CLIMATE. 19 



of the Bard of Erin have sounded the praises of 

 the (Sedar-groves and wood-nymphs of the " Fairy 

 Isles," as the Bermudas have been styled by Shak- 

 speare^ 



" No: ne'er did tlie wave in its element steep 



An island of lovelier charms ; 

 It blooms in tlie giant embrace of the deep, 



Like Hebe in Hercules' arms; 

 The blush of your bowers is light to the eye, 



And their melody balm to the ear; 

 But the fiery planet of day is too nigh, 



And the Snow Spirit never comes here." 



The oflBcial returns of deaths among the troops, 

 and the prisoners, confined, as they are, to the un- 

 wholesome atmosphere of the hulks, prove the place 

 to be remarkably healthy. 



Bermuda is not so much subject to diseases as are 

 the more northern climates. Epidemics are of un- 

 frequent occurrence ; and deaths from all causes, as 

 shown by the statistical tables, amount to no more 

 than 14*5 per cent, annually. 



The climate of Bermuda would prove eminently 

 eligible for those natives of cold countries who, from 

 general delicacy of constitution, are unable to undergo 

 active continuous labour with exposure, or who other- 

 wise suffer from a cold and variable climate. As far 

 as the author's observation goes, the effect of resi- 

 dence in Bermuda, on such persons, is usually bene- 



2—2 



