306 
accumulating and casting up the wreck of their works, that 
even this effect ought properly to be attributed. This is 
the only way in which the land. appears to be gaining on 
the sea, by the labours of these diminutive animals; and in . 
this way some addition has already been made to Mauritius, 
It will continue to extend its limits in the same manner 
until the shallows within the border of the reef are elevated 
above the high-water mark; but there the accession of 
territory will most probably terminate. 
* When the 72d regiment occupied the outposts of the 
island, I was quartered for some months at the cantonment 
of the Riviére Noire, where I had ample scope for my 
favourite pursuits. The country round this post presents 
to the eye every thing that is grand and picturesque im 
tropical scenery. Directly behind it the Tamarind Mountain 
rises in the form of a cone, surmounted by a flag-staff for 
repeating signals. The river glides through a mass of 
mountains covered with wood, the shoulders of which, 
pushed one behind the other into view, lengthen the per- 
spective to an indefinite extent. In the foreground, 4 
variety of tropical trees, such as the Cocoa and Date-palms; 
the Mango, the Tamarind, the Breadfruit, and Acacia, 
scattered in agreeable confusion, permit a transient glance 
at fields of Cotton, Manioc, and Sugar-cane, with herds of 
Madagascar cattle pasturing on the lawn. A numerous 
flotilla of coasting schooners charged with the produce of 
the district, and of fishing canoes plying in all directions, 
give a peculiar animation to the scene, which is still farthet 
enlivened by the cry of the hounds, echoed from the hills, 
while they pursue the deer, and chase them into the se@ 
through the midst of the cantonment. | 
“ The mouth of the Rivière Noire affords safe anchorage 
for a few ships of large size, and troops may be disembark 
without difficulty. It is, on this account, considered one 
the most important posts in the whole island; and the 
approach to it is strongly guarded. On the east side, “ 
battery Lapreneuse, of six pieces of heavy artillery, * 
erected on the most prominent point of the coast; about 
