Between the French Settlements and the Caribbeeans, runs an Arm of the Sea, along whose Shores grows abundance of the Mahot-Tree, which is full of Boughs from the top down to the Ground. The Bark of this Tree serves in stead of Ropes, and is also us’d to tie up Tobacco; the Wood it self is durable, and good for Building, wherefore most of the Houses built on Hills are of this Timber.
The best Harbor for Ships is between the Wards Carbet and St. Peter, defended from the Winds by high Hills.
The Diamond.
Not far from the Inlet of the Salt-pits, appears about half a League off at Sea, a Rock call’d The Diamond, being a Receptacle for an innumerable multitude of Birds, and especially wild Pigeons.
Besides the Streams that in the rainy Seasons run through the Dales and Savana’s, there are ten Rivers, which falling from the Mountains, glide through the Valleys into the Sea. Sometimes they swell in such a manner, that over-flowing their Banks, they wash down the Trees and Houses; which Inconvenience hath taught the French to build their Houses on Hills or rising Grounds.
The good Situation of this Island hath invited many Families thither.
Sect. XXII.
St. Lucia.
Situation of St. Lucia.
St. Lucia (by the French, Alouzie) is so call’d because it was discover’d on the thirteenth of December, Dedicated in the Kalendar to the Virgin Martyr Lucia, who was burnt at Syracuse: It lies Southerly from Dominico at thirteen Degrees and forty Minutes, and is ken’d at a great distance by two fiery Mountains; the most Easterly of which is higher than the other.
At the Feet of these two Mountains lie pleasant Valleys, shadow’d by close Woods, and moistned by clear Springs; near which heretofore a small number of Caribbeeans dwelling, maintain’d themselves with Fishing; they went stark naked, and painted their Bodies with red Oker, and drew a Vermilion Stroke from their Ears to their Noses.