150 Isles c>v srMMfiit. 



moral and religious changes which have taken place. While the 

 little capital has doubtless its full share of the vices which mar 

 the civilization of modern times, and is by some declared to be 

 a very wicked i^laee, yet, compared with what it was in Black 

 Beard's day, it is the very garden of the Lord. 



Judging from outward appearances, religion at Xassau is built 

 upon a very democratic basis. In their public assemblies all are 

 ''one in Christ." There is no ''color line."" 



No seats are set apart in the churches, where the white element 

 preponderates, for colored people. The blood of the two races is 

 greatly and curiously mixed, mingled, and combined. The line 

 that marks the division between day and night is not more uncer- 

 tain and difficult to determine than the color line in Nassau. A 

 prominent white citizen informed us, and it seemed both to amuse 

 and astonish him, that the whites upon Abaco island persist in 

 exclusively occupying one side of the church. These people, 

 who place such a high value upon their blood, descended, he said, 

 from the pirates! jVIuch to their chagrin the Governor appointed 

 a negro to fill the office of resident magistrate upon that island, 

 because he excelled them in a competitive examination. The 

 black squire occupied a seat in the isle which separated the 

 "children of darkness" from the "children of light." 



Many of the visitors at Nassau find in fishing pleasant and 

 useful occupation for some of their leisure hours. Arrangements 

 for boats and bait are consummated, the party made up, and the 

 time and place agreed upon a day or two in advance. The ex- 

 penses, divided per capita among the gentlemen forming the 

 party, are trifling. Good sailing and good fishing can be calcu- 

 lated upon with confidence, as it is very rare indeed that there 

 is any failure of a favorable wind, or of an abundance of piscatory 

 game. The boatmen are accustomed to bring "the catch" to 

 the court of the hotel, where their captors, with a laudable pride 



