HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
471 
perfection, which they have now attained, particularly in the manufacture of iron : 
the sugar works are at Vilbague, and produce at this time sufficient sugar for 
the consumption of the two islands, as well as to supply the vessels which arrive 
there : I found it to be of a fine grain, as well as clear and strong : it is sold in the 
shops of the island at five sous the pound. 
M. de la Bourdonnais and the Count de Rostaing, principal engineer, discovered 
an iron mine in one of their plantations, or at least that kind of earth from which 
iron is extracted in Europe: some pieces of it were sent to the Company, which, 
on being assayed, were found to produce a greater quantity of ore than common 
mines. Under the encouragement, therefore, of the Company, the mine was opened, 
and works, with all the accessory machines, were constructed; workmen were also 
sent from Europe, and, after the usual obstacles which attend the commencement 
of great undertakings were surmounted, some bars of its manufacture were sent to 
France, to Mahe, Pondicherry, and Chandernagore, as samples, where they were 
very much approved. Some time after cannon and mortars were cast at these 
works, and I have seen some of them mounted on the ramparts of Pondicherry, 
and the batteries of the Isle of France, where they are considered by no means in¬ 
ferior to those which had been sent from Europe ; but so great was the consumption 
of wood in these works, that there was not sufficient quantity of it, in their neighbour¬ 
hood, to last more than eight or ten years. This, and other causes, occasioned the 
proprietors to relax in their enterprize, and at length to discontinue it. Thus M. de 
la Bourdonnais has transformed a desert island into a flourishing colony, and I have 
every reason to believe, that the port will give the French a decided advantage over 
us in India; the consequences of which, we do not appear to consider as they 
deserve. I sincerely wish that Admiral Boscawen had taken it, instead of making 
an unsuccessful attempt upon Pondicherry.'*' It would then have been a very easy 
conquest, as it did not possess its present strength, and many of the inhabitants were 
discontented, and secretly wished for a change in their government. 
Both men and women are strong and well made: they breathe an wholesome air, 
are in continual exercise, and are distinguished for their moderation and tempe¬ 
rance. The women are remarkable for the beauty and elegance of their shape, in 
which they surpass those of old France. 
* Dr. Campbell represents the Isle of France, as one of the finest islands and'most important 
places on the globe. 
