viii PREFACE. 



the highest improvements, both in the cultivation of corn, and 

 all sorts of vegetables ; and in raising valuable plantations of 

 fruit and timber trees. 



Being aware that investigations of this nature could only be 

 interesting to a few, and that there are certain points on which 

 information will naturally be expected in a work treating of 

 St. Helena, I have therefore endeavoured to adapt it to a more 

 general class of readers. Accordingly, I have prefixed an Intro- 

 ductory Chapter, which comprises Geological Facts, tending to 

 illustrate the primary formation of the island ; Observations on 

 its Mineral and Vegetable Productions ; Soil and Climate, and 

 Seasons ; capabilities of Improvement, and on its singular 

 Strength and Security as a Military Station. 



These additional subjects, together with a detailed account of 

 the Mutiny in 1811 (the only historical event deserving notice 

 since the year 1808), and a List of Indigenous and Exotic Plants 

 growing at St. Helena, and some other matters contained in the 

 Appendix, will put the reader in full possession of every mate- 

 rial fact that has come to my knowledge, or that has occurred, 

 during my residence of tive years. The whole is illustrated by 

 'Six Views of the most interesting parts, and by a Geological Plan 

 and Elevation. I therefore indulge a hope, that this attempt to 

 convey to the public more just ideas of this extraordinary 

 island, may prove acceptable. 



The List of Plants, or a Flora of the island, was communicated 

 by my deceased friend Doctor Roxburgh, a few days before his 

 death. It is therefore the last work of that indefatigable botanist ; 

 whose meritorions exertions in improving botanical science, and 



