HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
155 
islands, are dreadful visitants. These terrible storms arrive but once in a year, and 
always at the same period; nor do they exceed twenty-four hours in duration. 
Preparations are therefore made, and precautions employed, which in a great 
measure baffle their violence. And, after all, it may be observed, that for one bad 
day, there are three hundred and sixty-four which are genial and serene.” 
Some Account of the Isle of Bourbon. 
This island is much less known than the Isle of France, because it has no port; 
it is nevertheless as populous as the latter, and furnishes more corn than is neces¬ 
sary for the consumption of its inhabitants. 
The Abbe de la Caille, from correct astronomical observations, has placed the 
Isle of Bourbon in twenty degrees fifty-one minutes south latitude, and fifty three 
degrees ten minutes east longitude, from the meridian of Paris. 
It is about thirty-five leagues to the leeward of the Isle of France: nor does 
it require more than one day to pass from the latter to the former, while it will 
sometimes employ a month to return; because the winds blow, and the currents 
run, almost always from the south-east; though, in general, the voyage is performed 
in fifteen days. 
“ The Isle of Bourbon has, at a distance, a globular appearance, and is an huge 
mass of lofty mountains. It is said to be cultivated to the height of eight hundred 
fathom; and three inaccessible peaks, which are situated in the middle of the 
island, are supposed to possess an elevation of upwards of three thousand two hun¬ 
dred yards. * 
A beautiful sky, a pure air, a delicious climate, and wholesome waters, have 
however collected a numerous population of strong and courageous men, distri¬ 
buted in nine parishes, of which St. Denis is the principal; as well as the residence 
of the governor, of the administration, and supreme council. 
“ Many years have not passed away since these men were celebrated for a spirit 
of candour, equity, and moderation, worthy of the primitive ages. The w T ar of 1756 
produced some alteration in their manners, though without materially affecting their 
morals. These virtues were the more remarkable, as they were maintained in the 
midst of twenty-six thousand one hundred and sixty-five slaves, according to the 
calculation made in 1776.+ 
• Reynal. + At present there are at least forty-eight thousand slaves in this island. 
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