HOME OF THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE. 299 



like the halves of Dutch cheeses, the slices smooth 

 and straight. The summer rains had caused an ac- 

 cumulation of water in the hills above, and I counted 

 eight streams pouring over the precipices, all of 

 which a few days later would have disappeared. 

 Half-way down, the surface slopes farther back from 

 the shore, though there is but little cultivation until 

 the bay of Fort Royal is reached. A large stone 

 fortress, a large ustne, or sugar refinery, an open 

 park, a few government buildings, and a river, are all 

 that particularly claim attention. 



Fort de France was originally known as Fort 

 Royal, but this was before the days of republican 

 rule. It is situated between two rivers, the Riviere 

 Madame and the Riviere Monsieur; the former, on 

 the north, is very beautiful during its short length, 

 especially near its embouchure ; palms reflect them- 

 selves in the still water, and a church, on the bank, 

 sees its image on the glassy surface. The hills, such 

 as hem in St. Pierre, here recede a greater distance 

 from the shore, and the town occupies a low and level 

 plain, with wide streets crossing at right angles, lined 

 with well-built wooden houses. There are few trees 

 save in the park, which lies near the shore between 

 fortress and town. Here there are long and thickly- 

 planted rows of tamarinds and mangos overshading 

 the broad level walks. Enclosed by this double row 

 of trees is a large savanc, or common, covered with a 

 luxuriant carpet of grass, in the center of which stands 

 the statue of her of whom I came to learn. 



Majestic in poise, graceful in outline, carved of 

 marble spotless as her own pure soul, Josephine 

 stands calmly aloft, surrounded by a circle of mag- 



