Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.3)

586 ASCENSION. July, 1836. their summits generally truncated, rising distinct out of a level surface of black rugged lava. A principal mound in the centre of the island, seems the father of the lesser cones. It is called Green Hill ; its name is taken from the faintest tinge of that colour, which at this time of the year was barely perceptible from the anchorage. To complete this desolate scene, the black rocks on the coast are lashed by a wild and turbulent sea. The settlement is near the beach; it consists of several houses and barracks placed irregularly, but weU built of white freestone. The only inhabitants are marines, and some negroes liberated from slave-ships, who are paid and victualled by government. There is not a private person on the island. Many of the marines appeared well con- tented with their situation ; they think it better to serve their one-and-twenty years on shore, let it be what it may, than in a ship : in which choice, if I were a marine, I would most heartily agree. The next morning I ascended Green HiU, 2840 feet high, and thence walked across the island to the windward point. A good cart-road leads from the coast settlement to the houses, gardens, and fields, placed near the summit of the central mountain. On the roadside there are milestones, and hkewise cisterns, where each thirsty passer-by, can drink some good water. Similar care is displayed in each part of the establishment, and especially in the management of the springs, so that a single drop of water shall not be lost : indeed the whole island may be compared to a huge ship kept in first-rate order. I could not help, when ad- miring the active industry which had created such effects out of such means, at the same time regretting that it was wasted on so poor and trifling an end. M. Lesson has remarked with justice, that the English nation alone would have thought of making the island of Ascension a pro- ductive spot ; any other people would have held it without any further views, as a mere fortress in the ocean. Near the coast nothing grows ; a little inland an occa-