BnITISH SETTLEMENT


engaged in the same pursuit, which is a
very common thing, all his ingenuity must
be exerted to beguile them from the true
scent. In this, however, he is not always
successful, being followed by those who
are entirely aware of all the arts he may
use, and whose eyes are so quick, that the
lightest turn of a leaf, or the faintest im-
pression of his foot, is unerringly per-
ceived: even the dried leaves which may
be strewed on the ground often help to
conduct to the secret spot. Patents for
discovery having never been contemplated
by the Honduras wood-cutters, any inva-
sion of the right appertaining to it has
therefore seldom been very scrupulously
regarded by them. And it consequently
happens, that persons so engaged must
frequently undergo the disappointment
of finding an advantage, they had pro-
mised to themselves, seized on by others.
 The mahogany tree is commonly cut
about twelve feet from the ground, ans.a