EXCURSION TO LONGWOOD. 119 



tal palms, which flourish in native vigour, and 

 afford the only vegetation that brings to mind 

 the intertropical situation of this island ; unless 

 we except the extensive hedge-rows of Agaves, 

 and Cactus, (the former bearing tall wooden 

 scapes, covered with scarlet blossoms ; and the 

 latter a small but edible fruit,) which surround 

 the more elevated plantations and cultivated 

 lands. A rivulet of pure water, crossed by some 

 neat bridges, flows through the town; and derives 

 its origin from a cascade of great beauty, falling 

 over a verdant steep at the top of the valley. 



I could not again visit St. Helena, although 

 for the third time, without paying yet another 

 visit to its greatest popular attractions, namely, 

 the tomb, and former residence of Napoleon 

 Buonaparte ; respectively situated at the distance 

 of four and six miles from the coast at James' 

 Valley. And to this I was actuated, not more 

 by the intense interest such objects must ever 

 excite, than by the opportunity the excursion 

 affords, of enjoying the delightful scenery so 

 abundantly commanded from the elevated centre 

 of the island. 



A carriage -road winding over the western, 

 and a second, commencing on the eastern hill 

 that bounds James' Valley, equally conduct to 

 Longwood. The latter is the more direct route, 



