We stayed at
this delightful place two days; standing nearly 800 feet above the
sea, the air was cool and fresh, and on every side there were
delightful walks. Close by a grand ravine has been worn to a depth
of about 500 feet through the slightly inclined streams of lava,
which have flowed from the central platform.
MAY 5, 1836.
Captain Lloyd took us to the Rivi?re Noire, which is several miles
to the southward, that I might examine some rocks of elevated
coral. We passed through pleasant gardens, and fine fields of
sugar-cane growing amidst huge blocks of lava. The roads were
bordered by hedges of Mimosa, and near many of the houses there
were avenues of the mango. Some of the views where the peaked hills
and the cultivated farms were seen together, were exceedingly
picturesque; and we were constantly tempted to exclaim "How
pleasant it would be to pass one's life in such quiet abodes!"
Captain Lloyd possessed an elephant, and he sent it half-way with
us, that we might enjoy a ride in true Indian fashion. The
circumstance which surprised me most was its quite noiseless step.
This elephant is the only one at present on the island; but it is
said others will be sent for.
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