BUONAPARTE. 
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rhomboidal masses of the same rock which constitutes the ridge. 
This rock is basalt, every where divided into columnar distinct 
concretions. Those which I examined were pentagonal, about a foot 
long, fitting each other with exact adjustment, and forming by their 
aggregation very perfect columns. The ridge would perhaps be 
called an enormous whin dyke. On one side it looks into a valley, 
which has received the homely but significant appellation of “ Break- 
neck Valley;” and a more frightful uninterrupted precipice of fifteen 
hundred feet cannot be imagined. The other side, by which it is 
ascended, is of less abrupt declivity, and not more than five or six 
hundred feet above the level of the bottom of the ravine formed be- 
tween it and a ridge of lower elevation. The ravine gradually slopes 
towards the sea, and often increases in depth in a very abrupt stair- 
like manner. Perpendicular faces thus appear, which exhibit the 
successive beds of clay and lava which I have already described. 
Of our interview with Napoleon I have little to tell. Excepting 
Lord Amherst and Mr. Ellis, who were admitted to separate audi- 
ences, the members of the Embassy were not in his presence more 
than a quarter of an hour. Our reception was as stately as circum- 
stances admitted. A servant in the livery of Napoleon when in the 
zenith of glory, stood like the phantom of former splendour to 
receive us at the door of the outer apartment. Conducted by 
Bertrand, we were received in an anti-room by Count Montholon 
and General Gourgaud, both young men of interesting appearance. 
Lord Amherst was immediately ushered by Bertrand into an inner 
apartment to the presence of Buonaparte. An hour having elapsed, 
Mr. Ellis was introduced, and in less than half an hour afterwards 
the remainder of the party was admitted. A circle being formed 
about Napoleon, he walked round, addressing successively each 
person on some subject connected with his particular pursuit or 
situation in the Embassy, and gave a neat and complimentary turn to 
all his remarks. His object was evidently to please as much as pos- 
sible, and he certainly succeeded. But had we left the island without 
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