§2 TlMEHRI. 
disconnected with the others, in so far as mountains are 
concerned. At least, they do not show much elevation, 
and lie rather outside the line of the island chain. 
The double island of Guadaloupe next demands our 
notice. Although known by the general name of 
Guadaloupe, it consists of two distin6l parts divided 
by water. These are called respectively Grandeterre 
and Basseterre. In the latter the mountain chain 
we are following rises into high volcanic hills, 
which are intersected by valleys, and deep gloomy 
ravines down which rush innumerable springs, streams, 
and torrents. Amongst the hills lies a weird spot 
which is the seat of an immense geyser that 
is almost incessantly active. Many smaller geysers also 
occur, and are the safety valves, so to speak, of the 
undying fires that ever burn under this island and its 
neighbour, Dominica. We need not add that the scenery 
is exceedingly grand. Grandeterre is flat, and of purely 
coral formation, and was, originally, probably a coral 
island adjoining the mainland. 
The island of Dominica is the most central of the 
Caribbees, and the principal seat of volcanic action in 
the West Indies. Here the mountains reach their great- 
est height after leaving Hayti ; Diablotin, the loftiest 
peak, attaining an altitude of 5,600 feet. The island 
consists of one mass of mountains piled together in the 
most wild and fantastic forms. They however follow the 
centre of the land from north to south, shooting off 
smaller ridges and peaks which run towards the shores 
east and west, entering the sea in bold headlands, and 
rendering shipping in many places impossible, and 
always dangerous, along the windward coasts. The 
