586 



ASCENSION. 



July, 1836. 



their summits generally truncated, rising distinct out of a 

 level surface of black rugged lava. A principal mound in 

 the centre of the island, seems the father of the lesser cones. 

 It is called Green Hill ; its name is taken from the faintest 

 tinge of that colour, which at this time of the year was 

 barely perceptible from the anchorage. To complete this 

 desolate scene, the black rocks on the coast are lashed by 

 a wild and turbulent sea. 



The settlement is near the beach; it consists of several 

 houses and barracks placed irregularly, but well built of 

 white freestone. The only inhabitants are marines, and 

 some negroes liberated from slave-ships, who are paid and 

 victualled by government. There is not a private person 

 on the island. Many of the marines appeared well con- 

 tented with their situation ; they think it better to serve 

 their one-and-twenty years on shore, let it be what it may, 

 than in a ship : in which choice, if I were a marine, I would 

 most heartily agree. 



The next morning I ascended Green Hill, 2840 feet high, 

 and thence walked across the island to the windward 

 point. A good cart-road leads from the coast settlement to 

 the houses, gardens, and fields, placed near the summit of 

 the central mountain. On the roadside there are milestones, 

 and likewise cisterns, where each thirsty passer-by, can 

 drink some good water. Similar care is displayed in each 

 part of the establishment, and especially in the management 

 of the springs, so that a single drop of water shall not be 

 lost : indeed the whole island may be compared to a huge 

 ship kept in first-rate order. I could not help, when ad- 

 miring the active industry which had created such effects out 

 of such means, at the same time regretting that it was 

 wasted on so poor and trifling an end. M. Lesson has 

 remarked with justice, that the English nation alone would 

 have thought of making the island of Ascension a pro- 

 ductive spot ; any other people would have held it without 

 any further views, as a mere fortress in the ocean. 



Near the coast nothing grows ; a little inland an occa- 



