the iris, or coloured portion, sends out two processes, which meet each other under the transverse band of the cornea, so that the fish appears to possess even a double pupil.  Still, on closer investigation, the connection, between the divisions of the pupil are apparent, and can readily be seen in the young fish.  The lens is shaped something like a jargonelle pear, and so arranged that its broad extremity is placed under the large segment of the cornea.’

These strangely specialised eyes—­so folks believe here—­the fish uses by halves.  With the lower halves he sees through the water, with the upper halves through the air; and, elevated by this quaint privilege, he aspires to be a terrestrial animal, emulating, I presume, the alligators around, and tries to take his walks upon the mud.  You may see, as you go down to bathe on the east coast, a group of black dots, in pairs, peering up out of the sand, at the very highest verge of the surf-line.  As you approach them, they leap up, and prove themselves to belong to a party of four-eyes, who run—­there is no other word—­down the beach, dash into the roaring surf, and the moment they see you safe in the sea run back again on the next wave, and begin staring at the sky once more.  He who sees four-eyes for the first time without laughing must be much wiser, or much stupider, than any man has a right to be.

Suddenly the mangroves opened, and the creek ended in a wharf, with barges alongside.  Baulks of strange timbers lay on shore.  Sheds were full of empty sugar-casks, ready for the approaching crop-time.  A truck was waiting for us on a tramway; and we scrambled on shore on a bed of rich black mud, to be received, of course, in true West Indian fashion, with all sorts of courtesies and kindnesses.

And here let me say, that those travellers who complain of discourtesy in the West Indies can have only themselves to thank for it.  The West Indian has self-respect, and will not endure people who give themselves airs.  He has prudence too, and will not endure people whom he expects to betray his hospitality by insulting him afterwards in print.  But he delights in pleasing, in giving, in showing his lovely islands to all who will come and see them; Creole, immigrant, coloured or white man, Spaniard, Frenchman, Englishman, or Scotchman, each and all, will prove themselves thoughtful hosts and agreeable companions, if they be only treated as gentlemen usually expect to be treated elsewhere.  On board a certain steamer, it was once proposed that the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company should issue cheap six-month season tickets to the West Indies, available for those who wished to spend the winter in wandering from island to island.  The want of hotels was objected, naturally enough, by an Englishman present.  But he was answered at once, that one or two good introductions to a single island would ensure hospitality throughout the whole archipelago.