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ST. Christophers, so called from Christopher Columbus, the first discoverers thereof, scituate in the Latitude of 17 degrees, and 25 min. in circuite, about 75 miles: The Land lieth high and mountainous in the midst, from which springeth several Ri∣vers,
which oft-times, by reason of the Raines that falleth down the Mountaines, are overflown to the detriment of the Inhabitants.
The Soyl is light and sandy, and very apt to produce several sorts of Fruits, Provisions, and Commo∣dities; as Sugar, Tobacco, Cot∣ton, Ginger, &c.
This Isle, by reason of its several great and steepy Mountains, be∣tween which, are Springs of hot, and Sulphurous Water, with horrid Precipices, and thick Woods, ren∣ders it very impassable through the midst: And the steepy Ascents of the Mountains, are divided into several Stages, or Stories, where are spacious wayes.
On the Sea-side there is a Salt-pit called Gul-desac, and not far from the said Salt-pit, there is a small Istmus of land, which reacheth within a mile and a half of the I∣sland of Nievis, or Mevis.
This Island is a place exceeding delightful, and of a most delecta∣ble Prospect to the Eye of the be∣holder; for if the Eye be directed downwards, from the top, it hath a Prospect of curious Gardens, which gently descend to the Sea∣side; and in reguard of the conti∣nual Ascent of the Isle, the lower Stage or Story, doth not debar the Eye of the pleasant Prospect of that which lyeth at a Remoter di∣stance, which is terminated by those high Mountains: And that which maketh the Prospect the more delectable in the several Plantations (which are bounded
with Rows of Trees alwayes in their Verdure) are the fair Houses covered with glazed Slate.
The whole Isle is divided into four Quarters or Cantons, two of which, are possessed by the Eng∣lish, and two by the French; which parts are not so well watered, as those of the English, but are bet∣ter for Tillage, and not so Hilly.
The English are more Popu∣lous then the French, and have two fortified places, one comman∣ding the great Haven, and the o∣ther a descent not far from Pointe de sable.
The French have Four strong Forts, of which one hath Regular Works like a Cittadel, that of most
note commands the Haven, and is called Basse-Terre.
Both the English, and the French, keep constant Guard at their Forts, placed at the entrance of the Paths which leads to the several Wards, for the better security of each o∣ther.
Here are five Churches in those parts belonging to the English, viz. one at Sandy-point, one at Palme-Tree, another near the great Road, and two at the Inlet of Cayoune, with many fair Structures.
The French, besides their seve∣ral Habitations, dispersed up and down in their quarters, have at Basse-Terre (near the Haven where Ships lye at Anchor) a Town of a good bigness, whose Houses are well built, of Brick, Freestone, and Timber; where the Merchants have their Store-houses, and is well
Inhabited by Tradesmen, and are well served with such Commodities, both for the Back, and Belly, toge∣ther with Utensils for their Houses, and Plantations, as they have occa∣sion of, in exchange of such Commo∣dities which are the product of the Island. Here is a fair, and large Church, as also a publique-Hall, for the administration of Justice: Here is also a very fair Hospital, built by the General, for such people that cannot get cure at their Houses; where they are well maintained and attended by Doctors, and Physiti∣ans, for the recovery of their Healths. Here is also a stately Ca∣stle, being the Residence of the Go∣vernour, most pleasantly seated, at the foot of a high Mountain, not far from the Sea, having spacious Courts, delightful Walks, and Gar∣dens, and enjoyeth a curious pro∣spect.
Its Scitu∣ation, &c.
Its Soyl, and Com∣modities
The Isle very de∣lightful, and of a pleasing Prospect.
The Isle Possessed by the English, & French
Their Chur∣ches.
A Town Possessed by the French