This colony, the smallest of the three, has the Atlantic on the north and northeast; the Oyapock River on the east and the Tumac Humac Mountains on the south separate it from Brazil, the Marowijne River from Dutch Guiana on the west. The population is about 26,000. The country is governed by a Commissioner-General, and by a Privy Council; there is an elected Council of 16 members.
The Capital, Cayenne, with about one half of the population, at the mouth of the Oyack River, is the only town of importance. It is well situated on a rocky eminence with a pleasant view of the harbor. It might be made more attractive than Georgetown, but the colony has always been a little behind the others, its use as a penal settlement being a great disadvantage.
Transportation. Steamboat communication is had with the Safety Islands, 35 miles, with the mouth of the Marowijne River, 80 miles, with the coast in both directions, and with the Island of Martinique, which has better shipping communication. Steamers of the Compagnie Générale Trans-Atlantique call at Cayenne monthly.
Resources
In physical characteristics this colony is similar to the others, but its agriculture is of slight importance. The principal crops are corn, rice, manioc, cacao, coffee, sugar, indigo, tobacco.
Mining and forest products alone are of value in export. Gold is the chief production, more than $2,000,000 a year being generally exported. Most of the 225 claims developed are being worked by paroled convicts. Those who escape or are paroled often give serious annoyance to the people in the other Guianas and are frequently a serious danger. Most of the country is still covered with dense forest, where probably much more gold will be found. Phosphate rock is shipped in small quantities.
The American Company already referred to has headquarters at St. Laurent, the site of the penal colony, a port 40 miles up the Marowijne or Maroni River. Here they have big dredges, aeroplanes, and a wireless station.
Traces of petroleum have been observed southeast of the Marowijne River, but the indications are not of definite importance.
Forest products are second in importance, rosewood and its extract, other hard woods, and balatá being exported; also vegetable oils, cacao, and a few domestic animals.
Railways have been talked of, and it is expected that one will be constructed towards the interior in the not remote future.