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1880. ] The Island of Dominica. Ls 763 
Dominica was one of the favorite resorts of the Caribs. This 
warlike nation here found mountains and water, fish in plenty and 
fruits in the valleys. From their strongholds in wild fastnesses 
they more than once issued upon aggressive warfare and severely 
harassed the settlers of neighboring islands. In the course of 
years, however, the Caribs have become greatly reduced in num- 
bers, until to-day there is but a mere handful remaining. It is 
certainly a subject for serious reflection to note the almost com- 
plete extermination of a once powerful people by the advance of 
civilized measures and by superior instruments of aggressive 
warfare. In view of our own vexed Indian question we may feel 
inclined to allow personal or national interests to warp judgment 
or to subvert justice. When, however, the same spectacle is seen 
from the standpoint of an unimpassioned observer, it assumes a 
totally different aspect. Dominica and Trinidad are said to con- 
tain the last surviving Caribs. On the former island perhaps one 
thousand may still be living, on the latter not so large a number. 
Secluded in the mountains of the interior, they are but rarely 
seen at the settlements. Chivalrous as they formerly were, they 
have retained to some extent their tribal characteristics of vener- 
ation for hereditary and accidental authority and good treatment 
of their women. These latter have been accustomed to wait 
upon the “lords of creation” most assiduously, and are rewarded 
by respect and far more consideration than is usually found 
among savages. In spite of former cannibalism the Caribs have 
often shown traits of greatness and magnanimity. At present 
they occupy a reservation set apart by the government. Peace- 
ably passing their time, they devote their energies to the manu- - 
facture of exceedingly tasteful baskets. Double plaiting renders - 
the latter waterproof, and the careful work bestowed upon them 
is recognized by the numerous uses to which they are put. T 
In physical appearance these people closely resemble the 
_ Nobler tribes of our North American Indians; long, straight, black fe : 
hair falls down over their shoulders; the cheekbones are prom- _ 
inent, nose flattened somewhat, mouth broad and chin massive. — 
Much lighter than the negro population, the color of their skin E. 
is yellow to brown. The influence of intermarriage between o 
negro and Carib is plainly perceptible in their descendants. A 
decided lightening of color, an improvement in features and a 
Stature as well as decreased curliness of the hair, denote the pres- 
