^8 JAMAICA. 



ilie opening into Sixfeen-mile-walk, for the fpace of four miles and 

 a half, is a continuation of precipice on both fides, divided only 

 by the river, except a fmall elbow at the end of four miles, where 

 a few acres of level ground at the foot of thefe ridges has admitted 

 of a little fugar-work. The road cut into the fide of the moun- 

 tain falls by an eafy dekent to the bridge, and croffing the river 

 is condufted along the remainder of the way not many feet above 

 the furface of the water: it is therefore fubjeft to be broken away 

 in many places by the violence of floods; but this inconvenience 

 is fubmitted to from the impradicability tliere appeared of car- 

 rying it higher through fuch immenfe maffes of rock as form im- 

 pediments the whole way. For a confiderable length, the road 

 is walled up ; and, as it is fo liable to damage, not only from 

 inundations of the river, but the falling of large trees, rocks, 

 and earth, from the impending crags and precipices under which 

 it runs, the expence of repairing it is very great, and requires a 

 flanding body of workmen, who are employed the whole year to 

 keep it in order. The height of the mountains on each fide over- 

 Ihadowing it morning and afternoon, the pafiage is extremely coal 

 and agreeable; every turn of the road prefenting the eye with new 

 appearances of the river, the rocks, and woods ; whilft the water, 

 fometimes roaring and foaming in its current, where it is confined 

 to a narrow and rugged channel ; at other times gliding fmoothly 

 and fdently along, delights the traveler with an alternate variety. At 

 the end of four miles, the mountain called Gibraltar opens to view 

 a vafl folid wall of rock of prodigious height, whofe furface, ap- 

 parently perpendicular, is neverthelefs cloathed with trees and 

 ihrubs from the bafe to the fummit; the tops of one row terrai- 

 natino- where the roots of the next row begin, fo as almofl to 

 ieem growing one upon the other. After heavy rains a catarad 

 fpouts from the pinnacle of this ilupendous mafs, rendering it flill 

 more awful and romantic. The defile continues not far beyond 

 this majeflic objeft, though not widening till we enter at once the 

 extcnfive and beautiful vale of Sixteen-mile-walk. The air of this 

 vale was fufpefled formerly of producing the Weft-India colic 

 or belly-ach ; but, as that diforder does not feem at prefent to be 

 particularly attaclied to.the fpot, fome other caufe muft have made 



it 



