CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. 
443 
one would expect, ranging from the well-dressed English soldier to the 
Oriental costumes of India and China. There are many quadroons, 
who are said to be descendants of the natives of Madagascar, brought 
here originally by the Dutch. They were pointed out to me as re¬ 
markable for their beauty, and many of them have certainly, it must 
be acknowledged, well-developed and even handsome forms; which, 
from appearances, they are fond of exhibiting, and to which their style 
of dress is well adapted. 
Extortion is here carried to its height, and although the stay of the 
stranger is only for a few hours, the time is sufficient to make him 
aware that he has submitted to some exorbitant demand, if his curi¬ 
osity have led him to visit Longwood and the tomb of Napoleon. 
Mr. C arrol was kind enough to make arrangements for our visiting 
Longwood and the tomb, and it was decided that we should set out at 
an early hour the next morning. 
Captain Hudson, Mr. Waldron, and myself, accordingly landed at 
the jetty early the next day, and found waiting for us a small wagon 
with two stout horses, in which we seated ourselves, and were driven 
to the American consulate. We were there joined by Mr. Carrol, 
and taking the eastern road, commenced ascending the narrow track 
leading up the side of the cliff. The road seemed to have been carried 
over some places with great difficulty; heavy walls were built in some 
places to form the road, while in others the path was blasted out of the 
rock. As we ascended, we had a bird’s-eye view of the town and 
the gorge in which it lies. The houses and their inhabitants were 
alike reduced in size, and we experienced the accuracy of the poetical 
assertion “ that distance lends enchantment to the view,” for from our 
elevated position all appeared neat and clean. The hospitals for the 
troops are situated in the upper end of the valley, in a space too con¬ 
tracted for comfort. Their appearance is strongly in contrast with 
that of those usually attached to British garrisons, and led to some 
inquiries on my part as to the necessity for their confined position. 
The island being usually healthy, and infectious diseases but seldom 
prevailing, quarantine is performed at Lemon Valley, or rather it was 
used for that purpose during our visit; a number of recaptured slaves, 
among whom the small-pox had made its appearance, being detained 
there. 
The first object of interest that presents itself as connected with the 
residence of Napoleon, is the cottage at the Briars, to which he was 
removed soon after his arrival. It is situated in a small dell at the 
head of the gully, and has attached to it some ten acres of ground, laid 
out in walks and flower-beds. There are many similar spots on the 
