392 



MEXICO, CENTRAL AMERICA, "WEST INDIES. 



whicli they were entitled, and been treated witli common justice by the local tribu- 

 nals. Although reduced to an insignificant minority, the white planters still claim 

 absolute political control over the black populations whom they formerly held in 

 bondage. 



Topography. 



Kingston, capital of Jamaica, lies on the south coast where it is indented by a 

 large inlet separated from the sea by a long spit of sand. Its low houses, dusty 

 streets, and dead walls are relieved by extensive gardens which occupy a con- 

 siderable space at the extremity of a plain commanded on the north by Long 



Fig. 186.— KxN-GSTON AND Poet Royal. 

 PcalP 1 : 222,000. 



West oF breenwich 



76" 50' 



76°45' 



WÊi 



Keefs exposed at 

 low water. 



Depths. 



0to5 

 Fathoms. 



• Lighthouse. 



6 Fathoms 

 and upwards. 



3 Miles. 



Mountain and the Liganee (Liguanea) Hills, whence the city derives its suppl}' of 

 water. Kingston became the chief harbour of the island in the year 1693, after an 

 earthquake had destroyed the city of Port Royal, which stood at the extremity of 

 the " Palisades," that is, the sandy spit which develops an irregular crescent south 

 of the bay. 



The disaster was one of the most terrible recorded in the history of under- 

 ground disturbances. The shock raised the waves mountains high, and hurled 

 the shipping against the city, which was flooded to the roofs of the houses. Most 

 of those that escaped were saved by clinging to the wreckage, whence they were 

 taken on board a frigate that had been landed by a wave on the ruined houses. 

 Much damage was also done in the interior, where the Cobre river was dammed 

 up by great landslips, and all the lower course long remained dry. The earthquake 



