riSHEEIES, TOPOGRAPHY, ETC. 83 



frequently, and, to a considerable extent, at former 

 periods. 



There are immense fissures in almost every part 

 of the island, through which the water lodged on 

 the surface is drained ofi" and conducted to the ocean 

 by means of subterranean channels. Superficial 

 springs of fresh water are very few, and the inhabi- 

 tants are supplied with this necessary article of 

 consumption principally from wells, and from cisterns 

 of rain-water. 



The group of islands and the surrounding reef 

 are of an oval form, the longest diameter lying 

 north-east by east and south-west by west, in 

 length twenty-five miles; and the breadth is from 

 ten to twelve nautical miles. The islands them- 

 selves are on the south-east side of the reef, and 

 are shaped in the most irregular manner. In the 

 general direction of the reef given above, they 

 extend in length about fifteen miles. The greatest 

 breadth is about five miles. The islets are one 

 hundred and fifty in number. They are situated 

 in latitude 32° 15' north, longitude 64° 51' west, 

 and are distant from Cape Hatteras, in North Caro- 

 lina, about 600 miles. 



The chief of the group is the Great Bermuda 

 Island, containing the town of Hamilton ; St. 



6—2 



