness of the fact.

The city of Cartagena is, at certain periods of the year, particularly celebrated for its extensive fairs for the sale of various descriptions of foreign merchandise, and other goods no less valuable to the inhabitants of the surrounding districts. For some days previous to these periodical meetings, immense bodies of Indians, regularly assemble at particular points, on the banks of the river Choco, well-known for the treasure embosomed in its deep and rapid stream. Here these amphibious mortals plunge into a depth of not less than

from ten to fifteen fathoms, and rising at some hundred feet distant from their place of descent, bring up with them from the river's bed a quantity of gravel or sand, from which they afterwards separate small particles of gold, generally about the size of pins' heads. Having by repeated trials thus provided themselves with what they consider a sufficient quantity for their present purposes, they proceed in numerous parties for the city of Cartagena, nearly four hundred miles distant, where they barter it in the most thrifty and parsimonious manner, for such articles as they may be desirous of procuring; and, which is most extraordinary, should they, after effecting all their purchases, still retain any gold in their possession they faithfully carry back the overplus, and deposit it in its original place of security, the bottom of the river; ascribing as the motive for this strange proceeding their dread of the Spaniards, to whose cruelty and insatiable thirst for wealth so many of their countrymen had already fallen victims. Mr. C. further assured me, that numbers of the Spaniards have perished in