OF HONDURAS.


pleasant and commodious. They are
commonly furnished with capacious
awnings, hung round with curtains to
defend the passenger from the sun by day
and the dews of night; precautions that
are extremely necessary, for in journey-
ing to the distant mahogany works, an
abode for some time must frequently be
taken up in them, and when any exposure
in an unhealthy climate might be attended
with evil consequences.*

 *It is probable that little alteration has takli
place in the form and construction of these vessels
since the time that Bartholomew Columbus, (on the
authority of Herrera; and as related by B. Ed.
wards, Hist. West Indies, vol. i. Svo. p. 103) met
one of them in passing through the gulf of Hoodn.
ras. It was eight feet in breadth, and in length
equal to a Spanish galley. Over the middle was an
awning, composed of mats and palm.tree leaves;
underneath which were disposed the women and
children, secured both from rain and the spray of
the sea; it was laden with commodities from
Jucatan.