220 
AUSTRAL-AFRICAN ISLANDS 
is impossible to obtain a landing. Ships generally anchor 
on the north side, which is flatter. The coast-line is 
nowhere strongly broken by bays, which indicates that 
the island arose at a comparatively recent geological 
date. At present, however, no traces of active volcanic 
action are to be found. 
The mild and pleasant climate, combined with the 
fertility of the soil, would render possible a permanent 
settlement by man. In 1873 a Creole family from Reu¬ 
nion made a first attempt in this direction and introduced 
a series of plants of cultivation, but after a single year. 
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Map of St. Paul. 
being troubled by nostalgia, they returned to their 
former home. 
The vegetation only exhibits 16 flowering plants, 
among which are four endemic species. The underwood 
is composed of Phylica arborea^ a plant derived from 
Tristan d’Acunha. From the same locality comes Spm^- 
tina arundinacea. 
The animal world of the island consists chiefly of sea 
birds which find breeding-places in the lava caves. The 
strand region is rich in sea fish and large spiny lobsters 
(^Palinurus). 
