420 , EAMBLES OF A NATUEALIST. [Oh. XXIV, 



few trees which crowned the crest of the opposite ridge ; and 

 down in the valley where it narrowed on the right, and be- 

 came more pleasing and somewhat verdant, was the spot 

 where the great Emperor found his last small but sufficient 

 empire. His bones are no longer there ; but the spot is 

 still venerated by those who hold dear the traditions of the 

 empire, and who reverence the name of the man whose rest- 

 less ambition desolated thousands of homes, and covered 

 France with glory. A massive square slab of stone, sin:- 

 rounded by an iron railing, within which are planted scarlet 

 geraniums, and over which hangs a stunted weeping willow, 

 is the true description of this "last scene of all of his event- 

 ful history." The enclosure is small, hilly on three sides, 

 and planted around with trees, among which the sombre 

 tints of the funereal cypress are conspicuous. 



The island of St. Helena appears to abound with beauti- 

 ful views and varied scenery, and I very much regretted 

 having to leave it without a fuller exploration ; but we weighed 

 anchor next day, and, with a fair wind, stood away for 

 Ascension, and once more cast anchor off George Town on 

 the 13th of June. 



The volcanic island of Ascension, as approached from the 

 sea, has not so striking an appearance as St. Helena; but 

 owing to its peculiar and predominant rufous colour, and 

 desolate aspect, it is not a little remarkable. Sloping rocks 

 of the roughest lava, broken here and there by sandy bays, 

 stretch along the shore, and the island consists of an irregular 

 series of conical hills of various heights, above which towers 

 Green Mountain, 2800 feet high, whose summit is crowned 

 with trees and green fields, and offers a strong contrast to 

 the other hiUs, which are reddish or brown, according to the 

 colour of the ashes and cinders of which they are composed. 



