412 GENERAL HISTORY. 



The geological characteristics of the islands are unusual. It abounds in 

 deposits of copper; but, as yet, none have been found sufficiently promising 

 to warrant mining on an extensive or permanent scale. 



The soil and climate are but illy adapted either to agricultural or horticult- 

 ural purposes, and much of the sparse population is understood to be more 

 or less nomadic, devoting attention to fishing during the warm season, and 

 abandoning the island during winter. 



