HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
103 
of the refugee protestants of France, some of them gave the following account of 
that island, where however they did not land, as they unexpectedly found that the 
French were in possession of it.* 
“ We very clearly discerned a pleasing variety of woods, rivulets, and plains, 
covered with the most charming verdure ; and if our eyes were delighted with the 
pleasing prospect, our sense of smelling was not less gratified, as a most grateful 
odour from the orange and lemon trees, with which the island abounds, was wafted 
to us, though we were at some distance from the shore; and some of us were as 
much refreshed by it, as if we had actually landed there.” 
The account which has been published of this island by M. du Quesne, does not 
indeed mention this circumstance; while M. Delon has not only confirmed it, but 
attributes the peculiar priviledge of this island, in not being infested with serpents or 
venomous animals, to the powerful effects of the numerous odoriferous flowers with 
which it is covered, whose fragrance operates as a poison to them. He even declares 
that he has himself verified this opinion by actual experiment. 
The adventurers from Holland were so much delighted with the first view of the 
Island of Bourbon, that they were affected with a proportionate disappointment 
when circumstances compelled them to proceed, without landing there, to the Isle 
of Rodriguez, where they found indeed more resources than they had any reason 
to suppose, but which were not unaccompanied with sufferings and misfortunes. 
One of these adventurers, M. le Guat, has left a relation respecting this island, of 
which we proceed to give the general circumstances. 
Circumstances of their Arrival at Rodriguez. 
" On a Saturday morning, being the 25th of April, 1691, we perceived land, 
which was the little Island of Diego Ruys, or Rodriguez : we approached very near 
it, by the east point, bearing away to the south. It seemed to be difficult of access, 
on account of the breakers, that stretch far out into the sea, and with which it is 
surrounded. At first we perceived neither port or bay, nor any spot which promised 
a convenient landing. Towards evening we threw out the lead, and found a bottom 
of rotten rock, at three leagues from the land: here we cast anchor, and remained 
till Monday the 27th. We employed that and the following day in examining the 
exterior of the island, in order to discover some accessible spot. 
* M. du Quesne had been induced to believe that the French had, at this time, abandoned the 
Isle of Bourbon. 
