J4 H1ST0RT of the SOCIETT. 



breadth. Its northern extremity runs nearly parallel with the 

 main land, at a diftance of about two miles, by which a fine 

 channel is formed, where the greateft fleets might ride in per- 

 fect fafety, the height of the furrounding mountains acting as 

 a barrier againft the force of the prevailing winds. 



The climate of this ifland, confidering its vicinity to the 

 equator, is remarkably mild. Eighty degrees is about the mean 

 height of the thermometer at noon, which, during the night, 

 is feldom above feventy. 



Its healthfulnefs is certainly not furpaffed by that of any 

 European fettlement on the coaft. Out of a garrifon of three 

 hundred troops, (natives of Hindoftan), not one has died for 

 thefe laft fourteen months ; a fingular fact to be experienced by 

 a new fettlement in an uncleared country. This great falubrity 

 is perhaps the effect of a conftant ventilation, fupported by al- 

 moft continued but gentle breezes, added to the drynefs of the 

 foil, the uniform but gradual elevation from the fea to the foot 

 of the hills preventing thofe ftagnations of water which, in 

 tropical latitudes, are fo highly prejudicial to the health of 

 man. 



A ridge of beautiful mountains, deeply indented with 

 valleys, and covered with evergreens, divides the ifland longitu- 

 dinally. Innumerable rivulets receive their origin from thefe 

 mountains, and are remarkable for the tranfparency and cool- 

 nefs of their waters. 



The foil, which is light and fandy near the fea, gradually 

 changes to a rich clay as it approaches to the high lands. There 

 the fugar-cane grows with the utmoft luxuriance, and the 

 mod plentiful crops of rice are every where produced. Our 

 gardens have already furnifhed us with cabbages and potatoes ; 

 and when our induftry (hall have reached the tops of the moun- 

 tains, it will be no furprife to fee in our plantations mod of 

 the productions of Europe in their utmoft perfection. 



In 



