too JAMAICA, 



on without the probability of ever finding our way out again: and 

 in fuch a diftrefstul event we could not reafonably have cxpefted 

 any human affiftance. The famous Cretan labyrinth did not, 

 1 am perfuaded, contain half the turns and windings which branch 

 through every part of this infernal wildernefs; and which even 

 Thefeus, with the help of his clue, would have found difficult to 

 unravel. Whoever may have the curiofity to examine thefe mean- 

 ders with more attention, and to difcover their extent and termi- 

 nation, ought to furnifh himfelf with the implements neceffary for 

 flriking fire, a portable mariner's compafs, a proper quantity of 

 wax tapers, and lome provifion for the llomach. Thus equipped, 

 he may pervade them without fear of being loft, if he walks 

 with due circumfpe6lion : the impreffion of his feet on the fofc 

 mould, which is thick-ftrevved in thefe paflages, might enable him 

 to re-trace his own tra6t almoft without the affiftance of a compafs ; 

 though to avoid the poflibility of being bewildered, it will be 

 advifeable to carry one. 



Thefe are the moft remarkable curiofities as yet difcovered in this 

 parifli ; but it may probably contain others, the grotto not having 

 been found out, or at leaft generally known, till within thefe few 

 years. We are uncertain whether it was known to the Spaniards; 

 but it is fuppofed that run-away Negroes were not unacquainted 

 with fo convenient a hiding-place. 



Moft of the houfes in this parifli are made dcfenfible with loop- 

 holes ; it having been the pra£lice formerly, in war-time, for the 

 enemy's privateers to land here, in order to plunder the inhabitants 

 of their Negroes. Thus, in guarding againft the infults of foreign 

 enemies, they are fortified alfo againft internal ones ; the like pre- 

 caution ought to have been ufed, in the other parts of the country, 

 which are remote from the coaft ; but, either through negligence, 

 or an imprudent contempt of danger, very few houfes upon the 

 inland fettlements have been conftruded in this manner. 



The road which paffes along the coaft to St. 'James, is one of 

 the beft in the ifland, and kept in good repair. 



State 



