i^ortr^j' Celumbo. 121 
mn ’entrenclmieiit wall with a fosse or ditch now almost 
choaked up: sf iTiis ification bears the appearance of a much 
more antient constrr hon ; although the side facing the sea has 
been altered and strengthened with modern bastions and batteries. 
The fort is placed on a peninsula projecting into the sea. 
From this situation it derives many advantages, as it is exposed 
on all sides to the sea breezes, by which means the air is ren- 
dered temperate and healthy, though so very near the equator. 
The fort is upwards of a mile in circumference, and is in a 
great measure indebted to nature for its strength ; though it is 
also tolerably well fortified by art. The Dutch were very care- 
less in improving its natural advantages; and neglected many 
obvious opportunities both without and within of rendering it 
nearly impregnable. There is no hill or rising ground in the 
neighbourhood sufficiently elevated to command it; and but 
few places near it where boats can land with safety. On the 
south side the surf runs so high, and the shore is so rocky, 
that it would be dangerous to approach it. On the west side 
of the bay where the sea is smoothei', and near tlie wharf or 
landing place, which at all seasons of the year is safe for 
boats, the only attempt could be made ; but these quarters 
are so well defended by the batteries which command the har- 
bour, that there " is hardly any probability of its succeeding. 
On the west side of the fort, and facing the sea, are two very 
fine batteries, en barbet, intended for the security of the har- 
bour. They stand on a part that projects a considerable way 
from the main body of the fort, from which they are separated 
by a high wall and ditch flanked with bastions, and have gates 
that communicate with the interior of the fort. It is here that 
the wharf or landing place is formed: it consists of large piles 
K 
