174 THE OCEAN 



Jamestown, once the capital of the island and 

 a wealthy and flourishing town. On April 

 30, 1680, the island was visited by an earth- 

 quake and the busy town slipped without 

 warning into the sea, carrying with it its pop- 

 ulace and its riches. 



To-day one may row above the ancient town 

 and looking downward through the crystalline 

 water, gaze upon old houses, stone walls, 

 church towers and paved streets far beneath. 

 The stonework is covered deep in coral 

 growth, great masses of weeds and corals 

 spring from the once-busy streets, fishes of 

 gorgeous colours flit through ruined doors and 

 windows, and great lobsters, crabs and octopi 

 lurk in the halls and rooms that once echoed 

 to laughter and music. 



It is sad to think of such things, of the loss 

 of life and property, the suffering and terror 

 that occur when the sea wins and swallows 

 the land and its inhabitants in this way, but 

 sometimes such catastrophes seem guided by a 

 divine justice and benefit the rest of the 

 world. Such was the destruction of Port 

 Royal in Jamaica. In the days of the Buc- 



