66 Sarrorp: NoTEs OF A NATURALIST AFLOAT—IV 
The name Isla Espafiola, which Columbus applied to 
the island, or rather its Latin equivalent, Insula His- 
paniola, persisted for many years, usually in its abbrevi- 
ated form, Hispaniola. Its principal city, the seat of 
the governor, was Santo Domingo on the southern shore 
of the island, and this city lent its name to the entire 
island, just as the Puerto Rico de San Juan gave its 
name to the island on which it is situated. The island 
was consequently called Santo Domingo, or by the 
French Saint Domingue, until after its independence, 
when Hayti, or Haiti, one of its ancient Carib names, 
was: revived, the signification of which is “Highland. a 
oF name is now confined to the eastern republic, the 
2 Janguage of which is Creole French, while the name 
_ Santo Domingo, or Republica Dominicana, is retained - 
) by the western republic, where Spanish is spoken. 2 
___ The Powhatan came to anchor in Samana Bay, off the © 
village of Santa Barbara, on February 19, 1881. This 
= cent bay, situated at the northeastern corner of 
= Santo. Domingo, is a natural harbor large enough to 
shelter an entire flect. At the time of our visit the U. 
8. S. Despatch was making a survey of its shores and 
reefs, and afterwards, during our war with Spain it was 
_ @ convenient point for our transports and other vessels 
: to assemble. It is protected from the ocean swell by a 
line of coral reefs with a passage at the northern end ; 
é and deep enough for the largest vessels; and it is 
heltered from the prevailing northeast winds by th 
ninsula of Samana, a continuation of the northern 
e of mountains ie traverses the island from. - 
