Second rough version of George Don's journal (volume 2 of 2)
Information
Title - Second rough version of George Don's journal (volume 2 of 2)
Record type - Archive
Original Reference - RHS/Col/2/1/4
Date - 1 Jun 1822-7 Feb 1823
Scope & content - Second rough version (volume 2 of 2) of George Don's travel journal, describing the journey from St Thomas [Sao Tome and Principe] to England
Overview of contents:
Pages 1-67: Narrative of travel, 1 Jun 1822-7 Feb 1823
Page 68-92: Blank
Physical description: Bound in soft paper covers marbled in red/brown shell pattern with blue veins. Labelled 'Journal second, from the Island of St Thomas in Africa to England from June 2nd 1822 to Feb 7 1823 (G. Don). 5'. Dimensions: 31.5 (h) x 20.5 (w) cm. Conserved in 2018: the binding and pages were cleaned and repairs were carried out to both
This volume is the second of two volumes of the rough second copy of George Don's journal. For the first volume of the rough second copy, 13 Nov 1821-31 May 1822, see RHS/Col/2/1/3. For the first rough copy, 13 Nov 1821-7 Feb 1823, see RHS/Col/2/1/1-2. For the fair copy of the journal, 13 Nov 1821-13 Jan 1823 see RHS/Col/2/1/5
The volume is written in George Don's hand, on rectos only, with occasional notes on the versos in the same hand. There are no other annotations
The text includes headings at the top of the pages with locations (St Thomas, Ascension, Bahia, Pernambucca, Maranham, Trinidad, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Havana, New York, England)
The volume was paginated on the upper right-hand corner of rectos during cataloguing
Summary of contents:
(1 Jun 1822) Catching a crayfish in a nearby river in the morning, Edward Sabine [Edward Sabine, geophysicist, naturalist and astronomer, brother of Joseph Sabine, secretary of the Horticultural Society of London] believing it to be a new species. Seeing two species of Jussiaea and a curious species of Convolvulus. Going eight miles to the mountains in the afternoon. Seeing a fine species of Laurus, 'resembling L. cinnamomum [Cinnamomum verum] but without scent'. Seeing numerous monkeys. Seeing plenty of Tragia pedunculata [Tragia volubilis] and 'an immense number' of parakeets on the return journey
(2 Jun 1822) Staying indoors due to chest pain
(3 Jun 1822) Setting out towards the east with two sailors. Travelling several miles in the forest. Crossing the first range of mountains. Arriving at plantations of banana, plantain, cassava, safu [safou], jakansii [jackfruit], Bombax, guava, lime, orange, mango and pomegranate. Seeing on the return journey a strange species of Costus, 12 feet high with scarlet flowers, and a curious bulbous plant with round plicated leaves, not in flower
(4 Jun 1822) Collecting fruit of 'piacella of the negroes' (Pandanus candelabrum) and seeds of jakansii [jackfruit], colla [cola], safu [safou], oghigee, noontwey, a Chrysophyllum species and pasco [?mata-passo, Pentadesma butyracea], 'a tree resembling safu [safou]'. Collecting juice of cassa [cassia]
(5 Jun 1822) Succeeding in finding fruit of Corypha or Raphia. Collecting young plants of Pandanus candelabrum
(6 Jun 1822) Searching for cinnamon, 'which I understand from the natives is in a wild state and is called by them canella'. Hiring a guide. Setting out in the morning towards the east, walking at a rate of four miles an hour. Crossing several mountains
Seeing trees in the forest including Laurus, Cassytha, Sterculia acuminata [Cola acuminata], Sterculia heterophylla, jakansii [jackfruit], valapley [valaple, Turraea vogelii], Mienda [unidentified], noontwey and Chrysophyllum. Seeing several cinnamon trees, probably 'imported from Brazil and likely to be Laurus cinnamomoides [identification unresolved as at Jun 2018]'. Collecting a few young plants of cinnamon. On the return journey seeing a curious species of Bannisteria [Banisteria] and the Christmas bush of Sierra Leone
(7 Jun 1822) Collecting more juice of cassa [cassia]. Seeing nothing worth mentioning except 'the Musango [Musanga] of the natives', a species of Ficus related to indica [Ficus drupacea]
(8 Jun 1822) Setting out for the Peak of St Thomas [Pico de Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe] in the morning with 'a marine [and] three blacks', but 'we had not gone many miles before the blacks left us'. Continuing with the sailor
Breakfasting at the Ville de Guadaloupe [Guadalupe, Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe], a small village of 20 houses. Being unable to reach the peak due to the thick forest. The forest composed of the same trees as the forest in the lower part of the island, including Sterculia acuminata [Cola acuminata], Pandanus candelabrum, safu [safou], Adansonia and Bombax [here the journal includes a list of 10 more trees]. Seeing a beautiful species of Celosia related to castrensis [Celosia argentea]'. Seeing numerous monkeys. Passing plantations with coffee, cassava, banana, plantain, papaw [papaya], orange, lime, mango etc. Returning late in the evening 'much fatigued'. Not seeing any orchids except one 'which from the leaves appears to be a Serapias'
(9 Jun 1822) Preparing specimens and seeds for packing
(10 Jun 1822) Planting two boxes of living plants. Packing one box of seeds and specimens, one of bulbs with fruit of Pandanus candelabrum, one matted parcel containing a branch of Pandanus and two bundles of the fruit of Corypha
(11 Jun 1822) Setting out in the morning in a boat for St Anne de Chaves [Ana Chaves Bay, Sao Tome and Principe] nine miles away, with four boxes and the matted parcel. One box containing living plants, the second seeds and specimens, the third bulbs, the fourth belonging to Edward Sabine containing birds, and the matted parcel containing a branch of Pandanus and two bundles of the fruit of Corypha. Delivering them to Mr Fernandez [John Fernandez, vice consul and merchant at St Thomas] 'who is acting as British vice consul and who is to take them home in his ship the Eclipse [a merchant ship]'. Returning, 'got all the rest of my things on board'. Sailing from St Thomas [Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe]
(14 Jun 1822) 'Seized with a violent fever'
(25 Jun 1822) Anchoring off Ascension Island [British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha]. 'I am now recovering, the marines who were on shore with me all died in the time of my illness'
(6 Jul 1822) Recovering: 'I have been able to walk a little these four days past & am getting stouter every day'. Being offered a mule by one of the officers on shore to go to the top of the Green Mountain to the gardens 'where there is a lieutenant of marines stationed'. The road to the mountain being good and level for the first four miles, 'but the last three or four miles is almost perpendicular'
For the first four miles, seeing nothing but Portulacea oleracea [Portulaca oleracea], used like spinach and considered good, and a species of Euphorbia. Seeing on the mountain purslane growing with a species of Sonchus related to oleracea [Sonchus oleraceus] 'and perhaps not different, it is very dwarf, but that may be owing to the soil being nothing more than decomposed lava'. Listing and numbering the plants seen on the mountain, including a species of Spermacocea ('a beautiful little plant with white flowers'), Polycarpia tetraphylla [Polycarpon tetraphyllum] ('very common'), Physalis pubescens ('called gooseberries by the people and are used by them, they make excellent tarts of them'), a species of Hibiscus ('beautiful, called by the people St Helena Rock'), two species of Asplenum, several Gramine [Gramineae] and lichens but few mosses [here the journal includes a list of 8 more plants]
Listing and numbering the plants growing in the gardens which had been introduced from St Helena [Saint Helena, British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha], including Melia azedarach, Guilandina bonduc, Agave angustifolia, Recinus [Ricinus] species, Mesembryanthemum edule [Carpobrotus edulis], Narcissus and a species of Crotalaria. The kitchen garden 'is laid out in very good style', growing many culinary plants including greens, cabbages, leeks, carrots and lettuces. On the return journey, collecting specimens. Returning at 7pm
(8 Jul 1822) 'Return of the fever almost as severe as ever'
(9 Jul 1822) Sailing from Ascension Island [British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha]
(18 Jul 1822) 'After a very favourable passage', anchoring at Bahia St Salvador [Salvador, Brazil]: 'there is a great quantity of shipping in the bay [and] the town has a beautiful appearance from the harbour'. The inhabitants expecting 'a fleet of the Independents here every day which has put them in great consternation [referring to the Siege of Salvador during the Brazilian War of Independence]'. Recovering fast from the fever
(20 Jul 1822) Going on shore to see the town. The houses irregularly placed, some four to six storeys high, all whitewashed 'which has a beautiful appearance particularly that part of the town facing the bay'. The town in 'great confusion', preparing for a battle and digging out entrenchments
Seeing for the first time Artocarpus incisa [Artocarpus altilis], Mangifera indica, Eugenia jambos [Syzygium jambos] and hedges of Eugenia in a pleasure ground at the south-west end of the town. Seeing rows of a species of Ficus, called umbrella tree in Accra [Ghana], in the streets in the middle of the town
(21 Jul 1822) The fever returning, 'much slighter than before, but these attacks after a little fatigue make me now rather cautious in venturing on shore'
(27 Jul 1822) Going to 'the English consul's [William Pennell, British consul in Bahia, Brazil]' to see Edward Sabine. Seeing in Pennel's garden plenty of Mangifera indica, Artocarpus integrifolia [Artocarpus integer], Eugenia jambos [Syzygium jambos], Eugenia surinamiensis [Eugenia punicifolia], orange and lime. Sleeping at Pennel's
(28 Jul 1822) Going about three miles into the country, 'but it is much cultivated'. Seeing in the small gardens 'in front of some gentlemen's houses' beautiful trees of the double flowering oleander. Returning for breakfast at William Pennell's house. Boarding the ship
(31 Jul 1822) Going to William Pennell's house two miles from the town. In the afternoon, walking for about two and a half miles. Seeing plenty of trees cultivated: Mangifera indica, Artocarpus integrifolia [Artocarpus integer], Cacus nucifera [Cocos nucifera], Elais guineensis [Elaeis guineensis], orange and lemon. Seeing a beautiful orchideous 'Lochartia or Catasetum? growing on old trees', two or three species of Ageratum related to coelestinum [Ageratum corymbosum] and several species of Melastoma, most in fruit. The damp meadows covered with Iris in flower, 'perhaps Iris martinicensis [Trimezia martinicensis]' and a species of Hypoxis, both with yellow flowers
(1 Aug 1822) Going out early to collect seeds of the Melastoma seen the previous day. Large trees covered with a species of Tillandsia closely related to ligulata [Guzmania lingulata]. Raining hard, 'which prevented me from going out'
(2 Aug 1822) Going to take up roots of Iris and Hypoxis. Discovering Angraecum species, 'perhaps maculatum [Oeceoclades maculata]'. Boarding the ship in the afternoon
(3 Aug 1822) Raining hard. Going on shore in the afternoon. Staying the night at William Pennell's house
(4 Aug 1822) Wet morning. Rising late. Collecting specimens of two or three species of Adiantum and plants of a large species of Begonia with small white flowers, on a bank by the seashore
(5 Aug 1822) Going three miles out. Seeing a beautiful malvaceous plant with cordate leaves, 'the whole plant glutinous, the flowers resembling Chironia decussata, the same size and colour'. Seeing a curious species of orchid with yellow flowers and many interesting ferns in a damp place in a grove of Melastoma. Collecting on the return journey specimens of a beautiful Clematis with fragrant flowers and a species of Lantana six inches high with red flowers
(6 Aug 1822) Packing specimens and 'other articles'. Boarding the ship in the afternoon
(7 Aug 1822) Sailing from Bahia St Salvador [Salvador, Bahia, Brazil] after breakfast
(16 Aug 1822) Anchoring off Pernambuco [Brazil]. Landing at 11am. Going 'a little way into the country'. Seeing fields planted with Jatropha manihot [Manihot esculenta], Sacharum officiniarum [Saccharum officiniarum] and Gossipeum arboreum [Gossypium arboreum]. Seeing plenty of Turnera brasili [Turnera brasiliensis] on the sides of the road near the town. Seeing a beautiful 'sensitive' mimosa, about 15 feet high, and in the salt marshes near the town plenty of Pontadiera [Pontederia] 'which is an ornament to the spot where it grows', Exacum guineensis [Schultesia guianensis] with copper coloured flowers and several species of Calceolaria 'one of which has a beautiful dark blue flower'
The country very low and marshy, the town more regular and compact but smaller than Bahia [Brazil]. Boarding the ship at 8pm, and sailing half an hour later
(20 Aug 1822) Anchoring off Maranham [Maranhao, Brazil]
(21 Aug 1822) Going on shore to search for lodgings, 'but found them rather difficult to get'
(22 Aug 1822) Hiring a room at an inn, 'although but an indifferent one'. Going on board in the afternoon to bring his belongings on shore
(23 Aug 1822) Setting out in the morning with 'a man I had hired to carry my specimens on board'. Seeing many fine species of palms, two species of cocus [Cocos], two species of Bactris, Mauritia flexuosa, and many other curious and beautiful shrubs not yet in English gardens. Collecting bulbs of two species of Amaryllis in a thicket of low growing trees
(24 Aug 1822) Setting out at daybreak for a marsh six miles from the town. Seeing many species of Melastoma, including Melastoma physophora [Tococa guianensis], Melastoma aquaticus [Nepsera aquatica], Rhexia bivalvis [Acisanthera bivalvis] and several other marsh plants, including Eriocaulon and a Utricularia, Heperanthera reniforme [Heteranthera reniformis] and Lymnocharis plumieria [Limnocharis flava]. Seeing fine trees of Artocarpus incisa [Artocarpus altilis] bearing fruit in the plantations. Returning in the evening. 'The town has been beautifully illuminated tonight on account of the Constitution' [the independence of Brazil was to be declared 7 Sep 1822; the festivities were perhaps in preparation for that]
(25 Aug 1822) Sunday. Viewing the gardens in the town: 'they are all in a very rough state'. Commonly cultivated trees including breadfruit, lemon, lime, alligator pear [avocado] and Surinam cherry [here the journal includes a list of 6 more trees]. Visiting 'Newman's [?John Newman, botanist] garden, it is a very small spot', with cockscombs, Vinca rosea var. alba [Catharanthus roseus] and several passion flowers
(26 Aug 1822) Setting out at 6am in a canoe up the river to see a tree of Castania de Parra Berholetia excelsa [castanha-do-para, Bertholletia excelsa]. Hoping to find it in flower, 'which would have been a very desirable thing as it is not known', but finding the tree without flower or fruit. Not seeing anything else in particular. 'Shot several birds on going up the river and returning down'. The riversides covered with mangroves in low places, and on the elevated banks with palm trees, two or three species of Eugenia, several species of Banisteria with beautiful golden flowers and two or three species of Bryonia with red flowers. Returning at 10pm
(27 Aug 1822) Setting out 'in a different way to any I had been before'. Seeing a large tree of Carica spinosa [Jacaratia spinosa], Carolina pumila [unidentified] in flower 'which had a beautiful appearance'. Seeing for the first time the beautiful Talagalea campestris [Amasonia campestris] and plenty of Allamanda cathartica
Raining hard in the afternoon. Finding on his return the windows in his room left open and the room full of water, and 'my specimens and seeds perfectly wet which caused a great deal of trouble and rendered many of them useless'
(28 Aug 1822) Going into the interior of the island, 12 or 14 miles. Discovering beside a rivulet a very large scitamineous plant with 'leaves longer than that of a plantain, resembling Urania speciosa [Ravenala madagascariensis]'. Seeing on the roadsides many species of Exacum, particularly Exacum spicatum [Coutoubea spicata] and Exacum vergatum [unidentified], and plenty of Talagalea campestris [Amasonia campestris]. Returning in the evening 'very much fatigued'. Flowers adorning the roadsides including several species of Banisteria, two or three species of Eugenia, two or three species of Myrtus, Isertia coccinea, several species of Passiflora and a beautiful species of Helecteris [Helicteres] with red flowers
(29 Aug 1822) Looking over seeds and specimens collected. Going out in the afternoon. Seeing by the seashore plenty of Carolina [Carolinea] in flower and 'Piper, a strange species, perhaps longum [Piper longum]'
(30 Aug 1822) Going five miles from town along the seashore. Collecting seeds and specimens. Seeing many beautiful flowers, including several species of Bryonia, Allamanda cathartica, Carolina [Carolinea], Talagalea campestris [Amasonia campestris], a beautiful species of Turnera and a Hibiscus, 'a beautiful trailing little plant with large yellow flowers'. Returning to prepare for 'a small journey tomorrow to the Villa de Pasto [?the consul's residence]'
(31 Aug 1822) Setting out in a canoe in the morning with John Smith and a guide provided by the consul [Robert Hesketh, British consul in Maranham, Brazil] to Benfica [unidentified, Brazil] 12 miles away. The sides of the river covered with mangroves. Reaching Benfica just before dark
(1 Sep 1822) The country low and marshy, 'clothed with various species of Melastoma', and palm trees growing in the more elevated parts. Collecting many specimens and seeds
(2 Sep 1822) Packing up specimens and seeds. Sending them to town 'by a canoe with a man, our guide whom we were glad to get rid of on account of his conduct, he had not been sober an hour since he left the town'. Travelling home with John Smith by land. Seeing Viola itouba [?Hybanthus calceolaria], Viola ipecacuanha [Hybanthus calceolaria], Hydrolea spinosa, with various species of Banisteria, two or three species of Bignonia, Isertia coccinea, several species of Eugenia, 'all of which were in flower which had a noble effect'. Returning at 9pm
(3 Sep 1822) Turning specimens. Packing seeds. In the afternoon going out to collect young palm trees
(4 Sep 1822) Going several miles to collect several species of young palm trees to fill up a box. Planting the box in the afternoon. Planting a box of 'the finest shrubs I had seen here'
(5 Sep 1822) Packing. Feeling feverish and weak
(6 Sep 1822) Boarding the ship. Sailing in the evening
(7 Sep 1822) 'Continue very weak and feverish'
(16 Sep 1822) Seeing the island of Trinidad [Trinidad and Tobago]
(17 Sep 1822) Weather very calm. Slow progress
(18 Sep 1822) 'Drove back by the current in the Gulf of Pora [Gulf of Paria], no wind, thunderstorm'
(19 Sep 1822) 'Rather squally with thunder and rain'. Anchoring off Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago]. Seeing the Epithemus frigate and Icarus sloop [single mast sailing boat] anchored. The island very mountainous, covered with trees
(20 Sep 1822) Going on shore. Meeting Lockhart [David Lockhart, botanist and gardener in Trinidad] in the town square. Walking through the town and the outskirts. Going to St Ann's, the Governor's [Ralph Woodford, British governor of Trinidad] house and the Botanic Garden, at the foot of a mountain range two miles from Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago]. The garden not quite ready but with many fine plants and trees. Returning to the town to hire a boat to bring belongings on shore but unable to do so late in the evening. Staying at an inn for the night. The town very regularly built with wide streets
(21 Sep 1822) Going to the wharf early in the morning to wait for a boat from the ship to come on shore. Bringing his belongings on shore. Wet day. Staying in town until the afternoon. Hiring a cart to take boxes to St Ann's [the Governor Ralph Woodford's residence] 'where I am to stop while here'
(22 Sep 1822) Setting out after breakfast with David Lockhart for the top of a mountain range six miles away. Seeing hedges around the plantations composed of Haematoxylon campechianum [Haematoxylum campechianum], resembling a thorn hedge. Seeing in the woods plenty of Heliconia bihai and psittacorum [Heliconia psittacorum] and a new species related to bihai, a curious species of Maranta, several strange ferns, 'and also I have seen many old faces today', including Hura crepitans, Parkinsonia aculeata and Cerbera thevetia [Cascabela thevetia]. Returning in the evening
(23 Sep 1822) Setting off with David Lockhart up the valley of Maraval [Trinidad and Tobago], surrounded by two mountain ranges. Seeing many very fine palms growing on the mountains with other trees, with Coccus fusiformis [Acrocomia aculeata] and Elais occidentalis [Calyptronoma occidentalis]. Seeing on the lower parts of the mountains Areca catechu, Areca oleracea [Roystonea oleracea] 'with another very slender species', Bactris minor [Bactris guineensis], 'with two or three climbing ones', Ludovia funifera [Evodianthus funifer] and Nunezia fragrans [Chamaedorea fragrans]. Seeing many species of Melastoma, Blackia quinquinervia [Bellucia grossularioides], many curious ferns, Mikania scandens, 'the guacca [Mikania guaco] of the country which has now become so efficacious in fevers' and Thunbergia fragrans. Seeing plenty of Pancratium carabeum [Hymenocallis caribaea], Pothos odorata [Spathiphyllum cannifolium] and Besleria pulchella [Chrysothemis pulchella] on the roadsides. Returning late in the evening
(24 Sep 1822) David Lockhart 'being engaged with Logan's [unidentified] affairs who died yesterday could not attend me today'. Putting seeds and specimens in order. Immersing fruits in spirits
(25 Sep 1822) Going to a valley south of the town. Seeing several 'curious' plants, including a 'very fine' Fothergilla at the top of the mountain and several Epidendrum in the valley. Rain surprising them at the top of the mountain, 'which made us retreat to the nearest houses, but before we could reach shelter we were completely wet through'
(26 Sep 1822) Hiring a boat to go to Shaguana [Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago], 12 miles west of Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago]. Landing at 3pm. Raining hard all the way. 'The commandant of that quarter came in the same boat with us', inviting them to stay with him for a few days. Going to his house three miles away from the landing place. Staying for the night
(27 Sep 1822) Going to a wood near the commandant's house early in the morning. Seeing trees covered with parasitical plants, having recently been cut down. Collecting many curious Epidendrum. The country low and wet
Seeing plantations mostly Theobroma cacao 'shaded with rows of a beautiful large species of Erythrina, there is one row of Erythrina for every two rows of cocoa'. Heavy shower and thunder on return. Staying the night at a 'manager's house near the landing place'
(28 Sep 1822) Embarking in a canoe, but having to push the canoe through the mud in the low tide for two miles. Reaching Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago] at 2pm. After refreshments, returning to St Ann's [the Governor's residence]. Packing a box of Epidendrum with a few curious scitamineous plants
(29 Sep 1822) Going in the morning to inform Edward Sabine 'that I had a box to send per HMS Morgiana, which is to sail in the evening'. Returning to St Ann's. Sending the box down to Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago]. Turning specimens in the afternoon
(30 Sep 1822) Setting out by mule with David Lockhart to the valley of Maraccus [Maracas, Trinidad and Tobago] 15 miles away. Passing through the city of St Joseph [Trinidad and Tobago] at 9pm. Arriving at a Plantation House at 1am, 'where we rested ourselves till daylight'. Seeing only large Bombax pentandria [Ceiba pentandra] trees on the way, 'although it was moonlight'
(1 Oct 1822) Setting out in the morning for Lesquevis [Las Cuevas, Trinidad and Tobago] 10 or 12 miles away, 'to a plantation whereof Lockhart [David Lockhart] knew the manager'. Passing over a large mountain. Seeing many strange plants, particularly ferns, a species of Podocarpus, perhaps Podocarpus neriifolia [Podocarpus neriifolius], very common at higher elevations on the island, and many other interesting trees, but none in flower or fruit
Descending to the other side of the mountain, but being caught in rain, thunder and lightning. Reaching their destination at 5pm, 'when we borrowed cloathes and changed ourselves', after having spent four or five hours out in the rain. Being informed of the impossibility of reaching the top of the highest mountain in the rain, 'as at this season it is almost perpetual rain on its summit, which we were very sorry to hear, it being our intention to visit the top'
The country beautiful, with extensive cocoa plantations in the valleys and high, green mountains, their summits almost always hidden in the clouds
(2 Oct 1822) Walking down to the beach in the morning with David Lockhart. Seeing a curious Pancratium, plenty of Remirea maritima and Cocoloba uvifera [Coccoloba uvifera] in fruit. Hiring a boat after breakfast to Little Mariacus [?Maracas Bay, Trinidad and Tobago]. Raining the whole journey. Proceeding to Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago]. Climbing two steep mountains
Reaching Santa Cruz [Trinidad and Tobago], at the foot of the last mountain, after dark. Leaving baggage 'at the commandant's of that quarter'. Reaching St Ann's at 2am
(3 Oct 1822) Looking over specimens and seeds. Raining
(4 Oct 1822) Going on board in the morning. Bringing on shore two or three plants of Pandanus candelabrum, one jakansii [jackfruit] and one Sterculia heterophylla for David Lockhart to plant in the garden. Turning specimens and 'laying past what is properly dry'
(5 Oct 1822) Immersing fruits in spirits. In the afternoon going with David Lockhart to see Baron de Shack [Edward de Shack, Austrian botanist in Trinidad], but finding him in a 'very weak state', recovering from a fever. Seeing 'nothing particular in or about his garden'
(6 Oct 1822) Setting out for a valley north-east of the town eight miles away with David Lockhart. Seeing a beautiful species of Blakea. At the end of the valley seeing plenty of Curcuma zedoara [Curcuma zedoaria], Curcuma longa, Arum esculentum [Colocasia esculenta] and Arum atropurpureum [?Arisaema triphyllum] cultivated. The valley surrounded by 'immense ridges of mountains which has a beautiful effect'
(7 Oct 1822) Going with David Lockhart to the top of a ridge of mountains to the east of the town on the right of the valley of Maraval [Trinidad and Tobago]. Being 'obliged to return' due to rain. The valleys 'perfectly dry, but on our return were inundated in some places a foot deep'. Seeing several interesting scitamineous plants on the way up, including a 'curious' Passiflora
Going up the valley of Maraval for three miles to a small garden 'which a gentleman has surrounding his house' to see the vegetable butterfly [Psychopsis papilio] in flower. Describing it as beautiful, the colour of Ferraria tigrida [Tigridia pavonia] with light coloured, dark spotted leaves
(8 Oct 1822) Packing. Preparing to board the ship the following morning
(9 Oct 1822) Boarding the ship but, being informed it would not sail until the following morning, 'I immediately came on shore'. Going with David Lockhart to Edward de Shack's to try and obtain a butterfly plant [Psychopsis papilio]. Not succeeding. Seeing a beautiful parasitical Limidorum [Limodorum] in flower
(10 Oct 1822) Boarding the ship after breakfast. Sailing from Trinidad [Trinidad and Tobago]
(16 Oct 1822) Seeing the island of Jamaica, 'but the sea breeze ceasing and the land wind letting in we could not make Port Royal [Jamaica], we were obliged to heave [slow or stop] off and on all night'
(17 Oct 1822) Anchoring in Port Royal
(18 Oct 1822) Going on shore in Port Royal. Going in a wherry [large light barge or light rowing boat] to Kingston [Jamaica] seven miles away. Going to an inn to enquire after Mr Higson [Thomas Higson, slave holder, merchant and botanist] and Dr West [Stewart West, physician and botanist]. Being informed that Thomas Higson 'had absconded from Kingston and had left his affairs in a very unsettled state'. Stewart West difficult to reach at Bath Saint Thomas's [Jamaica], 30 miles away, and the river difficult to navigate in the wet season. Hiring a canoe. Returning on board. Raining hard all afternoon
(19-20 Oct 1822) Raining hard
(21 Oct 1822) Going to Kingston, intending to see Stewart West at Bath [Jamaica,] 'but found the conveyance so very high, I did not think it would be proper to go even on horseback'. Noting that the cost of travel would be at least £12 and accommodation on the island expensive
Going six miles out of Kingston in the afternoon. Seeing hedges of Bromelias and 'a Ceris [?Cereus] with 12 angles', scattered trees of Tamarindus, Bombax, Laurus, pasco [?mata-passo, Pentadesma butyracea] and Carica papaya. Fields and roadsides covered with Tribulus maximus [Kallstroemia maxima] in flower, 'resembling at a little distance fields of Ranunculus or buttercups'. Returning to Kingston after dark. Sleeping at an inn
(22 Oct 1822) Going to Port Royal after breakfast in a passage boat, finding it too expensive to live in Kingston without an acquaintance
(23 Oct 1822) Not feeling well. Staying on board
(24 Oct 1822) Going on shore with Edward Sabine. Taking a boat with John Smith to Green Bay [Jamaica] near Port Henderson [Jamaica]
Seeing by the seashore several interesting species of cactus, two species of Ceris [?Cereus] 'with ten or twelve angles', curious Opuntii [Opuntia], Guiacum officinale [Guaiacum officinale], Cissus acida [Cissus trifoliata] and Zylophylla angustifolia [Phyllanthus angustifolius]. Beyond Port Henderson on the road to Spanish Town [Jamaica], seeing valleys covered with mimosa, two species of Desmanthus, several varieties of Opuntia, Cactus melo cactus [Melocactus] with many other succulent plants, Ruellia tuberosa, 'and among all the plants here there is none equal in beauty to Tribulus maximus [Kallstroemia maxima] which clothed the edges of the roads and also low sandy places, it is a complete sheet of yellow'. Returning on board the ship in the evening
(25 Oct 1822) Botanising between Port Henderson and Spanish Town. Seeing a beautiful species of Bauhinia
(26 Oct 1822) Raining hard all day
(27 Oct 1822) 'Herbalising' on the mountains near Port Henderson
(29 Oct 1822) Going to Port Henderson to procure two large plants of Cactus melo cactus [Melocactus] 'with turbans upon them', the lowlands having plenty of them. Seeing a very beautiful species of Bauhinia, a dwarf species with white flowers. 'I have seen nothing else today but what was perfectly familiar to me as growing in the gardens in England'
(30 Oct 1822) Preparing for a journey to the highest peak of the Port Royal Mountains [Jamaica] with Edward Sabine
(31 Oct 1822) Setting out at 6am via Kingston for the Port Royal Mountains. The roadsides covered with various species of mimosa in flower. Near the top among the coffee plantations seeing 'plenty of English weeds', Alsine media [Stellaria media], Senecio vulgaris etc. Stopping at Newton [Jamaica], about 1,000 feet below the peak. In the mountains, plenty of Blakea trinervia [identification unresolved as at Jun 2018], Meriana purpurea [Meriania purpurea] and a beautiful species of Clethra
(1 Nov 1822) The temperature 45° at 5am: 'we found it exceedingly cold'. Setting out for the peak at 6am and reaching the summit at 8am. Edward Sabine ascertaining the height to be about 4,600 feet. Gathering many very curious Epidendrum. Thinking they would suit greenhouse growing well as they must be used to cold temperatures. Seeing many English plants, including strawberries. Seeing a beautiful 'almost climbing' Blakea trinervia [identification unresolved as at Jun 2018], Meriana purpurea [Meriania purpurea], Meriana rubia and Meriana alba [unidentified] ('beautiful plants related to Blakea'), and collecting seeds of each sort
Returning for breakfast at a nearby planter's house. Sabine and the rest of the company returning to Newton [Jamaica]. Going with Dr Gordon [Joseph Gordon, slave holder and attorney in Jamaica] to Coldspring [Cold Spring, Jamaica], 'where he intends making a garden (Dr Gordon we met on the top of the mountain, he had come to meet us, he seemed particularly fond of plants)'. Seeing the ruins of an old garden, with several species of Quercus, Magnolia grandiflora, and plumiera [Magnolia dodecapetal
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