FREETOWN. 315 



consequently it is almost as unhealthy as any 

 other place on the coast. Fortunately, the bar- 

 racks, which are roomy and well constructed, are 

 upon a spur nearly 400 feet above the sea, so 

 that they are, comparatively speaking, cool and 

 healthy. Not so, however, is Government House, 

 a quaint, rambling, cottage - looking edifice on 

 the crest of a low hill, for it is most effectually 

 sheltered from the sea-breeze, and any air that may 

 be stirring, by a useless work, mounting one gun, 

 called Fort Thornton. 



The streets of Freetown are wide, and not badly 

 laid out for the Coast, but many of the houses are 

 in ruins, and the whole place looks in a dilapi- 

 dated condition. Still, as most of the cottages are 

 surrounded by gardens, in which the banana, 

 papau, cocoa nut, orange and mango flourish most 

 luxuriantly, the town presents a picturesque and 

 rural appearance. 



The next day being Sunday, we visited the 

 cathedral, which is said to have cost a hundred and 

 fifty thousand pounds, although it is a most com- 

 monplace-looking edifice — somewhat like a huge 



