INTBODUCTinN. Kxvii 



tops* The chalk of ihe mountains is be- 

 come dry, and the earth proper for vege- 

 tation has fallen down into the valleys. 

 Thofe large trees, whichj when the Ifland 

 was inhabited, fecureU the earth from fuch 

 dangerous falls, have been either burnt or 

 cut down. Torrents have been confe* 

 quently formed, and the greater part of the 

 gravel wafiied down by them has choked 

 \ip the harbour* The anchoring ground 

 at prefent is not fheltered from the violence 

 of the fea, nor the impetuofity of the winds. 

 Tims through an abfolute want of forefight 

 in the firfl: fettlers, and a defire to promote 

 their own temporary advantage, France is 

 likely to be deprived of a port which is con- 

 fidered as the bulwark of its forces, and the 

 mofl commodious ftorehoufe of its com- 

 merce in«the Indian feas. 



M. de Tromelin, formerly a captain in 

 the navy, an officer as fertile in refources as 



Mm 



