326 CAMPS IN THE CARIBBEES. 



he entered this archipelago, Columbus saw no less 

 than six islands of different magnitude. After seek- 

 ing in vain for good anchorage at Dominica, he stood 

 for another of the group, to which he gave the name 

 of his ship, Marigalante. Here he landed, displayed 

 the royal banner, and took possession of the archi- 

 pelago in the name of his sovereigns. The island 

 appeared to be uninhabited ; a rich and dense forest 

 overspread it; some of the trees were in blossom, 

 others laden with unknown fruits, others possessing 

 spicy odors, among which was one with the leaf of 

 the laurel and the fragrance of the clove. Hence 

 they made sail for an island of larger size, with a 

 remarkable mountain ; one peak, which proved after- 

 ward the crater of a volcano, rose to a great height, 

 with streams of water gushing from it." [This is the 

 volcano I hope to reach by and by.] " As they ap- 

 proached within three leagues, they beheld a cataract 

 of such height that, to use the words of the narrator, 

 it seemed to be falling from the sky. As it broke into 

 foam in its descent, many at first believed it to be a 

 stratum of white rock. To this island, which was 

 called by the natives Turuqncira, the admiral gave 

 the name of Guadeloupe, having promised the monks 

 of Our Lady of Guadeloupe, in Estremadura, to call 

 some newly-discovered place after their convent. 

 Landing here on the 4th of November, 1493, they 

 visited a village near the shore, the inhabitants of 

 which fled in affright, leaving their children behind 

 in their terror and confusion. The isfland on this side 

 extended for a distance of five-and-twenty leagues, 

 diversified with lofty mountains and broad plains." 

 This was the first island in which Columbus saw 



