762 ` : The Island of Dominica.  [November, 
comparatively few landing places, and unless a shelving beach 
can be found, the boat may not unfrequently be swamped in an 
attempt at landing. Owing to the character of the rocks com- 
posing the body of the island, erosive action has been productive 
of varied results. The immediate base is composed of hard, com- 
pact sanidine-trachyte ; overlying occurs a series of easily decom- 
posing conglomerates, while the higher portions are again formed 
by trachyte. In giving these facts, it may be stated that the 
southern end of the island is spoken of. Towards the high inte- 
rior and north, but few explorations have been accomplished. 
Wherever the more easily yielding conglomerates have been 
attacked by erosive agents, almost vertical walls and narrow 
gorges are found. Steep slopes are not wanting in the trachytes 
proper, but they seem to be owing less, perhaps, to erosion than 
to be the expression of original contour. 
Towards the interior the highest mountain reaches an absolute 
elevation of 5500 feet; within a very few miles of shore, how- 
ever, 3000 to 3500 feet are attained by a number of peaks. 
It would be difficult to imagine any more beautiful spot than the. 
southern end of Dominica. Combined with outlines which 
resemble the rigid stability of Alpine scenery is the luxuriant, 
sub-tropical flora. An abundance of moisture, equable tempera- 
ture and absence of the destructive hand of civilization allow 
full scope for the development of plant life, and have preserved 
for our admiration a region which cannot fail to call forth enthu- 
siasm. Few sights can be more charming than that of a high, 
vertical wall clothed throughout with abundant vegetation, exhib- 
_iting numerous shades of vivid green. The Roseau river is the 
most important watercourse of the island. It heads in the higher 
mountains, flows in a westerly direction, forms a fine waterfall 
near Laudat, and enters the sea on the leeward side of Dominica 
at the main port, the town of Roseau. 
_ From the earliest days, since its discovery, Dominica has been 
_ a bone of contention between England and France. Ample forti- 
_ fications, now allowed to decay, speak of the importance which 
each nation attached to its possession, By the treaty of Fon- 
tainebleau it was ceded to Great Britain, but in 1802 wos again 
recovered by France. Finally, in 1814, the former power once 
more added it to her list of colonies, and has retained it since 
that time. At the time of its discovery, and for many years after, 
A 
