VEGETATION AND INHABITANTS 145 



Grand Cayman is about seventeen miles in 

 length, and from four to seven miles in breadth. 

 On the northern side is the " Sound " — an expanse 

 of shallow water about six miles in length o£E 

 George Town, the capital. Ships, as a rule, find 

 this the best anchorage, although its advantage 

 somewhat depends on the prevailing winds. 



The island is well covered with vegetation,* 

 the largest trees being mangroves, which here 

 rise to a considerable height, while a low growing 

 species of palm provides useful material for 

 thatching and the manufacture of baskets, etc. 

 Like the smaller islets of the group. Grand Cayman 

 is composed of coral, and in no spot is it many 

 feet above the level of the sea. There is, however, 

 in most parts sufficient soil for the cultivation of 

 sugar cane, sweet potatoes, and other plants, 

 and in many places there is a luxuriant growth 

 of grass which is used as pasturage for a small 

 number of cattle. Poultry and pigs are also 

 reared, and besides providing food for the in- 

 habitants, are occasionally shipped to neighbour- 

 ing islands. 



The inhabitants of the Cayman Islands are, 

 I believe, descended from buccaneers who at one 

 time made these islands their headquarters. 

 They are of a fair complexion, and those who 

 live at a distance from the port are extremely 



* An orchid, said to be peculiar to it, grows in quantities on Grand 

 Cayman. 



