CHAP, iv*] WEST INDIES. 201 



of mountains extending from east to west, differ at 

 the same time widely from each other. When Co* 

 lumbus first discovered Jamaica, he approached it on 

 the northern side; and beholding that part of the 

 country which now constitutes the parish of St. Anne, 

 he was filled with delight and admiration at the no- 



'-~j 



velty, variety* and beauty of the prospect. The 

 whole of the scenery is indeed superlatively fine> nor 

 can words alone (at least any that I can select) convey 

 a just idea of it. A few leading particulars I may 

 perhaps be able to point out, but their combinations 

 .and features are infinitely various, and to be enjoyed 

 must be seen. 



The country at a small distance from the shore 

 rises into hills, which are more remarkable for beauty 

 than boldness; being all of gentle acclivity, and com- 

 monly separated from each other by spacious vales 

 and romantic inequalities; but they are seldom crag- 

 gy, nor is the transition from the hills to the vallies 

 oftentimes abrupt. In general, the hand of nature has 

 rounded every hill towards the top with singular feli- 

 city. The most striking circumstances, however, at- 

 tending these beautiful swells are the happy disposi- 

 tion of the groves of pimento, with w r hich most of 

 them are spontaneously clothed, and the consummate 

 verdure of the turf underneath^ which is discoverable 

 in a thousand openings; presenting a charming con- 

 trast to the deeper tints of the pimento. As this 

 tree, which is no less remarkable for frasrrancv than 



O J 



beauty, suffers no rival plant to flourish within its 

 shade, these groves are not only clear of underwood, 

 Vol. I. c c 



