Isle of France, #c] ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 



535 



The chief currency of this place is Government paper, payahle to 

 bearer on demand in Spanish dollars. The specie dollar is generally at an 

 agio, being the most marketable kind of bullion in the East. 



The scarcity of three sol pieces induced the Government in 1818 to 

 issue Indian copper pice, at the rate of 100 per dollar, or 2 sols, or 1 cent, 

 each pice. 



Weights. — The weight used here is generally the poids de marc of 

 France, 100 lbs. of which are considered equal to 109 lbs. avoirdupois. The 

 pound poids de marc is equal to 7555 grains English troy weight 



Measures. — The English and ancient French measures of capacity 

 are both used. 



BOURBON. — This island is of a round form, about 14 leagues from 

 N. W. to S. E., and about 35 leagues from the Isle of France. St. Denis, 

 the principal town on the island, is situated on its N. side, in latitude 

 20 5 52 S., and longitude 55 s 27' E. The anchorage is near the shore, and 

 unsafe. This island has no port where ships can lie sheltered from bad 

 weather; and the hurricanes at Bourbon are thought to be more violent 

 than at Mauritius. 



The town of St. Denis is agreeably situated on a small plain near the 

 sea, and contains about 150 houses built of wood, a few built of stone, and 

 the greater part of them have gardens behind them. The hanging bridge 

 here merits particular attention ; it is constructed to project as it were into 

 the sea, and by its assistance goods may be embarked or disembarked with 

 convenience and safety in the most boisterous weather, and when it is im- 

 possible to approach the shore, from the violence of the waves breaking 

 against it. 



The population of Bourbon is now stated to consist of 14,790 whites, 

 4342 free coloured persons, and 49,759 slaves. 



Trade. — The commerce of this island is free to all nations. Besides 

 France, to which it belongs, and its neighbour Mauritius, Great Britain 

 and British India carry on a considerable trade with this island. Its pro- 

 ducts are similar to those in the Isle of France, but its coffee is particularly 

 celebrated. Bourbon likewise produces a considerable quantity of corn. 



Coins, Weights, and Measures. — While the English had possession 

 of the Isle of Bourbon, the same system of monies, weights, and measures 

 was in use here as at the Mauritius; but since 1814, the French system 

 has been partially re-established. 



SAINT HELENA. — This island is situated in the Southern Atlantic 

 Ocean ; its length is about three leagues, nearly N. E. and S. W., of a cir- 

 cular form, about 26 or 27 miles round. When first observed, it presents 



