CLIMATE OF ISLE ST. LOUIS. 113 
not everywhere alike, it being at the southern point eighty toises, 
and at the western, the part where the fort is built, a hundred 
and thirty. From north to south, it forms a sort of elongated 
bank; the soil is level and sandy, a few mango or other trees 
being found only at the northern point : amongst them is the fa- 
mous banyan tree, w^hose root is always in water, and from 
whose straight pliant, and knotless branches, shoots strike out, 
which take root almost as soon as they touch the ground, and 
thus form natural bowers. The number thus increases to an 
inconceivable extent, insomuch that a single banyan tree may in 
time produce a prodigious quantity of other trees of the same 
species, which give rise to a whole forest of bowers, under 
which one may conveniently walk and be sheltered from the sun. 
Nothing is more curious or agreeable than these promenades, 
which are frequently found on the banks of the river. There 
are likewise on the isle a few lonely palm-trees, some of which 
grow in the gardens. 
The climate of Isle St. Louis is mild, wholesome, and agree- 
able during eight months of the year. From the beginning of 
December to the end of July, the temperature may be compared 
to that of our finest summer days; though cold is often felt 
there. All the houses have chimnies, which shews, that it is 
necessary to have fire in them during certain days in the year ; 
but they are kindled only in the morning and evening, as the 
rays of the sun heat the atmosphere sufficiently. This brilliant 
orb shines in these countries in all its splendour during the 
eight months already mentioned. The sky is pure and cloudless; 
fresh winds purify the atmosphere; and the cold which occurs 
at intervals is a real benefit bestowed by nature for the health of 
the inhabitants. 
Diseases are as rare at this period as they are frequent in the 
months of August, September, October, and November, which 
are comprised under the name of the sickly season, and during 
which time rain falls in abundance. The winds are at this epoch 
easterly ; they cross the burning sands of Africa, and, corrupted 
by the fetid exhalations from the marshes, carry contagion to the 
island. Hence dysenteries, with putrid and inflammatory fevers, 
become frequent, and often make great havoc. To secure one- 
self against their malign influence, it is necessary to avoid all ex- 
cesses, and particularly to guard against sleeping in the day- 
time : it is also of great advantage to drink fasting a little brandy 
in which bark has been infused ; to take wholesome food in small 
quantities ; and to bathe every day. The air is purified by 
burning gum, which the country furnishes in abundance. I 
passed two such seasons at Isle St. Louis without experiencing 
the least inconvenience ; aad others have lived there twenty, 
DURAND.] P 
