They have erected batteries, built houses, made roads, constructed the fine pier above mentioned, excavated tanks, blown up rocks, levelled hills, begun boat harbours, walled in turtle ponds, among other works, under circumstances of no ordinary difficulty. They have formed gardens, have shown the mountain to be capable of cultivation; they have availed themselves of every advantage that Nature has afforded them, they have explored the resources of the island with minute accuracy, and have turned everything to the best purpose. The result is, that a small party may be maintained there comfortably, and afford assistance to vessels in the way of fresh provisions. But it is like a slender reed in the hand. If it be pressed beyond that, if it be overloaded in its establishment, if many persons be allowed to settle on the island, it will wither away under the accumulated pressure; the main object of all the care bestowed on it will be defeated by the supplies it affords being required for its own settlers, leaving nothing for the ships that call there.

Ascension was taken possession of by our government in the year 1815, by a small party under the orders of Lieutenant Cuppage. Al

though it was taken as an additional means of security against the escape of Napoleon, we have followed the good policy of keeping it, in order that it might not fall into other hands, since his death; for were this not to be the case, and allowing none of the states of the world were to do so, it would quickly become a nest for pirates, ruining all trade that had to pass by it. It is considered that, as a depot for marine stores and provisions, it will be highly beneficial to our merchant vessels, which in case of need may be supplied with every necessary at a low price. This liberality of our government is highly honourable. The anchorage is good and secure, and moorings are laid down. In case of necessity a vessel might be caulked and refitted, and there are no port dues to increase the expense attending it. The situation of it with respect to the African coast, renders it a most desirable place for the ships on that station to refit at, instead of Sierra Leone. In the event of sickness to any extent on board, a vessel might repair to Ascension, as the Montpelier of the African station. No one who reflects for a moment on the dreadful mortality of the African clime, can do otherwise than

wish sincerely that this purpose for Ascension may be fully verified. It is in this light that Ascension should be principally considered, and if limited to this purpose it will do an immensity of good; whereas, if we force the island into notoriety, and expect from it more than it is capable of, it may absorb all the wealth of Europe and the gold of Africa, but still remain an arid and dreary desert in the midst of the ocean. The supplies for it must be drawn from distant places, they will in consequence be precarious and expensive: all the industry that man can bestow on it will never make it fertile; for, although he may sow, it is a beneficent Providence alone that can give the increase and send the blessing of the early and the latter rain.

Ascension must only be looked on as a port to refit in; it affords no recreation or amusement, nor does it yield any fruits or the common necessaries of life, and a scanty portion only of very bad water. In fact, such a union of scarcity, dreariness, and privation does it present, that it will often disappoint those who visit it, if they look for what they naturally expect when safely moored from the dangers of

388

the sea.

THE HILLS OF ASCENSION ISLAND.

It was stated to be in contemplation to erect spacious barracks and increase the fortifications; but Ascension must be regarded as one of the most abject dependencies on the bounty and resources of Great Britain.

The hills of Ascension are numerous and of various heights; but the most elevated one is that called the Green Mountain, from the light hue of the verdure on its summit. It is nearly in the centre of the island, and is 2818 feet high, rising as a grateful oasis amidst waste and desolation; for around it is to be found neither verdure, shade, nor shelter, but one entire field of lava. The lofty ridge of the Green Mountain arrests the watery vapours that would pass it, and, supplying George Town by means of pipes, constitutes the chief blessing and riches of the island. It is said also to have twelve hundred acres of land on its summit available

for agricultural purposes. There is a good

road from George Town to the Green Mountain; the distance to the foot of it being three and a half miles, and to the summit, six. A party of men are usually employed on the Green Mountain in cultivating the land, attend