904 NARRATIVE. 



the barracks, and the prison. Large yards or gardens are gene- 

 rally attached to the houses, and the streets are very wide, tending 

 much to the salubrity and cleanliness of the place, which, notwith- 

 standing its baneful atmosphere, promises to be a settlement of 

 considerable importance, from its great commercial opportunities". 



The population, according to a census taken a year and a half 

 ago, amounts to 200 souls, independent of servants, strangers, 

 (coming and going at all seasons) and the military force, which 

 generally amounts to 100 men. 



The stone used for building appears to be a sandstone, strongly 

 impregnated with oxide of iron, and containing oyster-shells ; it is 

 all brought from Dog Island, a few miles further up the river. 

 The Ume is made from the abundant oyster-shells, lying in every 

 creek, and a flour-barrel full fetches a dollar ; it is even carried to 

 St. Jago, where fuel to make the same quantity would cost two 

 dollars. 



The river winds very much in its course, and during the rains, 

 its water is fresh at Jillafree (or Gillyfree), about twenty-five 

 miles from the mouth, where a factory has been established for the 

 inland trade. Albreda, which I understand is picturesque in its 

 situation, is about a mile from it, belongs to the French, and I do 



"' Its principal trade is in gold, timber, hides, bees' wax, and the gum of Portendic, 

 to which may be added several articles of minor consideration. Some idea of the 

 importance of this trade may be formed, when we recollect, that in 1816 there were 

 none but grass and mud huts, and that the merchants now residing there, have built 

 a row of spacious and substantial houses, as may be seen in the plate engraved at the 

 expense of the above merchants. It includes only the front of the town, and the 

 original sketch was taken from the river. Neither this plate, nor ray own, contain the 

 two most important buildings, the Government-House, and the hospital, both extensive 

 and handsome edifices. The former cost nine thousand pounds, and like all the rest, 

 was erected without the slightest assistance from government. Bathurst adds to the 

 many extraordinary instances resulting from the exertions of individuals, a spirit which 

 England seems to possess in a more eminent degree than that of any other country. 



