14 HISTORY of the SOCIETY. 
breadth. Its northern extremity runs nearly parallel with the 
main land, at a diftance of about two miles, by which a fine 
channel is formed, where the greateft fleets might ride in per- 
fect fafety, the height of the furrounding mountains a¢ting as 
a barrier againft the force of the prevailing winds. 
Tue climate of this ifland, confidering its vicinity to the 
equator, is remarkably mild. Eighty degrees is about the mean 
height of the thermometer at noon, which, during the night, 
is feldom above feventy. 
Irs healthfulnefs is certainly not furpaffed by that of any 
European fettlement on the coaft. Out of a garrifon of three 
hundred troops, (natives of Hindoftan), not one has died for 
thefe laft fourteen months ; a fingular fact to be expertenced by 
a new fettlement in an uncleared country. This great falubrity 
is perhaps the effect of a conftant ventilation, fupported by al- 
moft continued but gentle breezes, added to the drynefs of the 
foil, the uniform but gradual elevation from the fea to the foot 
of the hills preventing thofe ftagnations of water which, in 
tropical latitudes, are fo highly prejudicial to the health of 
man. 
A pripGE of beautiful mountains, deeply indented with 
valleys, and covered with evergreens, divides the ifland longitu- 
dinally. Innumerable rivulets receive their origin from thefe 
mountains, and are remarkable for the tranfparency and cool- 
nefs of their waters. 
Tue foil, which is light and fandy near the fea, gradually 
changes to a rich clay as it approaches to the high lands. There 
the fugar-cane grows with the utmoft luxuriance, and the 
moft plentiful crops of rice are every where produced. Our 
gardens have already furnifhed us with cabbages and potatoes ; 
and when our induftry fhall have reached the tops of the moun- 
tains, it will be no furprife to fee in our plantations moft of 
the productions of Europe in their utmoft perfection. 
In 
