HOME OF THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE. 299 
like the halves of Dutch cheeses, the slices smooth 
and straight. The summer rains had caused an ac- 
cumulation of water in the hills above, and I counted 
eight streams pouring over the precipices, all of 
which a few days later would have disappeared. 
Half-way down, the surface slopes farther back from 
the shore, though there is but little cultivation until 
the bay of Fort Royal is reached. A large stone 
fortress, a large wszze, or sugar refinery, an open 
park, a few government buildings, and a river, are all 
that particularly claim attention. 
Fort de France was originally known as Fort 
Royal, but this was before the days of republican 
rule. It is situated between two rivers, the Riviére 
Madame and the Riviére Monsieur; the former, on 
the north, is very beautiful during its short length, 
especially near its embouchure; palms reflect them- 
selves in the still water, and a church, on the bank, 
sees its image on the glassy surface. The hills, such 
as hem in St. Pierre, here recede a greater distance 
from the shore, and the town occupies a low and level 
plain, with wide streets crossing at right angles, lined 
with well-built wooden houses. There are few trees 
save in the park, which lies near the shore between 
fortress and town. Here there are long and thickly- 
planted rows of tamarinds and mangos overshading 
the broad level walks. Enclosed by this double row 
of trees is a large savane, or common, covered with a 
luxuriant carpet of grass, in the center of which stands 
the statue of her of whom I came to learn. 
Majestic in poise, graceful in outline, carved of 
marble spotless as her own pure soul, JOSEPHINE 
stands calmly aloft, surrounded by a circle of mag- 
