202 HISTORY OF THE [BOOK. n. 



but even the grass beneath is seldom luxuriant. The 

 soil in general being a chalky marl, which produces a 

 close and clean turf, as smooth and even as the finest 

 English lawn, and in colour infinitely brighter. Over 

 this beautiful surface the pimento spreads itself in va- 

 rious compartments. In one place, we behold ex- 

 tensive groves ; in another, a number of beautiful 

 groups, some of which crown the hills, while others 

 are scattered down the declivities. To enliven the 

 scene, and add perfection to beauty, the bounty of na- 

 ture has copiously watered the whole district. No 

 part of the West Indies, that I have seen, abounds 

 with so many delicious streams, Every valley has its 

 rivulet, and every hill its cascade. In one point of 

 view, where the rocks overhang the ocean, no less 

 than eight transparent waterfalls are beheld in the 

 same moment. Those only who have been long at 

 sea, can judge of the emotion which is felt by the 

 thirsty voyager at so enchanting a prospect. 



Such is the foreground of the picture. As the 

 land rises towards the centre of the island, the eye, 

 passing over the beauties that I have recounted, is 

 attracted by a boundless amphitheatre of wood ; 



Insuperable height of loftiest shade, 



Cedar; and branching palm; MILTON. 



An immensity of forest; the outline of which melts 

 infcu the distant blue hills, and these again are lost in 

 the clouds. 



