The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1869-01-09
called up feelings of both wonder and

uellGnt.
No description of mine can give any
idea of the crystal purity of the water
on which we floated, or the extraordl-
nary and descriptive appearance pro
duced by it. Beneath us were three or
four fathoms of water, and yet every
rock, patch of sand, and branch OF sea
weed, were as distinctly visible to the
eve as though we had been looking at
them through piece of glass indeed,
more so, for the transparency OF the
water seemed to add to their distinct
ness, while, at the same time, it acted
as a magnifer Such was the wonder
full effect produced, that at times rocks
and gigantic vegetables appeared float
ing on the surface, as though to bar our
progress; but, as we approached them,
they seemed suddenly to sink to the
bottom again.
We appeared to be passing over a
lovely marine garden, perfectly alive
with brilliant-hued fish, which darted
about among the weeds and coral
branches with CELEBRITY that was quite
marvellous. In other places, large and
brilliant-colored star-fsh chung to the
rocks, while huge craw-fish moved about
with the utmost rapidity.
But, after all, description is useless.
Had 1 at my command the glowing Ian
guage of the poet, or the power of using
pencil dipped in the most vivid and
brilliant colors, l could not give any
idea, but one that would fall far short
of the reality, of the extreme brightness
and clearness of the water, and the
luquriance of form and color which
studded that tropical sea.
We had been pulling now for nearly
two honrs, and two-hours' stretch at
the oar, under tropical sun, is thing
not to be jokcd about. 1t was, there
fore, with no small degree of satisfac-
ton that we saw the entrance to Port
Sal open on the starboard side, and
shortly afterwards we entered the little
land-locked cove of that name.
The harbor was very snug and
pleasant spot; but though it is called a
port, and for small craft is very commo-
dious, the reader must not suppose it
was surrounded by wharves and quays.
On the contrary, there was not the least
sign of life, except the shoals of mon
keys and parrots which came down to
welcome us, and screamed and chartered
in a most ludicrous manner, as they
futtered among the trees.
Nothing could be lovelier to the eye,
weary with the binding glare of the
sun, than the rich green of the waving
trees: nothing could be more inviting
than the cool shade they afforded. We
selected for our encampment fine spot,
clear of brushwood, and yet well shaded,
and Immediately commenced our ar
engagements for the night, as we knew
that we could not make head against
the sea-brecze, which blows on this
coast daily with considerable violence.
Port Sal is very difficult of entrance,
but, when inside, it is quite fairy spot.
Two high rocky headlands, about fifty
fathoms apart, afforded such shelter
as rendered the water of this place,
even in the most stormy weather, per
fectly smooth and calm. A sandy beach
surrounds the harbor, backed by the
primeval forest, which, in this instance,
grew close to the waters edge
The bush, as well as the trees, was
full of life. When we entered, a num-
Der of large alligators could be seen
basking in the sun, or standing side by
side on the beach, like long row Of
brown soldiers. They all took to the
water as we approached; but not I'M
derstanding why their territory should
be thus invaded, they every now and
then glided silently up on the sand,
shooting their long shouts out of the
water, and gazing at US; then, as
silently launching themselves backward
they disappeared out of sight. Finding
we did not vacate, they swan across
the harbor to find another hot place,
such as these cold-blooded animals so
much delight in. At other places sand
pipers were trotting about in the pools
at the entrance to creek was long
line of famingoes while now and then
a great pelican, or BOBBY, tapped heav-
lily across the water, and disappeared
through the entrance.
Peter Byrnes, as soon as we landed,
started into the bush, taking his gun
with him, and had not been gone long,
before two or three reports set the
whole colony of animals in an uproar.
Jones was making himself conspicuous
by collecting wood and lighting fire.
Peter soon returned with monkey or
two, and several brace of young ma
caws and parrots, which Jones at once
proceeded to divest of their feathers
By the joint exertions of these two,
our dinner was at last before US; and
though not luxurious one, garnished as
it was with hunger, we thought it ex-
cellent. The air, the exercise, and that
keen sense of animal enjoyment which
is to be found in such a life, caused us
to look with complacency, even on
roasted parrot and stewed monkey.
Nothing worthy of notice took place
until night came on. had brought a
hammock with me, for however beauti.
full and poetical it may be to recline on
bed of leaves, even though they be
of roses, l had notion that hammock
slung between two trees, with blanket
to wrap myself in, would be a much
more prudent and sensible arrange.
ment. Accordingly, after supper l re.
tired to my hammock, in the hope Of
passing a comfortable night, for, what
with the fatigues of the day and the
little rest l had had the previous night
| was dead-beat.
Vain hope let no man think to have
a comfortable night in a tropical forest
Up to eleven o'clock, all was calm and
serene, and rolling myselfin my blan'
ket, lay down. Everything for the
first hour was still (; and fell asleep
watching the firefies as they fitted by
thousands through the air.
From the most delicious slumber that
ever tired man knew, was awakened
by noise such as l had never heard
before; it was, perhaps, the most infer
nal serenade that ever fell upon human
ear. Fancy conglomeration of the
most unearthly and discordant sounds