In the bight of the bay lies the town; the houses being built of wood and covered with shingles, it has not a very imposing appearance.
Situated in the opening of a ravine, at the foot of a range of hills covered with wood, and immediately under the highest, is the “Morne Blanc,” rising to an elevation of 1300 feet; in the course of time, when the capabilities of these islands will have become known, and the coral extensively used for building purposes, a city worthy of the name of the port may grace the spot which nature has already rendered beautiful and lovely in the extreme.
During the S.E. monsoon there is good anchorage on the west side of Mahé; but heavy gusts come over the high land when the winds are moderate and steady on the east side.
From 1817 to 1827, a flourishing and lucrative cotton-trade was carried on at the Seychelles, and it requires only labour to compete with America in this article, which it produces of the very finest, silky sea-island quality.
The sugar-cane grows luxuriantly. A sugar-house and mill were erected at Mahé some time since, at considerable expense; but it is not working, simply for the want of labour.
There is no tobacco superior to that grown at Seychelles; yet very little is exported.
Rice of the very best quality, far superior to that brought from India for the supply of Mauritius, might be exported from the Seychelles, but at present rice is sent from Mauritius to these islands.
Vessels, from small coasters up to ships of 400 and 500 tons, have been built at Seychelles; they have always been found strong and durable, and being built of wood impervious to the toredo navilis, they are peculiarly adapted for tropical seas.
Timber, for ship-building, furniture, and all domestic purposes, is to be found in abundance.
Forests of excellent wood, called “Capuchin,” one of the most durable kinds known, are falling daily, and rotting on the ground.