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where the vessels ride in safety, about half a mile from the shore; 

 the different hills and vallies near it are fortified with batteries 

 and redoubts. From hence St. Helena appears to the greatest 

 advantage, presenting a prospect of St. James's valley, the land- 

 ing-place, governor's house, and the only town on the island; it 

 consists chiefly of a long narrow street, with houses ranged at the 

 foot of the mountains, built in the English style, and furnished 

 from Europe or India. The church is neat; the government 

 house convenient, and pleasantly situated; in front commanding 

 a view of the ships, and opening behind into the Company's gar- 

 den; which, after those at the Cape, appeared rather insignificant. 

 This valley is fortified towards the sea; and on the sides of the 

 mountains are winding roads, leading to the country. These 

 roads are only intended for horses, wheeled carriages would be 

 useless. The ladies are bold riders, and gallop up and down the 

 most formidable precipices. 



Notwithstanding the dreary appearance of St. Helena towards 

 the sea, many of the inland vales are sweetfy rural, bounded by 

 magnificent scenery. From some of the least tremendous heights 

 the stranger beholds a bold crater, in the centre of steep rocky 

 hills, accessible only to wild goats, but the gentler acclivities are 

 dotted with neat farm-houses, shaded by trees, and surrounded by 

 verdant meadows or enclosures of yams, potatoes, and such pro- 

 ductions as the soil and climate admit of. These farms are ani- 

 mated by herds of cattle and flocks of sheep, while many a mur- 

 muring rill falling from the mountains gives a fine effect to the 

 sublime and beautiful landscape. This, although written at first un- 

 der the impression of novelty, appeared to me equally true after a. 



VOL. II. 2 c 



