258 ISLAND OF ASCENSION. 



wharf; a small crane was near, to assist boats in 

 approaching, and persons in landing. A delight- 

 ful trade breeze rendered the air cool, which 

 would otherwise have been intolerable, on ac- 

 count of the reflection of the sun from the sand 

 and lava. The residences of the garrison, store- 

 houses, &c., were neat constructions, and had 

 been lately completed : many other buildings 

 were in progress. The island has now been for- 

 tified at every part considered accessible ; these 

 points being few, however, not many batteries 

 were required. The establishment consists of 

 marines and marine artillery, (about four hun- 

 dred,) under a commandant. Captain Bates. 

 The privates are masons, carpenters, quarrymen, 

 &c. ; the houses are constructed by them, and, 

 in fact, they undertake all the laborious work. 

 This island is considered of great importance, 

 being directly in the track of our homeward- 

 bound shipping from the East Indies, &c., and 

 would, in the event of a war, have afforded a 

 rendezvous for the enemy's cruizers. 



I was informed that excellent soil was found 

 under the lava, at a depth of two feet : cultiva- 

 tion of vegetables, &c. is at present confined to 

 the green mountain ; the present object of forti- 

 fying and erecting buildings on the island being 

 completed, cultivation will be more attended to. 



