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. Carrol was kind enough to make arrangements for our visiting 

 Longwood and the tomb, and it was decided that we should set out at 

 an earlv 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 



