374 JOURNAL OF A 
wood, M'hicli, after a ride of a few miles, presents itself over a deep, 
barren glen, called the " Devil's Punch-howl." General Bona- 
parte's premises appear, at first sight, to be placed near its rim. Af- 
ter rounding the edge of the Punch-bowl, we reached the outer gate 
and guard-house. Sir Hudson pointed out to us the situation of 
Longwood, as peculiarly calculated to prevent unobserved escape. 
The grounds which occupy a space of about twelve miles in cir- 
cumference, lie upon a kind of inland peninsula, the only prac- 
ticable access to which, is between the Devil's Punch-bowl, and a 
deep glen to the right, descending towards the sea, or between 
the flag-staff hill, and the other end of the Punch-bowl. Both 
these roads are sufficiently defended by troops. As far as the guard- 
house, and within the twelve miles, General Bonaparte may ride, 
and amuse himself as he pleases; but if he wishes to exceed those 
limits, an officer must accompany him. He finds this extremely 
unpleasant, and requested the officer to dress like a common gen- 
tleman, v/hich, however, being on duty, the latter was obliged to 
refuse. 
After entering the gate, we rode up to another enclosure, where 
Sir Hudson desired ns to wait, till he had obtained information re- 
specting the General's actual situation. The interior of the premises, 
is well stocked with ornamental and other trees, forming a pleasant 
shrubberjs the rest of the domain being principally covered with gum 
trees standing singly. In a short time. Sir Hudson returned from the 
house, with an account, tbat General Bonaparte was very ill with a 
swelled face and gums, and could not leave his room. This answer 
we had expected, and contented ourselves with riding about the 
park, if I may so call it, and obtaining a good idea of the situation of 
the dwelling of this remarkable man. He and his friends complain of 
it, but I can only declare, that in the whole island of St. Helena, I 
have not seen a spot, more convenient and airy, and where there is 
so much opportunity for taking a ride in a carriage or on horseback^ 
without interruption. The park is even and grassy, and General Bo-- 
naparte frequently rides out in a cabriolet and six, generuliy in full 
