us that there were two
species, one much smaller than the other. The larger are somewhat like
red gurnards, and are said to prey on their smaller cousins, which are
also pursued by bonitos, albicores, and dolphins of various species, as
well as by numerous sea-birds. Several times we saw a large covey of
the smaller kind rise above the surface, followed closely by another of
the larger species, when at the same moment a dozen sea-birds would
descend, and, quick as lightning, a dolphin would dart by, intent on
sharing the prey. Looking down through the clear blue water, we could
see the beautiful dorados, of pure turquoise hue, as they darted here
and there, keeping away from the vessel while they gambolled round her.

We kept so close in-shore, that we could sometimes through our glasses
distinguish the scissor-bills standing on the beach, and, in the
distance, the buildings attached to the long staple cotton plantations
for which the low islands are celebrated.

At length we came in sight of a line of sand-hills, with palmetto, pine,
and live-oak growing at their summits, while below was a glittering
beach, stretching away to the south; and close in front, low banks, over
which the white-crested breakers dashed with a fury which made us
careful not to get amongst them. To the south was a headland, which our
skipper informed us was the north end of Amelia Island. Close to the
island was a river of the same name, which united with another stream,
the Saint Mary; they together made their way over a bar into the ocean.
Crossing the bar, we passed close under the old Spanish Fort Fernandina,
and shortly after brought up off a modern city called after the fort,
consisting of half a dozen huts. We were now actually in Florida.

Lejoillie shrugged his shoulders, Rochford looked very blank, and I felt
not a little disappointed; until the judge told us that we had only
reached the most northern extremity of the country. The sight of what
might some day become a thriving place did not afford us a favourable
specimen of the scenery of Florida. Though there was not much to admire
in the city itself, we saw several country houses surrounded by trees;
but we were told that the sea-beach on the eastern side of the island,
to the extent of thirty miles, is beautifully level, and so hard as to
afford a delightful drive or ride.

The schooner having discharged her cargo, we again sailed, steering our
course for the mouth of