HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
*5* 
<c M. de la Haye arrived at Madagascar, and, after passing six months in that 
island, proceeded with the whole fleet to the Isle of Bourbon. 
“ He found four plantations already established in this new colony, by fifty sub¬ 
jects of France, under the direction of the Sieur Renaud, in the name of the East 
India Company. On the 15th of May, 1651, he declared his commission and appoint¬ 
ment, in the name of the king; and the-first act of his authority was to substitute, in 
the place of the former governor, a reformed captain of infantry, named de la Hure, 
with full powers over the four plantations, which had already been severally deno¬ 
minated St. Paul, St. Denis, St. Mary, and St. Susanna. The three latter were 
situated in the finest part of the island, between Cape St. Bernard, and the river St. 
Susanna; though this district extends much farther, being at least fifteen leagues 
in length, and four in breadth. The parts which had been cultivated, proved abun¬ 
dantly fertile: the com, rice, and various kinds of roots and esculent plants were 
very successful; nor were the vines, which had been planted about two years, less 
flourishing; but the grapes were devoured by the birds before they were ripe. 
Vessels came to an anchor off St. Denis, the only place in the fine part of the country 
where there there was a convenient landing; while the inhabitants of St. Mary and 
St. Susanna experienced considerable difficulty in transporting their commodities. 
“ St. Paul was the first plantation which the French had formed in the Isle of 
Bourbon ; and the former governor had made it the place of his residence. It is 
situated at the foot of a mountain, at the distance of about two leagues from the sea. 
The intermediate space forms a fine plain, which is watered by a pool that opens 
towards die sea; and, in order to prevent it from overflowing in the rainy season, a 
channel has been cut, which at that period is capable of receiving a boat. Vessels 
ride more secure on this side of the island, because it is less exposed; and the two 
points which stretch out, form a kind of bay. The river of St. Gilles is bounded 
on one side by one of these points, which is called the Gallet. The place appeared 
to be commodious for a plantation; but it is so entirely covered with stones that it 
cannot be cleared. The writer observes, that with little trouble this river might 
be opened, which at its mouth is three fathom deep, with a rocky bottom.* 
“ The bulls and cows which M. de la Meilleraie had left there, thirty-five 
years before, were greatly multiplied, but in a less proportion than the hogs and 
goats. All these animals were become so wild, that it was absolutely necessary to 
* This work has been since accomplished. 
