BAHAMAS.

GENERAL DESCRIPTIVE REPORT

ON THE

BAHAMAS ISLANDS;

IN WHICH IS INCLUDED THE

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1902.

H'cscittcb to both Douses cf parliament hg dTcnmmmu of |jis ^njcstji.
March, 1904.

LONDON:
PRINTED FOR HIS MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OPFICJS,
Br DARLING & SON, Ltd., 34-40, Bacon Street, E.

And to be purchased, cither directly or through any Bookseller, from
EYRE & SPOTTISWOODE, East Harding .Street, Fleet Street, E.G..
and 32, Abingdon Street, Westminster. S.W. :
or OLIVER & BOYD, Edinburgh ;
or E. PONSONBY, 116, Gkaeton Street, Dublin

1904.

|Cd. 1985.] Price Is. 2d.

i "I give Mtf* Books
\.fot tke founding if a. College Wrtftkf Colon-f

1

^wtwwfwwroeyij

BAHAMAS.

GENERAL DESCRIPTIVE REPORT

ON THE

BAHAMAS ISLANDS;

IN WHICH IS INCLUDED THE

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1902.

jJPresenteb to both Douses of parliament bn Glommanb of ;ps <4ftajesig.
March, 1904.

LONDON:
PRINTED FOR HIS MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE,
Br DARLING & SON, Ltd., 34-40, Bacon Street, E.

And to be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from
EYRE & SPOTTISWOODE, East Harding Street, Fleet Street, E.C.,
and 32, Abingdon Street, Westminster. S.W. :
or OLIVER & BOYD, Edinburgh ;
or E. PONSONBY, 116, Grafton Street, Dublin.
1904.
[Cd. 1985.] Price Is. 2d.

INDEX.

Geographical Position and Formation 
Soil and its Products 
Early History and Constitution 
Climate and Meteorology   
New Providence ... .,- 
Out Islands 
Abaco and Cays  
Grand Bahama  
BiminisEleuthera 
Audros 
Cat Island  ... 
Watling's Island 
Rum Cay  ,
Exuma and Cays 
Long Island  
Crooked Island Group (Acklin's, and Fortune Island or Long Cay)
Mayaguana  
Inagua
Financial  
CurrencyTrade, Agriculture, and Industries  ,
Government Institutions 
Vital Statistics 
Judicial Statistics  ... 
Postal and Telegraph Services  
Legislation 
Education Bibliography of the Bahamas 
General Remarks 

Page. 4 7
9
13 15
18 18
192020222324 242526
2728 28
29 32 32 38 39 39
41 42
43 4546

Appendix A : Meteorological Observations
Appendix B : Photographs 

4863

BAHAMAS

GENERAL DESCRIPTIVE REPORT

ON THE

BAHAMAS ISLANDS;

IN WHICH IS INCLUDED THE

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1902

Governor Sir G. T. CARTER to Mr. LYTTELTON.
13m, Government House, Nassau, November 26, 1903.
Having now spent five years in the administration of the affairs of this Colony,
I desire to place on record some of my own observations generally relating to this
archipelago of islands forming the Bahamas Government.
2. Owing, no doubt, to their geographical position and want of direct com
munication with the Mother Country, the group is perhaps less known than the
other West Indian Colonies, and although the literature of the subject is copious
enough for those who care to search for it, yet I venture to hope that an extended
report from myself, travelling somewhat outside the usual groove of official papers
of this nature, will not be inopportune at this moment.
3. What might be termed the " Classic " of the Bahamas Blue Book Reports
was furnished by Governor Rawson in 1866, but at that time such documents were
not published separately, as is the rule now. Moreover, persons seeking for
information about the Colony would not be likely to revert to 1866 for enlightenment ;
nevertheless, so far as I am aware, the report in question, which is a very able and
exhaustive one, supplies a body of information to be found in no other official publi
cation. I shall have no hesitation, therefore, to disinter any useful matter contri
buted by Governor Rawson, which might be applicable to the present day, furnishing
on my own part statistical and other useful information to bring the history of the
Colony so far as possible up to date.
4. It has occurred to me that the addition of photographs, illustrating typical
scenes, and objects tending to further elucidate the text, would be an interesting
addition to Blue Book Reports, and I have ventured to enclose with this despatch a
series of views which I hope will be included in the publication. It is possible that
such an innovation might result in extending the circulation of papers of this descrip
tion, and in attracting the attention of that, it is feared, large portion of the intelligent
public to whom a " Blue Book " is synonymous with all that is dry and statistical, and
therefore to be confined to experts with special need for that kind of information.
500 Wt976 4/04 D&S 5 17978r A?

GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION AND FORMATION.
5. Governor Rawson deals very fully with these questions, and there is no need
to repeat geographical information which is readily available from maps.
6. It is well known that these islands are of coral formation and Governor
Rawson expresses the opinion that the banks upon which the islands have been
erected were "formed by the accumulation of sand and detritus poured into the
Gulf of Mexico by the Mississippi and other giant rivers, or rent from the surrounding
shores, and swept out by the Gulf Stream as far ate its force would carry them, until
met by the trade winds and westerly currents. There, aided by the coral insect, they
would naturally accumulate and form islands and cays, long, narrow and low, all
along the windward edge of the reef, such as those of which the Bahamas group
actually consist."
7. It is rash to dogmatize on iso controversial a question as the precise origin
of coral islands. Unfortunately the Bahamas appear to have been comparatively
neglected as fields for study in regard to this interesting subject, although far more
accessible than the Pacific Islands, upon which Darwin mainly based his well-known
theories. It is hardly to be supposed, however, that the Bahamas banks have been
built up by drift material deposited on the bottom of the sea, and it is more reason
able to conjecture that the accumulations derived from the sources mentioned, were
additions to the upper surfaces of submarine mountains probably erected by earlier
volcanic action, and subsequently reinforced by the coral polypes, whose bony
skeletonls elevated the solid material to the surface, there to be further acted upon
by the waves and wind, ultimately producing these islands, once peopled by the
interesting Lucayans, and discovered by Columbus in his memorable voyage in 1492.
8. There would appear to be no reasonable doubt .that the present rocks are
aeolian in formation, and it has, I believe, been ascertained that the fossils contained
in them are identical with living species. The process of formation is plainly
evidenced in the deep cutting in Nassau known as the " Queen's Staircase," where
the direction of the wind-blown strata is written on the face of the rock.*
9. It follows from the foregoing that the main constituent of the soil of the
Bahamas is lime, and the first vegetation which established itself on the surface,
from whatever source it emanated, must have had to adapt itself to such a medium.
It has been conjectured that the present botanical fauna is not that which Originally
•existed, the older vegetation having been exterminated by water erosion and subsi
dence ; in proof of this the present condition of Booby Island and other barren cays
is cited by Dr. C. S. Dolley, Professor of General Biology in the University of
Pennsylvania, who states that their surfaces are " covered with grotesque excrescences
produced by the wearing away of the softer portions of the rock. Among these
projecting masses many are tubular, the lumen of the tubes ranging from a fraction
of an inch to over a foot in diameter. These tubes bifurcate and branch in various
ways, and at first sight suggested the idea that they might be fulgurites. Close
examination shows that the rock of which they are formed consists of minute water-
worn grains of calcareous material, comminuted coral and shell, cemented compactly
together; in fact, they resemble in structure the rocks of the fertile islands. They
are, however, very much hardened on the inner surface, and a distinct zone of harder
substance is apparent upon fresh transverse fracture."
10. Dr. Dolley subsequently satisfied himself by microscopic examination that
the peculiar condition of the inner surface of the tubes was not due to electrical
phenomena, but to solidification from partial solution of loose grains of sand, owing
no doubt, to chemical action, caused by escape of the juices of the plants growing
11. Effects of a similar nature to that described can easily be observed in this
island by those interested in such questions, and I trust it will not be deemed out
of place if I refer in some detail to certain phenomena in this island, and in others
of the group, which do not appear to have been adequately accounted for and which
bear upon the geological history of the Bahamas.
12. The Island of New Providence contains innumerable cavities known locallv
* See Appendix B, No. 14.

as "pot holes," and many writers, from Catesby onward, have made references to
them, but the only' attempt at accounting for their existence that I have met with
in my researches is that made by Dr. Dolley, previously alluded to, who refers to them
as follows: —
" The role played by vegetation in determining the character of the land surface
is again well shown in the so-called ' banana holes,' so abundant in New Providence
and other islands, holes varying in size from a pint cup to that of a large cistern.
They are suggestive of pot holes, but can have no such origin, and are evidently
not cut out by the waves at any previous period of subsidence. He could account
for their formation in but one way, and that is through the action of decaying
vegetable matter. Each of these holes contains large quantities of leaves and other
vegetable substances, which, being kept wet by the heavy rains and by the fresh
water elevated by each rising tide (almost all wells have a regular ebb and flow in
these porous islands) undergo fermentative changes by the products of which the
soft calcareous rock is dissolved and leaches away. He was interested also in ex
amining sections of exposed coral rock to find in the minute interstices between the
component grains actively living protococci, sometimes of a depth of one twelfth
to one sixth of an inch. Undoubtedly these little plants have much to do with the
rapid breaking down of the rock surface."
13. I desire to explain that my quotations from Dr. Dolley are verbatim, from
a pamphlet published in the " Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences,
Philadelphia," in 1889, giving a "Provisional List of the Plants of the Bahama
Islands," by John Gardiner, B.Sc, London, and L. J. K. Brace, which were arranged
and presented for publication by the authors' permission, by Charles S. Dolley, M.D.,
Professor of General Biology, University of Pennsylvania.
14. After an examination of many of these remarkable cavities I find myself
in disagreement with Dr. Dolley in regard to their origin, but I must frankly admit
that though I may be able to show good reason why Dr. Dolley's theory is untenable,
yet I am not prepared with an alternative one, except that my own observation leads
me to the conclusion that they were created under the sea, rather than above it,
and that the mechanical effects of vegetation are secondary rather than primary.
15. These cavities vary in shape, in size, and in depth, but a large proportion
of them are more or less circular in form, and often suggest wells fashioned by the
hand of man. They vary in depth from a few inches to forty or more feet, and
prevail in those portions of this island where the indigenous, or at any rate the
existing forest growth is found. There are two well-marked floral divisions in New
Providence, the one containing various forms of vegetation of a tropic or semi-tropic
character, and the other producing little but pines (though there is a section of the
island in which the palmetto and other trees are found in combination with the
pines) and known locally as " pine barrens," so called because the trees grow out of
the most unpromising material it is possible to conceive, being hard and honeycombed
¦calcareous rock, with at best but a very small admixture of vegetable mould as a
medium for the evolution of plant life.
16. It is a curious circumstance that it is in the firs't division the rock cavities
are mainly found, and there can be no question that the root ramifications have much
to do with modifying and extending these cavernous fissures, though it is, I think,
more than doubtful if decaying vegetation or the mechanical action of roots is
responsible for their origin. In order to form a cavity in the rock to a depth of
forty feet, in the manner suggested by Dr. Dolley, an epoch of time would be required,
immense even from a geological standpoint, and it is difficult to understand how
the solid matter could " leach away " in the manner indicated, after the cavity had
sunk even a small depth beneath the surface, and it is equally clear that it could
not get through the bottom. The sides of the cavities are, moreover, invariably
precipitous, and no great depth of soil is ever found at their bases. Dr. Dolley is also
mistaken in supposing that they are affected by the tide, as although I have inspected
many hundreds of these holes, I have only seen one in New Providence with any
water in it, and this example deserves special mention.
17. About 25 years ago a contributor to one of the local papers called attention
to the existence of a "natural reservoir of fresh water called the Mermaid's Pool,"
stated to be " in the south part of the island, about a mile from shore . . . about

150 yards in diameter, 65 feet deep, and without banks." The writer^ went on to.
say that although a great curiosity and but a few miles from the city, it is almost
unknown to the people of Nassau."
18. My attention having been called to this phenomenon, I set to work to-
endeavour to find it, but none of the old residents in the island knew anything about
it, and it was many months before success attended my efforts. At length a mernbei
of the Surveyor-General's staff conveyed me to the part of the island where it was.
stated to be, and after some difficulty (it was many years since my guide had visited
the place) the exact spot was located, and I was brought face to face with the pool.
19. A few precise details in regard to this very curious natural object I think
will be interesting, as bearing upon the geology of this island. It is situated in
the heart of the true pine " barren," where, with the exception of a few stunted palms
and a tangled undergrowth, there is nothing but pines. There are no other similar
cavities in the neighbourhood, and the immediate surroundings consist of the ordinary
type of honeycomb rock, some of it, however, bearing evidence of tidal influencc-
within a comparatively recent epoch, the marked irregularity of the older land.
formation being absent and the surface angles smoothed off.
20. The " pool " is almost circular in shape, indeed, so regular is its formation..
that it is hard to believe that nature sculptured it in haphazard fashion. It is about
65 feet in diameter, and the depth of water so far as I could reach across with a
15-feet fishing rod, proved to be a little over 40 feet. The water is brackish, and
never, so far as my experience goes (I have visited it many times) comes nearer the
surface than about three feet. On the western margin, a few feet from it, is a
curious small subsidiary hole, with a channel leading into the main receptacle. The
brackish nature of the water would seem to indicate that tidal influence affected it,
but its main source of supply no doubt comes from the drainage of some rising ground
to the north and south of it. Roughly speaking the south shore is about a mile-
and a half from the pool, and there is probably not much difference between the
level of the pine barren and the high water mark of the south shore. Whatever might,
have been the process which formed this extraordinary reservoir, there is little doubt,.
I think, that the mass of it has been for ages under water. In the "West India.
Pilot Book," Vol. II., will be found an account of a remarkable feature existing in
that portion of the Great Bahama Bank adjacent to the Mucaras Reef, which states
that there is " dark discoloured water having all the appearance of rocky ground,
but which are small circular wall-sided holes or wells, from 13 to 24 fathoms deep,.
called blue holes and red holes."
21. It is, I think, probable that these holes are identical in origin with those-
now existing on the surface, and that the comparatively shallow and variable depths
of the land ones arise from their gradual silting up with debris and vegetable con
tributions. This would appear to be a more reasonable solution than the theory of
present formation advocated by Dr. Dolley. I must leave to others the task of'
explaining the process of nature's sub-marine handiwork, if such it is.
22. In one part of the island there is a curious rift in the rock suggesting
volcanic agency, and extending for a considerable distance, the cleavage being in an
oblique direction and running to a good depth; this rift also contains brackish'
water. Near by and no doubt connected with it is a pool lying underneath a shallow
cave, said to be unfathomable, and locally known as an " ocean hole." The water-
in it is deep, but the rock here too, is cleft in an oblique direction, and it is this
probably which interferes with soundings being accurately arrived at.
23. I am able to furnish photographs of these places,* through the courtesy
of an American gentleman connected with the John Hopkins University in Balti
more. Owing to the dense foliage and the deep shadows it is difficult to do justice™
to these subjects, but I do not think that it would be possible to produce a better-
achievement in photography.
24. I also attach a picture of the Mermaid's Poolf taken by myself, which well
exhibits the nature of the true " pine barren " in which it is situated. I also include
a picture of the composite forest, showing a liberal admixture of fan palms.f
25. Governor Rawson furnishes a list of the number and size of the various

See Appendix B, Kos. 9 and 10. f See Appendix B, No. 19. $ See Appendix B, No. 32.

islands, and reckons that there are 29 islands, 661 cays, and 2,387 rocks. Most of
the islands are long and narrow, and Andros Island, which contains the largest area
is really an archipelago, and consists of 3 islands, 146 cays, and 355 rocks. The
-extreme length is 95 miles, greatest breadth 38 miles, and average breadth 22 miles.
26. I append Governor Rawson's details of the main islands.

—

Square Miles.

Area in
Square Miles.

Extreme Length
in Miles.

Extreme Breadth
in Miles.

Average Breadth
in Miles.

Andros 

1,600

95

38

22

Abaco, Great  
Abaco, Little  

680 1
96 (

776

! 70
( 24

17 5

12 4

Inagua, Great " 
Inagua, Little 

530 |
30 J

560

1"

25 7

16 3|

•Grand Bahama 

...

430

66

11

7

Crooked Island 

76 ,

i 19

8

5

Acklin Island 

120 I

204

\ 41

10

4

Fortune Island (Long Cay) 

» s

( io

li

34

Eleuthera 

...

164

57

11

4

Spanish Wells 

...

i
2

...

...

...

43an Salvador 

...

160

42

14

4

Long Island  

130
60
H
H
TExuma, Great and Little 
...
110
32
7
2*
Mayaguana ... 
...
96
23
6
4
.New Providence ... ... 
...
85
19f
7
5
"Watlings Island 
...
60
13
6
H
Hum Cay 
...
29
4i V2
5
3
Biminis, North 
3 }
8^
I ^
1|
i 3
Biminis, South 
5i J
1 3*
If
1
Ragged Island and Cays 
...
5
5*
2|
H
Berry Islands and Great Harbour Cay ...
...
4
6
1*
i
Barbour Island 
...
1
3
3
\
Total 
4,424
SOIL AND ITS PRODUCTS.
As might be expected from the geological formation, the soil of the islands is
mainly rock, but in certain localities there are tracts and " pockets " containing an
appreciable quantity of workable land. Mark Catesby, who visited the Bahamas in
1722, and whose notes of his observations in regard to their natural history and
resources form a part of his valuable work relating to Carolina and Florida, called
attention to the existence of three classes of soils on the islands, viz., the black, the
red, and the white, and these well-marked divisions still exist. The black soil is
found in connection with the forest land, and is, no doubt, mainly the result of decayed
vegetation; the red is a stiff clayey medium, in which the pine-apple thrives; and
8
the white is found near the shore, and is suitable for the growth of corn and other
cereals. 28. The surface rock in all the Bahama Islands is exceedingly hard, so much
so that if struck sharply with a steel implement, sparks are emitted, as in the case
of flint ; this rock, however, is of a very different texture beneath, and is easily sawn
into blocks, making an excellent building stone.* Moreover, if the rock is blown
up and sufficiently pulverized, it forms an admirable medium for the growth of a
variety of economical products, and is Especially adapted to citrus fruits. There can
be no question also that cotton would thrive in it, though, as I have pointed out
elsewhere, the drawback to this culture is the practically certain attacks of the two
formidable insect pests, the larva of Aletia xylina and Heliothris armigera, the first
attacking the leaves and the second the seed pod or " boll " of the plant. In addition
there is the " red bug " to contend against, which in the past has been so prejudicial
to the culture of cotton in these islands. Unless the cultivator is prepared to deal
with these pests scientifically, as is the case in the Southern States of America, it is
hopeless to expect to succeed with cotton. In these islands there is no 'such thing as
scientific culture. It is true that pines-apples are grown on a large scale, especially
in Eleuthera, and that a considerable measure of success has been achieved by certain
growers, but it has been laid down as an axiom, that the plant will only thrive in the
red soil mentioned, and when exhaustion of the properties which render it a suitable
food takes place, fertilization is resortejd to, and an American mixture is used whose
component parts ate entirely unknown to the users of it. Recent experiments, how
ever, have proved that pine-apples will thrive elsewhere, and at this moment there
are some small plantations- near the town, where the pines are being grown in the
interstices of the most unpromising-looking honeycomb rock; there can be but a
small deposit of humus in these fissures, but, nevertheless, up to the present, the
plants loqk healthy and vigorous, f
29. ;I ought to mention that there is one exception to the haphazard mode of
cultivation which obtains in these islands, and that is at a citrus plantation established
by .Mr. Henry Mostyn in New Providence. On this estate the trees are cultivated,
and there is a very marked difference in their condition, and in the quality of the
fruit produced, compared to that which obtains under the ordinary conditions of
growth here. Most of the neglected trees are infested with "scale," and while,
except m extreme cases, the trees survive, and even bear prolifically, yet the market
able value of the ifruit suffers diminution, owing to the discoloration which takes
place m the rind, though the flavour of the fruit does not appear to be injured, and
indeed many people consider it improved. In the case of oranges it is specially
noticeable, and the effect is to give additional sweetness. The only insects which
appear to trouble the leaves are the larvae of a butterfly (Papilio bonhotei) and a
beetle which notches their edges, but neither does any serious damage to the trees.
30. , Almost all tropical fruits will thrive in Bahamas soil, given sufficient depth
but many trees may be seen growing out of interstices in the rocks, and this is especi
ally the case with the sapodilla (Achras sapota), which seems to grow under the most
adverse conditions, and produces excellent fruit. Several groves of cocoa-nuts exist
but the conditions are not so suitable to their growth as was considered to be the
case some years ago, when extensive experiments were made. This palm thrives
in some places near the sea, but I do not think its culture could evef be made a
paying speculation.
31. So much has been written in regard to the " sisal " plant, that I need or.lv
say its cultivation is extending, and undoubtely it grows well, established in placed
where the roots have room to spread.* I see no reason why the extraction oi ^ the
fibre should not be a profitable industry in these islands. Even taking into consHera
tion adjacent competition and natural fluctuation of the market, the plant needs
no special culture and is practically free from insect pests, drought does not affect it
and on the other hand it is impervious to the torrential rain which generaJly Sim
during the summer months The leaves can be readily cleaned by hand, and there
are good machines which do the work in a more expeditious manner. The W
K^aS " ** ™ ^^ Whi°h * ™derstan<* » as good as t^
* See Appendix B, No. 12. t See Appen^B^oT^ J See Appe^^N^a^^

EARLY HISTORY AND CONSTITUTION.
It is well known that the Bahamas were discovered by Columbus in 1492, and
that he found in them a peaceful and interesting race of Indians who were subse
quently exterminated by the Spaniards.
It is stated by Bryan Edwards, in his history of the British West Indies (1819),
that they afterwards remained uninhabited until about the year 1629, when the
English formed a settlement in New Providence, and held it until 1641, when they
were attacked and expelled by the Spaniards, who made no attempt to settle there
themselves. Edwards names the island of ,San Salvador (or Guanahani as the natives are
said to have called it) as the landfall of Columbus, but Captain A. B. Becher, R.N.,
in his "Landfall of Columbus," conclusively proves, I think, that Watling's Island
better answers the description given in the great navigator's journal, which he
follows with great nicety, and lays down the track which it is probable Columbus
made during his explorations, according to the condensed account given of the
journal by the late Senor Navarette, formerly Spanish Hydrographer.
The Spaniards, however, seem to have lost all interest in the islands when it was
discovered that no gold existed in them, and contented themselves with basely de
luding some of the natives to leave their homes on the plea of removing them to the
land of their dead ancestors, and subsequently, by an order of King Ferdinand of
Spain, the whole population were transported to Hispaniola (Haiti) to work in the
mines, where, in a few years, they were exterminated by the inhuman treatment of
their captors. Nothing now remains of them but occasional bones ; and a few stone
implements, fashioned out of material not found in these islands, are sometimes found
in connection with them.
The Government of the Bahamas is modelled upon that of England, and is said
not to be based upon any Charter, but to have originated in successive Royal Comi-
missions to the Governors, empowering them to convoke a General Assembly. I have
not, however, been able to discover from any public record upon whom devolved the
task of summoning the first Parliament.
The islands were originally granted in the 22nd year of the reign of Charles II.
to " Christopher, Duke of Albemarle, William Earl of Craven, John Lord Berkeley,
Anthony Lord Ashley, Sir George Carteret, Knight and Baronett, and Sir Peter
Colleton, Baronett," and comprised in the grant were "those islands lyeinge in the
degrees of twenty and two, to twenty and seven north latitude "...." with
the fishing of all sorts of fish, whales, sturgeons, and all other royal fishes in the sea,
bayes, inletts, and rivers within the p'misses, and the fish therein taken, together
with the royalty of the sea upon the coasts within the lymitt aforesaid."
Full powers were given the Lords to found churches and chapels, in furtherance
of the Christian religion, "to make, ordeine and enact and under their seales to
publish any lawes and constitucons whatsoever either appertaining to the publicke
estate of the said islands, or of any district or p'ticular County, Barony, or Colony
of or within the same, or to the private utility of p'ticular persons according to their
best discrecon by and with the advice assent and approbation of the Freemen of the
County, Barony, or Colony for which such laws or costituoon shall be made or the
greater part of them or of their delegates or deputies whom for the enacting of the
said laws when and as often as need shall require, we will that the said " (grantees
named) " shall from time to time assemble in such manner and forme as to them
shall seem best."
Further powers are given to the Lords Proprietors to levy customs dues, to make
grants of land, to confer "markes of favour and titles of honour on such of the
inhabitants of the said islands as shall merit the same," provided that such " be not
the same as are enjoyed by, or conferred upon any of the subjects of this Our King-
dome of England " .... to erect " forts, fortresses, castles, cities, burroughs,
townes, villages, and other fortificacons " . .to appoint " 'Governours,
Deputy Governours, Magistrates, Sheriffes, and other Officers, Civill and Military,''
. . . . " to leavy, muster and traine all sorts of men "...." to make
16585 B

10

warre and to pursue the enemyes aforesaid as well by sea as by land, yea, even with
out the lymitts of the said islands."
This Charter was granted on the 1st November, 1670 (not 2nd November, 1680,
as stated by Governor Rawson), and it would appear that the Lords Proprietors sent
out a Captain Johnson Wentworth as Governor the following year, and in 1672 a
number of settlers were despatched from England, who must have found on their
arrival the famous buccaneers Mansfelt and Morgan, masters of the situation in
1673 Governor Chillingworth seems to have replaced Captain Wentworth, but ne
was hardly to be envied in his task of forming a stable Government with such
material, and it is not surprising that ere long Governor Chillingworth was seized and
sent off to Jamaica, where, doubtless, he fell into the hands of other buccaneers.
Notwithstanding the ill-success of this effort, another Governor was despatched
in 1677, a Mr. Clark, who appears to have secured a peaceful time by leaving the
buccaneers to do much as they pleased. However, in 1680 the Spaniards landed a
large force, captured numerous prisoners, including the Governor, burnt the town,
and effectually broke up the Settlement. The Governor was put in irons and taken
off to Cuba, where it is recorded that he was " roasted on a spit."
In spite of this misfortune New Providence appears to have been resettled, and
the town rebuilt by a succeeding Governor, Mr. Trott (1694), who named it Fort
Nassau, after the then reigning House of Hanover, William and Mary having a few
years previously (1689) ascended the throne.
At this period it is clear that a constitution on the present lines had been formed,
because it is recorded that Mr. Cadwallader Jones, appointed Governor by the Lords
Proprietors in 1690, was " arrested and tried before the Council with exceeding his
powers, With tyranny and high treason." He was deposed and imprisoned and the
Council published a proclamation "signed by five of the Assembly men and two
deputies for the proprietors informing the inhabitants that they had appointed Mr.
Ashley, the President of the Council, temporary Governor."
In 1703 a combined force of French and Spaniards effected a landing, destroyed
Nassau once more, and carried off the negroes, driving the inhabitants into the woods,
the most of whom on the departure of the invaders retired to Carolina.
Notwithstanding this, it would appear that the Lords Proprietors despatched
another Governor in 1704, a Mr. Birch, who, upon his arrival, found New Providence
totally uninhabited, and having camped some time in the woods, he returned to
England. It was, however, too convenient a depot for the piratical horde who had made it
their headquarters for so long, and there was no difficulty in securing fresh recruits
to make a new settlement, and to start on the hazardous but exciting and lucrative
buccaneer's life once more. Their lawless life continued for some years longer, but
times were changing, and so great were the depredations of these pirates in the West
Indian seas that the Government took the matter in hand, and in 1718 despatched
Captain Woodes Rogers to deaT with them, and to govern the Colony. At this period
the principal chiefs amongst them were Arthur Davis, Benjamin Hornygold, Joseph
Burgess, Thomas Carter, Steve Bonner, and Charles Vane. The famous Edward
Teach, better known as " Blackbeard," had been killed prior to the advent of Captain
Rogers, although McKinnen states that it was owing to the notoriety he had achieved
as a daring and successful pirate that George I., at the instigation of the merchants
of London and Liverpool, determined to send out the expedition under Woodes
Rogers. He appears, however, to have been comparatively unknown until he was
given a command by Hornygold in 1717, when both these pirates sailed for the
Continent of America on a privateering expedition, which was a very successful one
It is recorded that Hornygold returned to New Providence and surrendered to the
King's clemency, but that Teach acted an independent part, mounted his vessel with
40 guns, and named her the " Queen Anne's Revenge." With this vessel he made
many captures, ultimately sailing for North Carolina, where he, too, received the
King s pardon from a complaisant Governor, though he had just captured a ship
and tour sloops off Charleston, another large ship coming out of the harbour and
soon after four more vessels. He had, moreover, with great audacity sent messengers
to the Governor demanding medicines, of which he was greatly in need, with a
threat that if they were not forthcoming and his messengers were not returned in
safety, every prisoner on board the captured vessels would be killed and the vessels

11
burnt. Under the circumstances he appears to have been supplied with a medicine
•chest valued at between £300 and £400.
The only result of the King's pardon seems to have been a speedy relapse into
his old lawless habits, and "Blackbeard" is next heard of at Bermuda, where he is
reported to have captured three English and two French vessels, one laden with
sugar, which he brought to North Carolina and shared with the Governor. His
career, however, soon drew to a close. As it appeared hopeless to obtain any assist
ance from the corrupt Governor, whose name was Charles Eden, the people of North
Carolina appealed to the Governor of Virginia, who sent two small naval sloops under
the command of Lieutenant Maynard, with instructions to destroy the baneful pirate
and his band. Maynard discovered his whereabouts on the evening of the 21st
November, 1717, and after a sanguinary encounter "Blackbeard" was killed, and
those who survived of his crew captured, most of whom were subsequently executed.
These details have been mainly obtained from " Stark's Guide to the Bahamas,"
Boston, 1891, the author giving as his authority the " History of the Pirates," by
Charles Johnson, and "Lives and Exploits of English highwaymen, pirates, and
robbers," London, 1839. The best history of "Blackbeard," however, appears in
" The Buccaneers and Marooners of America," edited by Howard Pyle, taken from
John Esquemeling's "De Americaensche Zee Roovers," 1678, Amsterdam, subse
quently translated from the Dutch into English and other European languages.
The name and fame of " Blackbeard " still survive in Nassau, and a round tower
on an eminence in the eastern part of the island yet exists in recognisable shape,
known as " Blackbeard's Look-out," a picture of which is appended.*
It must be admitted that the establishment of anything in the form of Consti
tutional Government amongst a people such as those described was attended with
serious difficulties. Captain Rogers, however, appears to have been a man of capacity
and resolution, and, with the assistance of Captain Hornygold, one of the pardoned
pirates, the principal leaders were brought to justice and eight of them executed
on the 12th December, 1718. This appears to have been the death blow to piracy
in the Bahamas, and a period of comparative peace was secured, Captain Rogers
remaining in the islands for four years, and his successor, George Phenny, for seven
years. Comparative quiet seems to have reigned until the American rebellion, when
Commodore Hopkins, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Navy of the new Republic,
made a descent upon the Bahamas with eight vessels, which rendezvoused at Abaco,
from whence New Providence was approached, and possession obtained of the forts
without much difficulty. The object of this attack seems to have been to procure
gunpowder and other munitions of war, but the Governor (Montfort Browne) having
been advised of the expedition, was able to conceal most of the powder, which was
the material most urgently needed by the belligerents, but several cannon and a
quantity of other stores were taken. Possession was only retained for a few days,
and the Commodore evacuated New Providence on the 17th March, 1776, taking
with him the Governor, who was, however, subsequently exchanged for Lord Sterling,
who had been captured by Cornwallis.
The new American fleet does not appear to have achieved much glory in their
first naval essay, as Stark relates the gallant episode of the "Glasgow," Captain
Tyringham Howe, who attacked the whole of Commodore Hopkins's fleet, and though
eventually obliged to retreat, did so with the greater share _ of honours, the
Americans suffering a loss of 24 in killed and wounded, while the " Glasgow " only
lost four. The unfortunate Commodore was afterwards censured by Congress and
dismissed from the service. The famous Paul Jones was engaged in this expedition,
and is stated to have been promoted from Lieutenant to an independent command.
In 1781 a Spanish force of 1,500 men, comprising, it is said, a number of volun
teers from the rebellious Colonists, took possession of Nassau and garrisoned it with
600 men, but in April, 1783, Lieutenant-Colonel Deveaux, of the Loyal South
Carolina Militia, equipped an expedition with two armed brigantines, and with only
50 volunteers sailed from Saint Augustine in Florida, and after obtaining recruits
from Eleuthera and other islands, he landed upon New Providence close to Fort
Montague, and succeeded in forcing a capitulation upon the Spanish Governor. Since
this date the Bahamas have been uninterruptedly in the hands of the British.
In 1784, according to Stark, who quotes " The Claim of Admiral Graves and his
Wife to the Bahamas," London, 1815, "the House of Commons voted the sum of
* See Appendix B, No. 20.
16585 B 2

12

£7,850 to be placed at the disposal of His Majesty to perfect the purchase of th&
Bahama Islands, and on May 22nd, 1786, a further sum of £6,356 was voted for the
same purpose." These sums it is presumed were paid to the heirs of the proprietary
lords, the original grantees under the Charter of King Charles II., and the islands
were surrendered to the British Crown.
The first Act that I have found bearing on the constitutional question is Act 36,
George III., cap. 10, 1795, which limits the duration of Assemblies to seven years.
Act 47, George III., cap. 1, 1806, consolidates the Acts relating to Elections and
Qualifications of Members. Electors were required to be white, 21 years old, resident
one year preceding any election, and freeholder or housekeeper for six months in
town or district, and to- have paid duties to the amount of £50 (representing at that
time £26 0s. lOd. sterling). If the elector were housekeeper on a plantation he was
required to be possessed of property to the value of £300.
Members of Assembly were required to be white, of the Protestant religion, 21
years old, and possessed of an estate real and personal, or personal only for his own
life, to the value of £1,000 clear, or proprietor of 50 acres under cultivation, free from
encumbrances. The restriction as to colour was removed by Acts 4 William TV., cap. 1, and
5 William IV., cap. 9; and by Act of Parliament, 10 George IV., cap. 7, civil dis
abilities as to Roman Catholics were removed.
Considerable changes were made in these qualifications by Act 48 and 49
Victoria, cap. 29. Under it electors were qualified, if possessed of land of actual
value of £5 (sterling) or upwards, or housekeeper occupying any house of which the
annual rental was not less than £2 8s., or £1 4s. in the out-islands.
Stringent provisions against bribery were enacted.
The qualification of members was reduced to the possession of an estate, real or
personal, or personal property only for his own life, or from some greater estate either
in law or equity to and for his own use and benefit over and above what will satisfy
and clear all judgments and mortgages that may affect the same, of the value of £200
(sterling). For election purposes the Bahamas are divided into fifteen districts as follows: —

Districts.

Members.

New Providence, City District
New Providence, Eastern District
New Providence, Southern District ...
New Providence, Western District ...
Harbour Island ...
Eleuthera 
San Salvador 
Exuma 
Long Island 
Crooked Island 
Watlings Island and Rum Cay
Inagua 
Abaco 
Biminis and Grand Bahama 
Andros Island  Total 

22
2 233 2 2 2 1 1 1
312

29

13

I do not hesitate to say that at the present time there is not suitable material in
the Bahamas to make 29 members of a properly qualified Assembly representing the
various islands comprised in this Colony. In the last Assembly not a single out
island constituency was able to send its own representative, and it followed that the
whole of the members were recruited from the island of New Providence, which in
itself sends eight members to the Assembly.
CLIMATE AND METEOROLOGY.
Governor Rawson deals very fully in his report with this question, and gives a
mean of daily observations on week days for ten years, from 1855 to 1864. He places
the average maximum temperature at 82°, the medium at 76°, and the minimum at
71°, and gives the following table of the prevailing winds : —
North  7.2 per cent.

North-ea*st East South-eastSouthSouth-westWest North-west

26.224.4 18.611.0 5.02.3 5.3

100.0
He states that the four months June to September are the hottest, and of nearly
•equal temperature, viz., 88°.
He adds that January, February and March are the three coldest months, and of
nearly equal temperature, viz., 66°, and that the greatest maximum heat exceeds the
average heat by not more than 12°, and that the greatest minimum falls short of it by
10°. The extreme variation therefore is 22°.
I think it would be useful to compare these observations with the conditions
which obtain at the present day, and I append a copy of my own records* for the
year 1902, giving temperatures taken at Government House at the hours of 7 a.m.,
"2 p.m., and 9 p.m., and barometer readings taken at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., also direction
•of the wind and rainfall.
It is right to state that the thermometer is placed in a situation where no sun
gets to it, and where it is as fully exposed to the air as is possible inside a house.
The barometer readings are taken from a barograph, which registers fully five-
tenths higher than the mercurial barometer which is used for the public meteoro
logical records, but there is practically no difference in the diurnal range.
The island of New Providence is so close to the tropics that atmospheric pressure
acts upon the same principle as is observed within the tropical belt; that is to say,
there is a regular rise and fall of from half a tenth to one tenth of an inch every six
hours. This rule is practically only relaxed in the case of a hurricane, when a
considerably increased fall in the mercury (or indicator of the aneroid as the case may
be) is the result.
I find that records taken inside a house do not register so high or so low as
those taken inside a proper meteorological screen, but although the latter may be
the most scientific way of making observations, people do not live under such con
ditions, and my less orthodox method will give a better idea of one's sensations under
the ordinary circumstances of daily life.
Governor Rawson, in his remarks on the barometer, states " that the mean height
is exactly 30 inches."
"That it obtains its greatest height in the three months from December to
J/ebruary, and is lowest in the two months of October and November."

See Appendix A.

14
In regard to the latter question my own lowest records for -1902 were taken in
the month of February, 30.23 on the 17th, and 30.18 on the 27th and 28th On the
first date a strong north-westerly wind was blowing, with a tendency to back to the
west, and on th! latter dates there was a very strong breeze from the ^th^nd
south-east. In October my lowest readings were 30.40 on the 28th and 29th, with
no abnormal conditions. In November the lowest reading was 3U.&1
It will be observed that there are no marked variations in the readings during
the last eight months of the year, and only December shows a decided ly higner
average. The highest reading being the abnormal one of 30.97 on the 10th and 60. W
on three other occasions. The lowest reading was 30.54 on the 4th.
I may add that the highest December reading in the previous year with the same
instrument was 30.64, and the lowest 30.17. In the first case there was a strong
breeze from the east following three days of northerly and northeasterly winds, and
in the latter the wind was from the south.
As a general rule the barometer rises for northerly and easterly winds, and falls
for westerly and southerly winds, though the periodical rise and fall during the 24
hours remains the same.
In order to illustrate the working of the instrument with which my records
were made, I anoend two' sheets from the barograph, one for the week ending the
3rd November, 1902, and the other for the week ending the 5th January, 1903.
In the first sheet it will be seen with what uniformity the diurnal movement acts
under normal conditions, except that the range is higher for. winds from the north
and east. In this case the record commences on the 27th October with 30.45, rising
with a regular curve to its maximum height of 30.85 on the 30th, and then gradually
descending to 30.65 on the 3rd November, the strong breezes having by that time
moderated. It is interesting to note in this record that from 10 p.m. on Tuesday to 4 a.m.
on Wednesday, when under ordinary conditions there should have been the usual
fall, there was, on the contrary, a perceptible rise, and from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. on
Wednesday there was a rise of two-tenths, notwithstanding that a very strong breeze
from the north was blowing.
The other record, that from Monday, the 29th December, 1902, to the following
Monday, January 5th, 1903, is interesting, as showing a very abnormal occurrence
in these islands, viz., a gale palpably affecting the barometer on Wednesday night,
the 31st December, 1902, and causing a depression of nearly two-tenths between
10 p.m. and midnight. The wind had been blowing fresh from east and east-north
east during the day, with a tendency to back, the whole sky overcast with heavy
clouds. By 10 p.m. the wind had backed to north-east, and blew a gale until mid
night, when the wind moderated, and by 6 a.m. the following morning the disturbance
had entirely passed off.
The year 1902 was abnormal in more than one respect. The rain, which usually
commences about the middle of May, did not set in until a month later. The rainfall
for the month of May was only .85 inch, as against 9.29 inches in the previous year.
In June the record was 4.65 inches, compared with 13.36 inches in June, 1901, and
the total fall for 1902 was 39.91 inches, as against 63.32 inches for 1901.
The summer, or rainy months (May to October), were remarkable for lighter
winds than usual, and an absence of any storm warnings during the hurricane months
(July to October), and none of the West Indian Islands appear to have been visited
by one of these calamities. There can be no question, I think, that the terrific
eruptions in Martinique and Saint Vincent affected the atmospheric conditions over
a wide area, fortunately in a pacific sense, and the kind of energy which takes a
cyclonic form was happily absent.
Another peculiarity of 1902 was a continuance of hot weather to a later date
than usual ; both October and November showed almost continuously higher records
than in the same months of the previous year, and in December the average tempera
ture at 7 a.m. was 74.4°, as against 71° in the same month of the previous year

15
NEW PROVIDENCE.
This island may be considered to be the most important of the Bahamas group,
as containing the capital and seat of government, Nassau, though it owes this
pre-eminence, not to its size, nor to any special advantage of soil or position, but to
the fact that it possesses a safe harbour,* capable of sheltering vessels drawing not
more than 12 feet of water. There is a bar at the entrance giving 14 feet at low
water spring tides, when there is a rise of four feet, neap tides giving one foot less.
The harbour is formed by an island known as " Hog Island,"t which lies about
one-third of a mile from the north' shore of New Providence and runs parallel with
it, the western end of Hog Island lying opposite to the site of the old barracks (now
occupied by the Colonial Hotel), and extending for about three and a-half miles
to the eastward. Unfortunately the value of the harbour is diminished from the
fact that a bank runs down the centre of the waterway, materially lessening the
draught of water, and although there is a deeper channel, especially on the Hog
Island shore, the narrowness of the harbour does not afford swinging room for vessels
of over 200 feet in length. This bank is caused by a small island called Potter's
Cay, situated midway between New Providence and Hog Island, where the distance
between the two shores is only about a quarter of a mile. Periodical discussions
arise as to the advisability of dredging this bank and other subsidiary shoals in the
harbour, but experts have already expressed the opinion that if the silt that covers
the hard coral rock underneath is removed, the harbour will be spoilt as an anchorage,
it being the silt in question which alone makes holding ground for the anchors. The
greatest depth of this deposit appears to be about 12 feet, varying to six feet, and it is
composed almost wholly of coral limestone debris, which in itself does not form a
very tenacious medium in which to anchor a vessel.
New Providence is nineteen and three-quarter miles in extreme length from
east to west, and has a maximum breadth of eight and a quarter miles.
The city of Nassau J is built on the northern shore, about five and a-half miles
from the east end of the island, and there is a narrow ridge of hills, from 80 to 100
feet in height, upon which the main part of the residential portion is built, running
almost the whole length of the island, and more or less skirting the shore, though the
business portion of the town centres in Bay Street, which follows the line of the
northern shore, close to the harbour, and is nearly on the sea level.
The southern portion of the island is low, and in some parts swampy, and con
tains extensive pine forests. The sea on this side is so shallow that a vessel drawing
six feet of water taking a south-south-east course from the east point cf the island,
could sail upwards of 200 miles in shoal water, the Great Bahama Bank, upon the
eastern edge of which New Providence is located, extending in that direction. The
curious " Tongue of Ocean " previously alluded to forms the western boundary of
this bank for about 120 miles. Nassau is situated in latitude 25° 5' 37" north, and
longitude 77° 17' 30" west; the island, therefore, is outside the tropics. The popu
lation of the whole island, according to the census of 1901, consisted of 12,534 persons,
5,492 of whom were males and 7,042 females, showing an increase of 1,620 persons
.dnee the previous census.
It is generally admitted that the city is one of the cleanest and most picturesque
•of West Indian towns, having for many years attracted winter tourists from the
adjacent continent. In 1860 a commodious and well-appointed hotel was built by
the Government, which at that time and for many years afterwards occupied the
premier position amongst West Indian hotels, though it must be admitted that there
was little competition in regard to such structures in this region forty years ago. It
was not until 1891, when the American Hotels Company in Jamaica completed the,
"" Constant Springs Hotel," that any accommodation other than that furnished by
lodging houses of inferior class, could be found even in Kingston.
" The Royal Victoria," as the Nassau hotel was called, continued to attract
visitors to the Bahamas up to 1898, when the well-known American capitalist, Mr. H.
M. Flagler, bought the structure for £10,000, brought it into harmony with modern
requirements, and in addition built another hotel on the site of the old barracks over-

* See Appendix B, Nos. 23 and 24. t See Appendix B, No. 22. J See Appendix B, No. 15.

16

lnnVino- the harbour capable of accommodating 600 people, and furnishing it with
t^lZ^reSto minister to the conffort and luxury of th most famous
taste The newer building is known as the Colonial Hotel * and it is conneccea
wth the enormous hotel system which Mr. Flagler has established on the east coast
of Florida. A steamer between the port of Miami in Florida, and Nassau ] makes frequent
trips during the winter months, in the height of the season February and I March^
to the extent of a tri-weekly service, the distance being about 190 ^"^S the
prefer a less fatiguing experience than that involved in a railway ^ journey fro m the
north to Miami (Southern Florida) are able to take the direct steame ^*^£
from New York, running under contract with the Bahamas Government tor a tort
nightly service, the boats leaving New York on Friday and timed to arrive at Hassan
on the following Tuesday morning, unless under exceptional circumstances ; they
are up-to-date, and the steamers are of good size, well found and comfortable.
All the Florida East Coast Company's hotels are ^n on the American plan a
fixed charge being made per diem. A room and board at the Colonial can ^ be had
for $5 a day, which is the lowest charge, and higher terms are demanded ace or d mg
to the requirements of the case ; the lowest charge at the Royal Victoria is $4 a day.
It would appear that Nassau has great attractions for the American tourist
though the usual excitements of seaside resorts are conspicuously absent there are
no tempting drinking saloons, casinos, or gambling establishments to while away tne
time. It depends entirely on its wonderful climate, exquisite surroundings, and
unrivalled bathing facilities, to tempt the stranger to its shores To those who preier
the land there are good roads either for driving or bicycling, but in an island ot the
dimensions of New Providence these must be soon exhausted. In spite oi its re
stricted area, however, there are few people, either resident or fleeting visitors, who
know anything outside the beaten track of New Providence, though there is much to
tempt the geologist, the naturalist, or the botanist to wander afield.
The greatest charm of Nassau is, perhaps, the marvellous colouring of the sea
in its harbour, varying according to atmospheric conditions and the nature ot the
sea bed ; there is almost invariably an irregular band of brilliant opalescent green
bordered by dark purple, traversing the water lengthwise, the shades depending much
upon the sun and cloud effects. Nassau, however, does not hold a monopoly of this
nature painting, it is a quality possessed by all the shoal waters m which the islands
are set ; the most brilliant and varied effects are perhaps seen on the western side
of the Exuma Cays, a portion of the Bahamas group which deserves to be better
known. At the eastern portion of the harbour, lying between the east end of Hog -Island
and the western end of Athol Island, there is a stretch of water known as the " Sea
Gardens." For some reason there is congregated here all kinds of marine organisms,
hard and flexible corals (the Jatter commonly known as " sea fans " and " feathers"),
beautiful forms of algae, sponges of various kinds, and amongst the rocks on which
these are set, numerous and marvellously coloured fish may be seen as in an aquarium,
sporting about apparently oblivious of human curiosity. All this may be observed
through a glass-bottomed boat as clearly as in the air,, or, armed with a bucket
similarly made transparent, one may take an ordinary boat and find this mode of
observation equally satisfactory. I regret to say that this natural curiosity has been
greatly depleted by visitors desiring to have specimens of the corals, &c, for which the
Americans have been wont to pay high prices.
A curious natural phenomenon exists on this island, known as the " Phosphor
escent Lake." It is an artificial sheet of water formerly used as a turtle crawl, and
communicates with the sea. For some reason which has not been satisfactorily
explained, the water in it becomes intensely luminous, and forms a great attraction
to visitors, any movement in the water causing brilliant streams of light.
It would appear that heavy rain destroys the organisms which cause this
remarkable property. Two years ago there was such a fall, coinciding with some
interference with the outflow of the lake, resulting in the almost complete disappear-
* See Appendix B, No. 24

17
anoe of the phosphorescence, but I understand that it has again returned with all its
usual splendour.
One of the most interesting relics of old Nassau is Fort Charlotte, situated close
to the western end of the town. The upper works were erected by Lord Dunmore
in the latter part of the 18th century, though it is supposed that there was a much
older foundation existing, commenced by the Spaniards, who are credited with the
construction of some remarkable and extensive underground passages and chambers
cut out of the solid rock. No authentic information seems to exist in regard to this
part of the structure. All the main part of the fort is in good preservation. On
the north side there is a broad dry moat over which a drawbridge doubtless formerly
gave access to the principal entrance, but this has been replaced by an ordinary
bridge. The fort was dismantled at the withdrawal of the troops from Nassau in
1891, and the rusty guns still lie by the side of their old supports forming rather
a melancholy spectacle to the visitor of to-day. The adjacent ground around and at
the foot of the fort has been made into a golf links, and is, perhaps, more picturesque
than satisfactory to the lovers of this game.
Another old fort, also erected by Lord Dunmore, and styled Fort " Fincastle,"
exists further to the east on Bennet's Hill. This is said to have been built in 1780,
and is of very curious shape, resembling, if viewed from its western end, a paddle-
wheel steamer.
I append pictures of both these forts.*
The oldest of the Nassau forts, however, is Fort Montague, erected by Lieu
tenant Peter Bruce, Royal Engineers, in 1741, to protect the eastern portion of the
harbour. The walls are still standing, but the place is fast going to decay.
There is a good public library in Nassau, containing about 12,000 volumes. They
are located in a picturesque octagonal building, which was formerly the gaol, and
is probably about 150 years old.f During the period of the American Civil War the
gaol was found inadequate in size, and a larger establishment was commenced in 1865
and completed at a cost of £16,000. It is an excellent gaol, but now too large for
present requirements, and I trust it may long remain so.
The general public buildings of the Colony are centrally situated on the south
side of Bay Street, and were erected in 1812. The centre building consists of the
Post Office, Council Chamber, Chief Justice's Office, and Court Room. The eastern
wing consists of the Colonial Secretary's Office, as well as the Customs and Treasury,
and also the Registrar's Office. The western wing is devoted to the House of
Assembly. I attach a picture! of this group of buildings taken from the front which faces
Rawson Square on the south side of Bay Street.
The residence of the Governor is situated on Mount Fitzwilliam at an elevation
of about 80 feet above sea level. § It was built in 1801, and is not a very commodious
structure for modern requirements. About 20 acres of grounds are attached to the
house, most of it uncompromising rock; about four acres of it have been reclaimed
and rendered both useful and ornamental.
Nassau is the seat of a bishopric, the See having been created in 1861 ; in the
Letters Patent Christ Church is designated as the cathedral. This church was com
pleted in 1840, and occupies the site of an older building, which had become dilapi
dated and unsuitable to the then existing requirements.
Formerly the " Church of England " was recognised as the " Established " Church,
and the bishop received a salary of £1,000 a year out of the Colonial revenue, the
clergy also receiving stipends from the same source. The Presbyterian Church of
Saint Andrew also received an endowment.
By Act 32 Vic, cap. 27, these churches were prospectively disendowed, and
there is at this date only one clergyman left of the old establishment who receives
a stipend from the Government, the Rev. James Hartman Fisher, the rector of Saint
Agnes, who draws a salary of £200 a year, with a rent allowance of £30.
* See Appendix B, Nos. 7 and 17. f See Appendix B, No. 8. $ See Appendix B, No. 18.
§ See Appendix B, Nos. 1, 2, and 16.
16585 C

18
By Act 38 Vic, cap. 32, the bishop, clergy and laity of the Church of England
were empowered to hold synods, and Section VII. of that Act provided that ' Nothing,
in this Act contained shall be construed in any way to affect the provisions of the
32 Vic, cap. 27, or to confer on the said Church a status other than that enjoyed by
other voluntary religious bodies."
Nassau is well supplied with churches, and the Presbyterians, Wesleyans, and
Baptists are well represented in the Bahamas.
OUT ISLANDS.
So little is known about the out islands of the Bahamas group, that a few concise
details in regard to them will be acceptable, and it will be convenient to enumerate
them, commencing from the most northerly, lying off the east coast of Florida, to
Inagua, the most southerly, which is situated to the north of the " Windward Passage "
between Cuba and Haiti. Abaco and Cays.
The most northerly point of the Bahamas may be said to be the Matanilla Reefs,.
the west end of which terminates in about latitude 27° 23' north and longitude
78° 50' west. These reefs are a continuation of the Abaco Cays, which trend in a
north-west by westerly direction, from Elbow Cay, the most easterly point of this
group, for a distance of about 130 miles.
On Elbow Cay is an important lighthouse, erected by the Imperial Government,.
having a stone tower exhibiting at 123 feet above the sea, a fixed white light, visible
in clear weather for 15 miles. This structure was erected in 1863, prior to which
many wrecks occurred on the dangerous coast presented by the Abaco Cays, and
the inhabitants, it is feared, acquired an unsavoury reputation as unscrupulous and
professional " wreckers."
The main islands are known as Great and Little Abaco, comprising an area of
776 square miles.
Although they extend to a length of 94 miles, the population in 1901 consisted
only of 3,314 persons, of whom 1,746 were males, and 1,568 females. In 1881 the
population was 3,610, so that there has been a sensible decrease during the inter
vening decennial period. The present population gives the low average of 4.2 persons
to the square mile.
The principal settlements are Green Turtle Cay (though this place has lost
much of its former importance), Hope Town, and Cherokee Sound.
At the first-named place a Resident Justice is stationed, who represents the
Government, and is charged with Magisterial functions, and such revenual ones as
are necessary, but as the whole collections for the year under review only amounted
to £50 16s., this portion of his duties was not very onerous. It is, perhaps, not very
satisfactory to learn that the major portion of this sum was acquired from liquor
licences and proceeds of wrecks.
It is to be regretted that the Bahamas (Inagua) sisal plantation established at
this settlement ceased working in April, thus throwing many people out of employ
ment. The event was precipitated by a fire which destroyed the remaining plants,
but for some time cultivation had been neglected and the plantation had been choked
up by weeds. The " Little Abaco Company," however, continue their working, and
have completed a tramway across the island ; the prospects of this company appear to
be favourable. The settlement of Hope Town, where the Government is represented by an
Assistant Resident Justice (charged with the same functions and powers as a Resident
Justice) is now the most flourishing place in Abaco. It is an important centre for the
sponging industry, the value of this produce collected for the year amounting to
£3,543 17s. There were also shipped 2,441 dozen pine-apples valued at £246 18s. 4d.
It is estimated that 1,110 acres of sisal are under cultivation in this settlement.

19
Hope Town is a port of entry, and the revenue collected for the year amounted
to £323 lis. Id. The imports amounted in value to £4,342 6s. 9d., and the exports
to £4,344 14s. 5d.
Cherokee Sound, the remaining settlement, has also an Assistant Resident
Justice, its main industry being fishing, the neighbouring waters yielding a good
harvest. The inhabitants are mainly white, but intermarriage has rendered them
not so robust as those in other portions of the Bahamas. There would appear to be
no outlook except fishing and sponging for the inhabitants, as there is no suitable
agricultural land adjacent to the settlement. A few small crafts have been built
recently. The revenue of Cherokee Sound was represented by the sum of £4 7s., acquired
from the sale of stamps.
The Abaco Islands contain extensive pine forests and a concession has been
granted to a Canadian for exploiting the timber ; it is hoped that this may result in
developing another industry for the Bahamas ; several applications have recently been
received to work the forests which exist on the more northern islands. One of the
main difficulties in dealing with the timber is the absence of good harbours, which
has always been a grave drawback in the development of this Colony.
Recently, however, attention has been called to Pelican Harbour, which appears
to be_ admirably suited to be a base for exploiting the Abaco timber. The entrance
to this harbour carries a depth of not less than 19 feet of water, and extends for
about three quarters of a mile, the entrance lying between Lynyard and Channel
Cays. This harbour has been re-surveyed by Mr. Aranha, of the Crown Lands De
partment, and I take the soundings from the chart which he has made of the locality.
For more than half a mile the channel carries from 19 to 30 feet, there is a narrow
bank at a distance of about three-quarters of a mile from the entrance, carrying
15 feet, and from thence a channel leads up close to the shore for a further three-
quarters of a mile, bearing not less than 12 feet, and a maximum of 17 feet ; near
this point is a village known as Sweetings.
I may so far anticipate as to say that the Canadian previously referred to
endeavoured to form a company to work his concession, but failed to do so, and
early this year disposed of his rights to an American named Hallenbeck, who has
been for many years engaged in the lumber industry. I have every reason to believe
that he will commence work in the latter part of this year.
It is gratifying to be able to report that the Sisal Fibre Company of Little Abaco
continues its work with every prospect of success. The company has about 5,000
acres under cultivation, and 145 tons of fibre were shipped at an estimated value of
£4,350. Additional machinery has been placed upon the estate, and it is expected
that during the next year the output will approximate £15,000 in value.
Grand Bahama.
This large island lies a little to the south of the Abaco Banks, and contains 430
square miles, with an extreme length of 66 miles and an average breadth of
seven miles. The population in 1901 consisted of 1,780 people, of whom
911 were males and 869 females, giving an average of 4.1 per square
mile; there has been an increase in this island since the last census,
when there were only 1,269 persons, the sexes being almost equally divided. The
inhabitants are mainly engaged in agriculture, sponging and fishing. There is re
ported to be good grazing land in the interior, and fresh water is abundant ; formerly
cattle raising was a prevalent industry, but the market is so limited that it is now
only carried on on a small scale.
The principal settlement is Eight Mile Rock, where there is an Assistant Resident
Justice, who manages the affairs of the whole island. Other small settlements exist
at Mcleans, Carrion Crow Harbour, Golden Grove and Freetown.
The revenue of the island only amounted to a small sum, derived from liquor
licences and King's fines.
16585 c 2

20

Biminis.

These are two small Islands situated at the north-west angle of the Great
Bahama Bank, and close to the deep water of the Florida Strait. They are likewise
in close proximity to the Gulf Stream, and thus the botanical fauna differs some
what from that of the other Islands further removed from its influence.
These Islands are very small, containing only eight square miles, but neverthe
less there was, in 1901, a population of 545 persons, of whom 263 were males and
282 females, making an increase of 21 persons since the previous census.
The comparatively large population may be attributed to the fact that their
situation is a good centre for sponging and turtling, and that they are in the track
of the large number of vessels which pass up and down the Florida Strait. During
the hurricane season, when there is not much doing, many of them board the vessels
taking out fish, turtle, and shells, and do a small trade in this way; they also act as
pilots when needed. It is feared that not much attention is paid to agriculture
though there is good land, especially in South Bimini.
The main occupation of the inhabitants formerly was wrecking, but the estab
lishment of two lighthouses in the neighbourhood, one at Gun Cay, a little to the
south of the Biminis, and another at Great Isaacs, to the north, has effectively put
an end to this industry. Catesby mentions that numbers of seals were found on
the Biminis, but they have long since been exterminated. A sentimental interest
attaches to these Islands from the fact that it was here that the Spanish adventurer,
Ponce de Leon, is said to have found the revivifying fountain of which he was in
search, and which was supposed to renew youth. Nevertheless, it did not avail
against the spears or arrows of the Florida natives, from whom he received the
wounds causing his death in Porto Rico shortly after their occurrence. The foun
tain still exists in South Bimini, and has local repute as a cure for rheumatism
and kindred complaints. Eleuthera.
Some discussion has arisen in regard to the probable origin of the name given
to this Island, but there can be no reasonable doubt, I think, that it is a corruption of
the old Spanish name "Isla de tierra," referring to its greater proportion of earth,
or soil, than existed in the other Islands. In some old maps it is written " Uathera,"
which brings it still nearer to the original Spanish. It is doubtful whether any of
the names given by the so-called "Lucayans," the aboriginal inhabitants of the
Bahamas, have been preserved even in a corrupted form, and this latter name itself
is palpably a Spanish one, and derived from Los Cayos, or " The Keys," or " Cays,"
describing the general character of many of the Islands. It is curious that the
original signification of the Island of Eleuthera has been still further obscured by
the lengthening of the second syllable, which is the local pronunciation at the present
day. Next to New Providence, it is the most important Island in the group, being
the headquarters of one of the main industries of the Colony, pineapple culture.
There are several settlements established on the Island and its Cays, the
principal of which are Governor's Harbour and Harbour Island.*
Eleuthera is 57 miles in extreme length with an average breadth of four miles,
and comprises an area of 164 square miles. The population in 1901 amounted to
8,733 persons, 4,159 being males and 4,574 females, giving an increase of 1,375
persons since the previous Census.
These figures are exclusive of Harbour Island, which, although embracing only
an area of one square mile, contains 1,232 inhabitants, giving an average of 821.3
per square mile ; and Spanish Wells, another small Cay, only half a square mile in
extent, but containing 534 persons, giving the large average of 1,068 persons per
square mile.

See Appendix B, Nos. 27 and 29.

21
Other settlements are the Bluff, Gregory Town, Savannah Sound, Tarpum Bay,
Hock Sound, and Wemyss Bight.
The settlement in Harbour Island is called " Dunmore Town," named in honour
of the Earl of Dunmore, who was Governor of the Bahamas from 1787 to 1796, and
who is said to have spent the hotter months in this Island, owing to its superior cli
mate. It lies about 80 miles to the north-east of Nassau, and its eastern shore is
open to the full force of the Atlantic Ocean. There is a good harbour extending
along the western shore of the Island, and bounded by a portion of the mainland
of Eleuthera; unfortunately it is only accessible to vessels drawing nine feet of
water, and the main entrance on the north is difficult and intricate, many wrecks
having occurred there. A deeper entrance exists on the south, but there is no deep
water channel to the anchorage off the town from that end.
Eleuthera is unquestionably the agricultural island " par excellence " of the
Bahamas, and I was much struck during a recent visit I paid to some of the settle
ments with its capabilities in this direction; with capital and properly directed
effort, there should be no limit to its productiveness. lit contains a greater pro
portion of soil than any other Island, and much of it is specially adapted to the
growth of pine-apples, though I fear, up to the present nothing in the shape of
scientific culture has been attempted ; nevertheless, if the plants get proper moisture
during their growth good crops may be relied on. Certain fertilizers are used to
renovate worn-out soil, but without knowledge of the real needs of the plant or of the
constituents of the medium in which experience shows that the pines thrive best.
I fear the general conditions of agriculture in the Bahamas remain in mucn
the same state as those described by Governor Rawson in 1866, but I think there
are signs of awakening to the value of the land, and Eleuthera should prove a valu
able portion of the Colony in case the question is taken up with proper earnestness.
During a recent visit to the Bluff settlement I found a large tract of land admirably
suited for the culture of rice, but so far as I could learn none had ever been grown
there. There is an immense tract of fresh water extending from the Bluff for
several miles to the southward, which the natives drink without hesitation, though
Mr. Harvey, the Civil Engineer and Assistant Surveyor in the Bahamas, in his
valuable reports, dated 1858, refers to it as a " large swamp found to be unhealthy,
not being salt enough to prevent malaria."
So far as I know this is the only example of what is practically a fresh water
lake in the whole of the Bahamas (excluding the overflow of the Andros stream
which, in the rainy season, becomes a lake). This is interesting, as pointing to the
existence of a hard impervious rock, different to the ordinary porous coral lime
stone, which as a rule lets in the sea, rendering all the inland lakes of the Bahamas
brackish. The Bluff settlement is entirely a native one, and is devoted to fruit cultiva
tion ; large groves of orange and grape-fruit trees are planted there, and the people
impressed me very favourably during a short visit I recently made to the place.
Another interesting native settlement in Eleuthera is Savannah Sound, where
I found a very intelligent and pleasant set of people. There is plenty of good soil
in the neighbourhood, and I was informed that any quantity of vegetables could
be grown during the winter, if there were any market. One man told me that he had
grown cabbages in the natural soil weighing 8, 10, and 12 lbs. each, for which he
could only get one penny each in the Nassau market. No finer tomatoes in the
world can be grown than those produced in many of the Islands, but there is no
sale for them, except in a small way locally, and there are no adequate means of
-getting them to a wider market.
At Rock Sound,* a settlement in the southern portion of the Island, there is
an extensive land-locked harbour, though, unfortunately, suitable only for craft draw
ing not more than eight feet of water. Near the settlement is a fine example of

• See Appendix B, No. 30.

22

the inland ocean holes peculiar to the Bahamas, many times larger than that
described as "the Mermaid's Pool," and said to be 200 feet deep. There are also
some extensive caves from whence a good fertilizing medium is obtained.
Andros.
I have already pointed out in another place, that Andros is really an archipelago
of islands, though it is usually described in the singular number.
The northern portion, which is the largest, has an extreme length of nearly
60 miles, and there is a central island containing a larger area than New Provi
dence, with many subsidiary Islands to the north of it, placed in a channel about
14 miles wide, the breadth of the space from east to west being about 22 miles.
At the extreme south is another large island, having a length of about 35 miles.
Andros is the " Espiritu Santo " of the Spaniards, and was given its present
name by the original Lords Proprietors in honour of Sir Edmund Andros, who was
Governor of New York and of Massachusetts towards the close of the 17th Century ;
he is best known as having been the first Royal Governor of Massachusetts, and
subsequently Governor of Virginia and Maryland.
According to the Census of 1901, there was a population of 5,347 persons, the
proportions being 3,192 males, and 2,155 females, giving the low average of 3.9
persons to the square mile, and an unusual preponderance of males. The previous
Census revealed a total population of 4,539 persons, the figures being 2,312 males,
and 2,227 females ; there has been an increase, therefore, of 880 males and a decrease
of 74 females.
Until recently the 'affairs of the whole of Andros were administered by one
Resident Justice residing at Mangrove Cay, but in 1902 an. Assistant Resident
Justice was appointed to reside in the north part of the Islands, as it was found
impracticable to work so large an area with one official ; communication is maintained
almost entirely by water, road transport being very limited.
The principal settlements, which are all on the East Coast, are Nicholl's Town,
Mastic Point, Stanyard Creek, Calabash Bay, Mangrove Cay, and Long Bay Cays.
These places all have schools. The main industry is sponge collecting, the Great
Bahama Bank, on which the island is situated, offering a wide field for acquiring
this valuable product of the Bahamas.
The building of small craft to be used as spongers is carried on to a considerable
extent, and most of the hard wood of which the vessels are mainly constructed is
found on the islands.
The cultivation of Sisal which, at one time, was a promising industry in Andros,
but which was almost entirely abandoned, I am glad to say shows signs of resusci
tation, and work has been resumed on the " Andros Fibre Company " at Mastic Point.
There is, undoubtedly, a revival of interest throughout the Colony generally in
regard to this cultivation, and unless the present prices suffer serious diminution, I
feel sure that some, at least, of the promising future predicted for this enterprise
will be realized.
I am sorry to say, however, that general agriculture is sadly neglected, the
people paying but little attention to field crops, the Resident Justice reporting that
they look down upon field labour, and consider it " infra dig." to eat anything but
imported food. It must be admitted that there are grave drawbacks to agriculture
as carried on in this and other islands ; very primitive methods are adopted, and as
a rule a man's so-called "farm" is at some distance from his home, and is usually
just a clearing in the " bush," without fence or protection of any kind. He never
dreams of providing a water supply to secure himself against the winter drought,
probably because he knows that under any circumstances somebody else will reap the
fruits of his labour, and there is little doubt that one of the main reasons why there
is so little cultivation in this large territory is, that unless a man lives on his plan
tation (which he rarely does) his crop is sure to be stolen; he has practically no pro-

23
tection from the Government beyond that which he can afford with his own right
hand, and the moral support given by the Resident Justice, who has to cover a large
area. Very little is known in regard to the interior of Andros. The main settlements,
as before stated, are all on the east coast, along which a line of reefs runs the whole
length of the Islands, at an average distance of about two miles from the shore, and
it is inside this reef that the only harbours are found, giving shelter for vessels draw
ing five feet of water ; these reefs are on the edge of the " tongue of Ocean," a
remarkable estuary of deep water, extending the whole length of Andros, and some
distance to the south, then taking a turn to the east and approaching to within
about twenty miles of Great Exuma and Cays to the northward of this Island ; the
average breadth of the " tongue " being about 20 miles.
The general aspect of the land may be said to be low and swampy, but in many
parts thickly wooded. From High Cay to the southward, however, a narrow ridge
extends from 70 to 90 feet high, and there are also some hills in the neighbourhood
of Mangrove Cay, where the Resident Justice for the southern district resides.
The western side of Andros is very shallow, the Great Bahamas Bank, on which
the land is elevated, extending from 65 to 40 miles in a westerly direction from the
shore, the bank ending abruptly on the deep water line of the Santaren Channel.
It is on this bank that the sponges are collected, a large number of boats being
employed in the industry.
There is, undoubtedly, a large quantity of timber on the Island, but in the
absence of roads, and good harbours, the difficulties of successful working cannot
be overlooked. I have hope, however, that an effort will be made in this direction
at no distant date. Much depends upon the results achieved when the Abaco forests
are taken in hand.
It must be admitted that there is not much encouragement for settlers to take
up land; the appropriation made for the whole of Andros during the last financial
year amounted to £198 10s., and there is practically no police supervision ; order is
supposed to be preserved by the efforts of two local constables, paid at the rate of
£12 a year each.
Andros has no port of entry; it therefore contributes no direct revenue to the
Colony, except that derived from Liquor Licenses, the sale of stamps, and King's
fines. All supplies are obtained through Nassau.
Good water is found in abundance, and it is the only place in the Bahamas Group
where anything in the shape of a running stream is to be found. Unfortunately,
the stream is so situated as to be of no use to the settlers, it is difficult of access, and
the land through which it flows is low and swampy, and therefore unfit for settle
ment. Unfortunately the general revenue of the Colony is quite unable to supply one
tithe of the needs of Andros, or, indeed, of any of the out-islands, and in the
absence of minerals or any special attraction for capital, I fear there is little hope
for any amelioration of the conditions now existing.
Cat Island.
This, for many years, was considered to be the " San Salvador " of Columbus,
but, as explained in another part of this Report, there is little doubt that Watling's
Island was the true landfall of the great navigator.
Cat Island is 42 miles in extreme length, with an average breadth of four
miles, and contains an area of 160 square miles.
The population in 1901 consisted of 4,658 people, 2,090 of whom were males,
^nd 2,568 females, giving an average of 29.1 to the square mile.
The previous Census revealed a population of 5,244 persons, so that Cat Island
has lost ground in this respect.
This, at one time, was, perhaps, the most prosperous of the Bahama Islands,
Iiaving been mainly settled originally by the American loyalists. McKinnen relates

24
that in 1788 the island contained 40 heads of families, 16 planters, and 458 slaves,
at which time 2,000 acres were under cultivation. Lieutenant-Colonel Deveaux,
the distinguished loyalist officer, who recovered New Providence from the Spaniards
in 1783, was amongst the number of those who sought their fortunes on the Island.
Cotton appears to have been cultivated, but the crops suddenly failed ; it is not stated
from what reason, but probably the plants were attacked by the usual pests which
have to be carefully guarded against at the present day.
At the present time I am glad to say that considerable attention is being paid
to the cultivation of Sisal, and the Resident Justice reported in 1902 that there were
about 7,000 acres under cultivation. It is stated that the Bahamas (Inagua) Sisal
Plantation Company, have nearly 12 miles of macadamized road on their plantation,
and nearly eight miles of mono-rail laid, greatly facilitating the transference of the
leaves to the engine houses. The company has three Todd machines at work, and
204 tons of fibre were exported.
In addition to the machine-cleaned fibre there is a considerable quantity of hand-
cleaned material sent to market, the total for the year reaching 175 tons.
I fear that general agriculture suffers from the want of knowledge of proper
methods of procedure common to all the Islands, which the House of Assembly
so far has persistently refused to mitigate by declining to find means for establish
ing a botanic centre, from whence advice and instruction could emanate, and the
ignorant farmers put in the way of getting the most out of the land. Every year
the Government is called upon to feed starving out-islanders, whose crops have
failed, the reason given being generally drought, but the real explanation is, doubt
less, ignorance and indolence. Crops are expected to grow year after year in the
same land without fertilization, and no efforts seem to be made to irrigate even in a
small way. Moreover, no care is taken about the selection of seed, the cultivators
not realizing the importance of this branch of agriculture. It is expected that Indian
Uorn grown on poor land, and half its normal size, will give the same results if
planted, as fine, well matured, seed. Watling's Island.
This is the most easterly of the Bahama Islands, and comprises an area of 60
square miles, though a large proportion of the surface is occupied by brackish lagoons
lhe Jand, however, is fertile, and at one time the Island was noted for the rearing
ot horses and other stock, but this industry has declined.
According to the last Census there were 667 persons on the island, of whom
293 were males and 374 females, giving an average of 11.1 to the square mile. There
has been practically no change since the previous Census.
The Resident Justice reports : '¦' The condition of the people is deplorable Thev
poStfon^' ha*d-t0-™^ existence, with apparently no power to better their'
The same conditions obtain here as in most of the other out-islands- there is
but ittle enterprise and industry is only spasmodic. Watling's Island s unf ortu
nately situated m its geographical position with regard to headquarters It has
no direct communication with Nassau, but has to rely upon Rum Cay whkh receive
the mails and transmits them to Watling's Island by a small craft 3wtS w
in the former island. The prevailing winds being adverseTnd a h^™ racted,for
experienced, there is frequently considerable dd^5?Lri£ of the La? °The
00^3^^^
dxrect revenue, except that derived from Licenses Kinl?, TW » J A . Y$Ute? n0
^principal settlement is Cockbnrn T^S^TZZA^^T^
Rum Cay.
This is a small island situated on the south of Watling's Island and w„ t
ordered one of the most prosperons, being P^eX^^ZTj^

25
and profitable salt ponds, but the land has become exhausted, and salt raking, mainly
owing to the duty in the United States, has become an unprofitable industry.
The last Census gave a population of 529 persons, of whom 235 were males and
294 females, showing but little change since the previous Census, which gave a popu
lation of 500. Exuma and Cays.
Exuma (Great and Little) is the southern termination of a line of Cays extend
ing in a south-easterly direction, from Ship Channel Cay on the north-western edge
of Exuma Sound for about 160 miles. These Islands, with Eleuthera on the north
and Long Island on the south, form the eastern edge of the Great Bahamas Bank.
The Exuma Cays are mostly small, narrow islands, their eastern shores jagged
and barren from being lashed by the surf, which easily rises in the deep water of
Exuma Sound, backed by the broad Atlantic. The western shores on the shallow
water of the Bank are well wooded, and a sail along this side of the Cays is an
experience not easily forgotten by lovers of the picturesque. Most of the islands
are uninhabited, but there are small settlements here and there, where sufficient
soil exists to make attempts at farming possible, or conditions are favourable to
forming a headquarters for sponging purposes. Salt ponds exist on some of the
islands, but this industry seems to be entirely abandoned.
Formerly there was a serious attempt made at cotton cultivation by a Captain
Leslie, on Highborne Cay, one of the northern islands, but, it would appear, without
success. On visiting the Cay in June last nothing remained but some ruined build
ings, and there was hardly a sign of cultivation within recent years. It is a very
picturesque spot, and has a greater elevation than any other of the group (about
100 feet), with a snug harbour for small craft; good water is also found on the
island. The largest of the Exuma Cays is Great Guana Island, which is about 11
miles in length, and barely two miles in its widest part. There is a small settlement
at a place called Black Point, containing about 100 people, and another at Staniard
Cay with about 30 people. I have visited both these places, and fear that the inhabi
tants live but a hand to mouth existence, though those that I saw appeared healthy
and fairly contented. Some cultivation is attempted, and sponges are collected on
the portion of the Bahamas Bank adjacent to them. The people informed me that
more rain falls on the Cays in winter than in summer, thus reversing the rule in
the more northern islands. I have caused all the Resident Justices at the out-
islands to be provided with rain gauges, so that statistics may be forthcoming on.
this really important question.
Great and Little Exuma, which are separated only by a narrow and shallow
channel, contain an area of 110 square miles, and extend to a length of about 36
miles, though Little Exuma is merely a narrow Cay, about 10 miles in length.
These islands (with the Cays) according to the last Census contained a population
of 3,086 persons, of whom 1,373 were males and 1,713 females. The previous Census
showed a total of 2,915, with the sexes nearly equally divided. The present popu
lation gives an average of 30.8 to the square mile.
There are a number of small settlements on Exuma, the principal being George
town, which is the capital, and contains a population of 479, and Rolleville, with
313 persons* Georgetown is, perhaps, the most picturesque of all the towns in the
Bahamas ; the situation, on elevated ground, lending itself to extensive views over
the harbour and the numerous wooded Cays which skirt the northern shore, and
form the extensive harbour, within which vessels drawing 14 or 15 feet can find
secure anchorage.
Most of the settlements are situated on high ground along the northern coast,
and good water is to be found everywhere. Exuma contains some good agricultural
land, but as usual, most of it has been worked out, and not re-fertilized. Good
pineapple land exists, but the Resident Justice reports that there is nobody in the
island with the means or ability to carry on the industry. Formerly horses and

* See Appendix, No. 31.
165S5 D

26
cattle were raised, but competition in Cuba seems to have killed the rearing of
cattle. Fruit culture is not carried on for export exceplt to a very small extent,
but attention has recently been given to the cultivation of sisal, and this, I am glad
to say, seems to be extending. Sponging, however, is the chief occupation of the
men, and women attend to the farming, that is to say, they plant seed and let nature
do the rest. The Resident Justice reports that they cannot be persuaded to do
any watering or manuring, and their habit is to drift about as the land becomes
exhausted. The year under review seems to have been an unprecedentedly dry one,
no rain fell from January to the 5th August, and many of the cattle died of star
vation. No corn matured, and the result was that the Government was called upon
to relieve a starving people.
It must be admitted that agriculture is carried on under grave difficulties
in such conditions, and my remarks in regard to Cat Island equally apply here.
I fear the class of education the children receive is one that in no way fits them
for the problems they have to face in after life. Elementary subjects, often imper
fectly taught, are all that is given them, and they leave school at so early an age
(13 years) with scant possibility of applying anything they may have learnt even if
properly equipped in the subjects taught them, that it is no wonder claims on the
Government for relieving distress in the out-islands are of annual occurrence.
Unfortunately here, as elsewhere in the Colony, the main object of the average
native parent is to utilize the services of his son on board a sponging vessel, and the
latter soon forgets, in the absence of any special incentive to go on with his studies,
most of that which he learnt at school, besides acquiring a good deal which is npt
calculated to make a better man of him.
Long Island.
This island, whose northern part is about 20 miles east of Little Exuma, is long
and narrow, being about 57 miles in length, and at its widest part is only about seven
miles in breadth, narrowing sometimes to a mile. It contains an area of 130 square
miles. There was, according to the last Census, a population' of 3,562, the propor
tions of sexes being 1,610 males, and 1,952 females, giving an average of 27.4 persons
to the square mile.
The population 'has somewhat increased since the Census of 1891, the record then
being 3,174, the sexes being more evenly divided (1,546 males and 1,624 females).
Long Island was one of the earliest settled portions of the Bahamas Group,
and was formerly resorted to by vessels from the Bermudas and New York for salt.
Several of the American loyalists settled there, and cultivated cotton, and McKinnen
states that a few years after the -peace of 1783 it was computed that " near four
thousand acres of land were in cultivation, and about 800 slaves employed on them."
It would appear that this cultivation was abandoned after the abolition of
slavery, the idea prevailing that cotton could not be profitably grown with paid
labour. Probably, too, by that time, much of the suitable land had become ex
hausted, as I gather from McKinnen's narrative of his visit to the Bahamas in 1803
that it was impossible for the planters to manure to any extent, owing to the want of
cattle. At the present time pineapples are grown to some extent, 80,000 dozen having
been shipped during 1902. In the first part of the year, however, there was a severe
drought, seriously affecting the ground provisions upon which the majority of the
people depend for food, and here, too, Government relief had to be forthcoming.
Sponging is carried on in the districts adjacent to the shoal water of the Bank,
and the returns from the Simms1' district, from which 14 vessels are encased'
amounted in value to £1,920. &^ '
The Resident Justice reports that sisal cultivation is extending, and bids fair
to be the staple industry of the Island. Stock raising is also carried on in the north
ern districts, and in a small way is a thriving business. The market, however is
a limited one, and proper facilities do not exist for exporting live-stock, so that
there is no encouragement to extend the industry.

27
Crooked Island Group.
(Acklin's, and Fortune Island or Long Cay.)
Of this group Acklin's Island is the largest though not the most important ; it
is 41 miles long and ten in extreme breadth, containing an area of 120 square miles,
with a population of 1,565 persons, of whom 704 were males and 861 females.
Crooked Island is 19 miles long and eight in extreme breadth, containing an
area of 76 square miles, with a population of 1,597 persons, 731 of whom were males
and 866 females.
Fortune Island, or Long Cay, is ten miles long and only one and a quarter in
extreme breadth, with an area of eight square miles, and its population, 499, divided
into 257 males and 242 females.
These figures give an average per square mile of 13, 21, and 62.3 respectively.
There has been a slight increase in the population of the two larger islands since
the previous Census (1891), but Fortune Island has remained stationary in this
respect. These islands were also settled by loyalists from Georgia and Carolina, and in
1803, there were several plantations of cotton both at Acklin's and at Crooked
Island, some of them, however, having been deserted, owing to the ravages of the
" Chenille " and red bug, on the cotton plants. One hundred years ago this Island
was in direct communication with England via Kingston in Jamaica, the mail
packet calling once a month. At that period Fortune Island produced large quanti
ties of salt.
Owing to the failure of the Crooked Island plantations, which probably was
partly owing to soil exhaustion, most of the planters removed to Acklin's Island
at the beginning of last century. The pioneer in this emigration appears to have
been a Colonel Douglas, who was sufficiently enterprising to introduce several new
economical plants from St. Vincent. Wild species of pimento, as well as cinnamon,
•were already found on the island, as also the Croton Cascarilla, whose bark was
formerly considered a valuable remedy in malarial fevers. This bark is still exported
from the Bahamas, though the demand for it appears to be a limited one. It is
sweet smelling, and, I believe, is also used in the preparation of incense. There are
two species of this croton, the other being known as Croton Eleuteria, so-called from
its habitat Eleuthera, from whence a certain, quantity of bark still finds its way
into the market.
It is long since any systematic cultivation has been carried on in this group of
Islands, and at the present time little but the cereals grown for food is planted by
the inhabitants. The Resident Justice reports that spasmodic efforts are made to
produce sisal, but this is only kept up so long as prices are fair. It would appear
that the periodical rains are uncertain, and in the absence of any attempt at arti
ficial irrigation agriculture is a precarious occupation. A recent attempt was
made to revive the salt industry, but with no encouraging results. The sponge
industry is carried on to some extent.
Fortunately for this group the " Crooked Island Passage " is in the direct trade
route between important North and Central American ports, and Fortune Island has
been made a port of call for the Hamburg-American and other steamship lines,
where labourers are engaged for deck work in discharging and loading cargoes in
Jamaica, Haiti, and Central America. Others are employed in cutting mahogany
and in railway and other work.
During the year 95 steamers called for labourers, and 1874 men were engaged.
In addition 114 men were secured for Bluefields, Nicaragua, and one hundred for
Colon. These latter men received wages at the rate of $15 a month.
The revenue derived from the islands (through the Resident Justice who resides
at Long Cay) for the year amounted to £1,238 13s. 9d.
The principal settlements are Albert Town (the port of call for the steamers)
and Douglas Town, Long 'Cay; Pitts Town, in Crooked Island, and Attwood's
Harbour, in Acklin's Island.
16585 D 2

28
Mayaguana.
The name of this island is evidently of Spanish origin, similar to L1 Guanahani "
though Columbus is supposed to have given the latter as the Lucayan name of his
landfall. The Bahamas, however, contained numbers of that striking ^reptilian, the
iguana, and " Guanahani " is more likely to have been a corruption of " Iguana ahi."
On visiting Mayaguana they probably found more iguanas, and "Mas Iguana"
would be descriptive of this discovery.
The Spaniards are prone to this form of nomenclature ; " Mira por vos " remains
on the chart to this day as the name of an inconvenient reef to the south-west of
Acklin's Island, and before the lighthouse was placed on Castle Island, mariners
found it very necessary to " Look out " for themselves in approaching the " Crooked
Island Passage " from the south.
Mayaguana lies about 40 miles east of Acklin's Island. It is 23 miles in extreme
length, six in extreme breadth, and contains an area of 96 square miles.
In spite of the fact that the island possesses some good soil, good water, and
fine timber, but few people have ever settled on it.
In 1901 the inhabitants consisted of 335 persons, the sexes being nearly equally
divided. This gives the low average of 3.4 persons to the square mile.
At present it is a part of the Inagua District, the two islands being about 120
miles apart. The Resident Justice informs me that he has never been able to visit
it during the seven years that he has held his present office. Two local policemen
keep order on the island, and it is rare that any intervention from Inagua is required.
Mr. Harvey, who reported upon the island in 1858 (when there were 20 inhabi
tants) stated that there was a tract of land not far from the settlement of Betsy Bay,
on the wefet side, of red soil, nearly five miles in extent, of good depth and very
rich, and excellent white land on the north side, though this was difficult ot approach
from the sea, owing to the reef on that side. There were also several savannas
covered with grass two feet high, resembling that on Inagua, and excellent for rais
ing cattle. It would appear from the returns that only 369 acres of land have been granted,
and that there is still an area of 60,941 acres unappropriated. There is no other
inhabited island in the group where similar conditions exist.
Inagua.
This island is the most southern of the Bahamas as now constituted, the TUrks
Islands, which belong to the group geographically, having been separated in 1848,
and attached to Jamaica.
It is the third largest of the group, and comprises an area of 530 square miles,
being 34 miles in extreme length and 25 miles in extreme breadth. The population
in 1901 consisted of 1,453 persons, 748 males and 705 females, giving the low average
of 2.5 persons to the square mile. The Resident Justice, however, computes that
more than 300 persons were absent on contract labour. These numbers show a
small increase over the figures shown in the previous decennial period.
The total revenue collected amounted to £2,743 14s. 4d., mainly from Customs
duties. This island, like Long Cay, is of some importance, owing to its position to the
north of the Windward Passage between Cuba and Haiti. One hundred and forty-
three steamers and 85 sailing vessels called during the year, and contract labourers
were taken away to the number of 2,880.
Formerly an important salt industry was located at Inagua, and a considerable
amount of capital was invested in the enterprise, but it has now been practically
abandoned, partly, no doubt, owing to the duty imposed in the United States the
natural market for this produce. It is thought, however, that with better means of
transportation from the ponds, for which additional capital is required that the
industry might be profitably revived. '

29
It is reported that 2,200 acres are under cultivation with sisal, and that 95,796
lbs. of fibre were exported during the year. There are three plantations, each hav
ing a factory of its own.
The island is well adapted for raising stock, and there are numbers of cattle,
horses, and donkeys which roam wild on the savannas, where an excellent fodder
grass grows. Unfortunately the land is low and flat, and is subject to inundations
from the large salt lake, which is adjacent to the grass lands; but for this the
Resident Justice reports that capital would have been invested in cattle farms long
ago. Probably drainage operations could be undertaken without excessive outlay.
I regret to say that during my only visit to Inagua, I was unable to see anything of
the interior of the island, owing to an exceptional flood, which had put a large
portion of the land under water.
The only settlement of any consequence is Matthew Town, situated on the
south-west side of the island. It is an open roadstead, and vessels have to anchor
close to the shore. The coral reef encircling Inagua is very narrow, more especi
ally on the west side of the island, and, like the rest of the Bahamas, it contains no
harbour capable of affording complete shelter for large vessels in all weathers.
FINANCIAL.
The total revenue for the financial year 1902-1903 amounted to £72,442 7s. 7d.,
and that ior the previous year to £77,780 Is. 9d., showing a difference of £5,337
14s. 2d., in favour of 1901-2. The undermentioned table exhibits these figures in
detail.

Comparative Statement of Revenue collected during the Year ending March 31st,
1902, and the Year ending March 31st, 1903.

Heads of Revenme.

Amount collected
in the year
ending March 31st,
1902.

Amount collected
in the year
ending March 31st,
1903.

Increase.

Decrease.

Customs 
Port, HarLour, and Light Dues 
Licenses and Internal Revenue not other
wise classified.
Fees of Court or Office, Payments for
Specific Purposes, &c.
Post Office and Telegraphs 
Rents from Government Property-
Contributions to Widows and Orphans"
Fund.
Petty Receipts and unforeseen items of
revenue.
Interest on Investments under Surplus
Monies Act, 1898.
Total 

£ s. d.
65,189 6 7
797 3 7
4,980 12 1
3,576 13 1
2,611 8 9
190 C 0
195 16 0
59 18 10
179 2 10

£ S. d.
59,4.16 5 2
681 19 7
4,279 15 9
5,149 17 9
2,229 8 10
282 10 0
171 2 0
52 12 0
178 16 6

£ s. d.
1,573 4 8
92 10 0

£ s. d.
5,773 1 5
115 4 0
700 16 4
381 19 11
24 14 0
7 6 10
0 6 4

77,780 1 9

72,442 7 7

1,665 14 8

7,003 8 10

The main falling off came under the head of " Customs " and was due to
ordinary vicissitudes of trade, and not to any special conditions affecting the parti
cular year under review.
The total expenditure for the year 1902-3 amounted to £74,613 12s. lOd., and
that for the previous year to £81,135 8s. lid., showing an excess of £6,521 15s. Id.,
in favour of 1901-2. The undermentioned table gives details under the various head
ings, and shows the items of increase or decrease affecting the two years.

30

comparative statement of expenditure during the year ending march 31st, 1902,
and the Year ending March 31st, 1903.

Head of Service.

Expenditure, year ending
March 31st, 1902.

Expenditure, year ending
March 31st, 1903.

Increase.

Decrease.

1. Charges on account of Public Debt ...

£ s. d.
7,698 10 6

£ s. d.
7,535 10 7

£ s. d.

£ s. d.
162 19 11

2. Pensions, Treasury  )
Pensions, Widows and Orphans' Fund J

4,280 8 4

4,077 19 10

—

202 8 6

3. House of Assembly 

863 13 5

807 6 2

—

56 7 3

4. Legislative Council 

69 13 4

66 I 1

—

3 12 3

5. Governor and Staff 

1,245 0 0

1,245 0 0

—

—

6. Colonial Secretary's Department

1,133 9 5

1,120 0 0

—

13 9 5

7. Receiver-General's Department

2,955 17 2

3,054 4 5

98 7 3

—

8. Judicial Department 

6,446 8 7

6,414 9 7

—

31 19 0

9. Registrar's Department 

513 14 10

546 9 0

32 14 2

—

10. Constabulary and Police

5,607 9 0

5,620 19 10

13 10 10

—

11. Fire Department 

1,360 10 8

348 7 11

—

1,012 2 9 ,

12. Surveyor-General's Department

411 15 0

423 1 4

11 6 4

—

13. Audit Department 

403 13 3

410 0 0

6 6 9

—

14. Post Office Department 

7,703 14 6

7,685 2 0

—

18 12 6

15. Telegraph and Telephone Department

944 7 9

1,210 7 4

265 19 7

—

16. Ecclesiastical Department 

630 13 1

274 16 7

—

355 16 6,

17. Education Department

6,028 0 0

4,997 8 10

—

1,030 11 2

18. Public Libraries 

441 2 4

415 0 0

—

26 2 4

19. Port and Marine Department ...

1,608 0 5

1,684 3 10

76 3 5

—

20. Medical Department 

805 6 10

877 17 8

72 10 10

—

21. Charitable Institutions...

7,431 2 2

6,246 13 9

—

1,184 8 5

22. Prisons 

1,634 0 0

1,630 18 6

—

3 1 &

23. Public Works 

17,127 14 5

12,722 5 0

—

4,405 9 5

24. Miscellaneous 

3,753 3 11

5,199 9 7

1,446 5 8

—

81,097 8 11

74,613 12 10

2,023 4 10

8,507 0 11

Under Surplus Monies Act, 1897 ...

38 0 0

—

—

38 0 0

Total 

81,135 8 11

74,613 12 10

2,023 4 10

8,545 0 11

It will be interesting to make a comparison of the revenue and expenditure for
the last five years, and I append a table giving this information.

31

1902-3

Total revenue and expenditure for the five years 1898, 1899, 1900, 1901-2,

Year.

Revenue.

Expenditure.

1898

£
74,382

£
64,148

1899 
76,697
68,748
1900 
78,651
82,837
1901-2 
77,780
81,135
1902-3 
72,442
74,614
It will be observed that the figures given for the year 1902-3 represent the
smallest revenue collected during the quinquennial period mentioned. Neverthe
less, this sum is nearly £10,000 more than the amount collected in 1897, in fact the
Colonial Revenue seldom reached the sum of £50,000 annually from the years 1866
to 1890. These exceptions are as follows: —
1866, £53,283; 1873, £55,289; 1883, £52,475; 1890, £54,826. And it may be
mentioned that for the years 1874 to 1877 inclusive the revenue did not reach
£40,000. Such results could only mean financial embarrassment for the Colony, and
debentures were from time to time issued within the Islands to cover deficits.
In 1885 the Nassau Public Bank failed to liquidate certain claims against the
Government to the amount of £35,000, and a loan to this extent was negotiated.
In 1888 a further loan of £48,126 was acquired to reduce the outstanding debentures
above-mentioned. The total Public Debt now amounts to the sum of £104,926 0s. 2d.
The following is a statement of the assets and liabilities of the Colony on the
31st March, 1903: —
Assets.

Liabilities.

Cash in chest 
Balance in hands of Out-island
Collectors and in transit.
Balance in hands of Crown Agents
Investments on account of Surplus
Funds.
Investments on account of Hotel
Fund.
Cash on deposit of Hotel Fund ...
Savings Bank, invested to 30th
June, 1902.
Crown Agents, invested to 30th
June, 1902.
Income Tax invested to 30th June,
1902.
Savings Bank balance, cash ^in
vested to 30th June, 1902. *
Cable Repair Fund — Invested ...
Cable Repair Fund — Cash
£ s. d.
2,167 5 3
328 18 1
1,995 9 7
5,720 8 5
8,177 6 10
1,026 0 2
17,631 15 7
74 1 7
180 15 9
8,130 11 1
13 9
On current accounts 
Savings Bank (due to depositors)
including interest to —
30th June, 1902 £16,607 12 1
Advance from
Treasury ... 800 0 0
£ s. d
1420 6 0
17,407 12 1
Total 
Total
45,433 16 1
18,827 18 1
32
The improved financial condition of the Colony may be attoib^ted to (a) f co£
siderabre'TddZn to the import duties in 1895; (b) ^^^^^
lance; and (c) the additional influx of ™tora /^.*"^|£ of a large hotel
tS i^^ SffSK established by
Mr. H. M. Flagler. CURRENCY.
Bv the Act 2 Vic cap. 4, passed in the year 1838, British sterling money was
made Leluttt money 5 tt/colony, and fall ordinary *^ J™ has been
until recently transacted with British silver and copper coinage, which are legal
tender without any limit.
The Bank of Nassau has a note issue of £6,500, and its notes are in circulation
throughout the islands, but especially in Nassau.
American silver dollars are current by proclamation at the^ r^e value of
half a dollar for two shillings, and a quarter of a dolla r for one shilling but , it has
recently been found convenient to accept these coins at the Bank at their lace value
in the United 'States, and to put them into general circulation on ™e terms, a ¦
Nassau merchant, by some means, found it profitable to buy up all the Bntish silver
and ship it to America and Jamaica, thus placing the public to much inconvenience,
and imposing upon the Bank the necessity of constantly importing fresh supplies
This has now been checked by the expedient mentioned. It was obviously not easy
to obtain large supplies of United States silver at the current rates m Nassau, wniie
it is in some respects more convenient to import silver from America than trom
England. TRADE, AGRICULTURE, AND INDUSTRIES.
A. — Imports and Exports^
The total imports for the year 1902 are valued at £306,098, including specie-
and bullion to the amount of £8,198.
Imports to the value of £45,402 were admitted free of duty, consisting princi
pally of articles on the list of exemptions, viz., specie, as above-mentioned, and: —
Coal for the use of shipping to the value of  £6,276

Fertilizers for agricultural purposes
Machinery to the value of
Shipbuilding stores to the value of
Fresh provisions to the value of
Ice to the value of ? 

2,032 3,791 1,041
4,708 2,681

The sum total also includes dutiable articles, such as textile fabrics, earthenware,
hardware, and other minor imports to the value of £9,424, admitted free for the use
of hotels and Government Institutions.
The following table gives a list of the chief articles imported, comparing the

figures with those of 1900: —

Article.
For the
year 1902.
For the
year 1900.
Increase.
Decrease.
Ale and porter 
Spirits 
Wines 
Cotton, linen and silk goods 
Earthenware, glass, &c. 
£
1,8886,959 1,115
44,52440,394
£
2,436 7,126 1,435
56,528 47,102
i
£
£ 548 167 320
12,004 6,708
33

Article.

For the
year 1902.

For the
year 1900.

Increase.

1 Decrease.

Tinware, hardware, &c. 

£
10,147

£
16,357

£

£
6,210

Preserved meats, &c 

15,924

18,630

—

2,706

Flour 

39,733

28,264

11,469

—

Salted meats, &c. 

14,629

14,312

317

—

Butter and cheese 

7,893

7,871

22

—

Corn, meal and hominy 

12,578

8,414

4,164

—

Rice 

10,695

6,911

3,784

—

Sugar 

9,460

11,425

—

1,965

Machinery 

3,791

8,912

—

5,121

Lumber and shingles 

14,652

12,689

1,963

—

Soap 

1,849

1,667

182

—

Hay and oats 

4,452

2,546

1,906

—

Cigars and tobacco 

5,597

5,913

—

316

Kerosene oil 

3,508

3,358

150

—

The total exports for the year 1902 are valued at £207,601 ; £203,916 of which
is accounted for as Colonial produce, consisting principally of sponge and fruit, and
£3,685 as British and Foreign manufactured articles, such as yellow metal, tobacco,
dry goods, hardware, machinery, &c.
The undermentioned table shows the: quantities and values of the chief articles
exported during the period above-mentioned compared with the year 1900. I may
observe that comparisons have been made with the latter year both as regards
imports and exports, for the sake of convenience as owing to a misapprehension
statistics were given for 15 months in 1901-2, in the belief that figures were required
for a similar year to that given for the revenue returns (1st April to 31st March) : —

Exports in 1902.

Quantity.

Value.

Exports in 1900.

Quantity.

Value.

Sponge 

... lbs.

1,319,270

£
97,584

1,165,406

£
104,219

Pineapples

... dozen

521,482

36,957

602,751

59,191

Oranges

... No.

1,534,038

1,446

1,683,990

3,148

Canned fruits ...

... cases

47,892

9,515

41,913

8,836

Bahamas hemp

... lbs.

2,345,311

37,574

1,276,037

16,246

Salt 

... bushels

108,936

1,509

38,257

478

Turtle-shell ...

... lbs.

20,695

8,886

6,904

4,391

Sea shells

... barrels

2,685

1,880

850

1,166

Cascarilla bark

... lbs.

177,957

2,064

85,410

887

Hardwoods

... tons

1,588

1,283

1,198

1,212

16585

34
Appended is a return of imports and exports for the five years 1898, 1899, 1900,
1901-2, and 1902:—

Tear.

Value of Imports.

Value of Exports.

Value of Total Imports
and Exports.

1898 ... ; 
1899 ... 
1900  ...
*1901-2 
1902: 

£
238,336329,196
335,269408,648306,098

£
174,860
169,148
172,317222,178207,601

£
413,196
498,344
507,586
'630,826 513,699

These figures are for a period of 15 months.

The following returns give details as to the relative importance of the trade of
the Bahamas jwith the United Kingdom and the United States respectively: —
Statement of the Principal Imports from the United Kingdom and United States
respectively during the Year 1902.

For the year 1902.

Imports.

United Kingdom.

United States.

Quantity.

Value.

Quantity.

Value.

Cotton, woollen, linen
and silk goods.
Earthenware, glass-
ware, &c.
Tinware, hardware ...

Unenumerated.

£
20,844 6,3452,233

Unenumerated.

£
23,19033,395 7,414

Preserved fruits, &c. ...

J)

3,732

»

11,810

Ale and porter  gallons*

8,068

1,184

3,958

683

"Whiskey  „

2,978

1,345

547

294

"Wines  „

1,437

565

1,255

536

Linseed and other oils „

5,184

683

124,812

3,908

Rice  lbs.

2,046,072

9,051

207,154

965

Sugar (refined) ... „

87,944

435

364,667

2,645

„ (unrefined) ... „

739,257

4,129

60,086

363

Iron nails  „

—

—

109,234

745

Copper and yellow „
metal.
Candles  „

16,650 7,904

353 176

4,3065,439

129 138

Soap (common) ... „

16,711

245

259,705

2,146

35
Statement of the Principal Exports to the United Kingdom and United States
respectively during the Year 1902.

For the year 1902.

Exports.

United Kingdom.

United States.

Quantity.

Value.

Quantity.

Value.

Bahamas hemp

. lbs.

8,814

£ 92

2,336,497

£
37,482

Cascarilla bark

»?

18,036

227

159,921

1,837

Sponge 

?>

179,797

8,867

753,382

50,339

Turtle-shells ...

»

16,773

6,707

3,886

1,979

Sea shells

.. barrels

678

481

2,007

1,399

Conch shells ...

.. No.

51,544

168

171,502

1,102

Canned fruit ...

.. cases

16

6

46,695

9,323

Mines, Manufactures, and Fisheries.
The whole of these islands being of coral limestone formation, there is nothing
in the shape of minerals of economic value to be found in them. It may be men
tioned, however, that attached to the animal which inhabits the " Conch " shell
(strombus gigas) are occasionally found pearls varying in colour, but when they
are of a pink shade, and possess a mottled sheen peculiar to these gems, they are
of considerable value, those that attain great perfection in form, colour, and mark
ing commanding prices even in excess of the ordinary pearl in a similar state of
perfection. ¦
There are no manufactures in the islands unless the canning of pineapples may
be so classified. In New Providence and in Eleuthera a certain amount of fruit
is put up in this way ; £8,797 worth having been exported in 1902.

Sponge Fishery.
This is unquestionably the most important industry in the Bahamas.
The following is a list of the quantity and value exported to the several
countries named.

Country.
Quantity.
Value.
United Kingdom 
lbs.
179,797
£
8,867
United States 
752,382
50,339
Canada...
3,872
792
Holland  
126,693
11,566
France; 
100,455
13,865
Germany 
132,710
11,184
Russia 
12,361
991
The 'Colonial Secretary, in his able and valuable report of last year, gave some
statistics in regard to this industry, which may profitably be repeated here, the con
ditions remaining about the same.
16585
E 2
36
Number of Vessels Engaged.
Two hundred and sixty-five schooners, of from five to 43 tons burthen and 322
sloops, from one to 16 tons burthen, with an aggregate tonnage ot 5,952 tons.
Number of Boats Erlgaged.
Two thousand five hundred and seventeen open boats were attached to the above
mentioned vessels, and 291 open boats were engaged in the industry along the shores
of many of the islands. Number of Persons Engaged.
In the sea-going vessels 5,517 men and boys; in the long shore boats 445 men
and boys; in clipping, sorting, and packing for export, 258 men and women.
Salt.
I have referred to this question in my reports upon the Out-Islands. Suffice
it to say here that from various causes it is a vanishing industry, though with proper
application of capital it might be made a paying one, especially in Inagua, where
facilities exist for making salt in large quantities. An interesting report on this
matter by Mr. P. W. D. Armbrister, the Resident Justice of the island, was printed
as an appendix to the Blue Book Eeport for 1901-2.
Agricultural Industries.
These have been dealt with incidentally in other portions of this report, and
may be summed up as the growing of pineapples and citrus fruits, both of which are
exported to the United States.
The appended table gives the number, price per thousand, and total value of
the grape fruit and oranges exported for the last five years.

Year.

Grape Fruit.

Price per M.

Oranges.

Price per M.

Total Export
Value.

1898 
1899 
1900 
1901 
1902 

No.
215,339 87,799
300,905470,426 728,100

£ s. d.
9 4 6
4 15 9
2 9 6
4 10 3
2 19 1

No.
2,258,478 482,628
1,264,057
3,001,173 1,534,038

£ s. d.
17 6
2 14 6
1 12 2
0 19 2
0 18 10

£
5,049 1,600 2,777 5,0113,597

4 15 10

1 10 5

It will be observed that prices show a considerable variation. So far as
quality is concerned, it is doubtful if any adjacent country can produce finer grape
fruit than those grown in the Bahamas. Of late years Florida has been a keen
competitor, and Jamaica and Cuba also send shipments to the United States market,
but a tropical climate is not so suitable for the production of a good class of citrus
fruits as a more temperate latitude, and the soil of the Bahamas seems to be specially
adapted to their culture, especially in the more northern islands, where climatic
conditions are also more favourable. In regard to oranges it barely pays to ship
them; large quantities come from California and Florida, and there can be no doubt
that the duty of one per cent, per lb. levied in the United States on foreign supplies
places the Bahamas grower at a disadvantage.
It would appear that the demand for grape fruit in the United States is con
stantly increasing, and there can be little doubt that in spite of the duty a good
type of fruit will give a profitable return to those who embark on its culture.
37

Land Grants.
One hundred and fourteen and a quarter acres of Crown Lands were disposed
of by purchase ; 20 acres at Abaco ; 89 acres at Andros Island ; 4| acres at Eleuthera,
and half an acre at Rum Cay.
The total number of acres comprised in Crown Grants throughout the Colony
is 350,199, and the total number of acres remaining ungranted is 1,768,138.
Shipping.
The following returns' show the number and tonnage of sailing vessels and
steamers entered and cleared, distinguishing nationalities for the years 1900 and
1902.

Return of the Numbers and Tonnage of Sailing Vessels Entered and Cleared.
Distinguishing Nationalities for the Years 1900 and 1902.

1900.

1902.

Entered.

Cleared.

Entered.

Cleared.

Vessels.
Tons.
Vessels.
Tons.
Vessels.
Tons.
Vessels.
Tons.
British 
American 
Spanish 
Haytien 
Dominican ...
Russian 
Cuban 
144 79 1
22
10,43910,587 25
240
145 77 5
20
10,512 10,534 102
228
160 76
30 2 1
1
10,417
. 11,131 594 31
321 27
157 7531 2 1 1
10,10711,068
601 31
321 27
Return of the Numbers and Tonnage of Steamers Entered and Cleared,
Distinguishing Nationalities for the Tears 1900 and 1902.
1900.
1902.
Entered.
Cleared.
Entered.
Clea
Vessels.
Tons.
Vessels.
Tons.
Vessels.
Tons.
Vessels.
Tons.
British 
118
246,145
118
246,148
75
153,246
75
153,241
American ... 
101
141,677
100
140,759
89
161,740
90
162,625
German 
19
23,142
20
24,343
37
76,934
37 -
76,934
Norwegian ... 
135
120,983
134
120,139
45
40,871
45
40,874
Swedish 
—
—
—
—
2
2,298
2
2,29S
Cuban 
—
—
—
—
48
64,425
48
64,426
Dutch 
4
3,970
4
3,970
—
—
—
—
38

Comparative statement of total shipping inwards and outwards for the last five
years: —

Total Number of Vessels.

Total Tonnage.

Total Vessels and Tonnage.

Inwards.

Outwards.

Inwards.

Outwards.

-Vessels. Tonnage.

1898 .
1899 .
1900 .
•1901-2 •
1902 .
#15 m

mths.

595
657
623
757566

597655
619
754564

371,878
489,749
557,211648,049
522,035

369,644
490,670
556,653645,631
522,553

1,1921,312
1,242
1,5111,130

741,522
979,819
1,113,866
1,293,680
1,044,588

GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS.
(A.) Hospitals.
The Blue Book return includes the statistical information for nine months,
from 1st April to 31st December, 1902, of which the following is a summary: —

Males.
Females.
Number in hospital, 1st April 
62
. 43 ,
Number admitted 
202
111
!
Daily average in hospital; 
49
47
Patients discharged cured ... 
106
53
Patients discharged relieved
49
.22 .
Patients discharged not improved 
9
5
Number who died in the nine months
32
21
•
(B.) Asylums.
The Lunatic Asylum contains two separate buildings foi
respectively. There were 35 patients on 31st December, 1902, ch
' males and females
issified as follows : —
Males.
Females.
Maniacal and dangerous 
11
7
Quiet chronic 
5
5
Melancholy 
1
—
Idiotic 
4
2
l1™,,!
—. ,,~- . ~ ^w^v.-.-. ..... tiVj.v> ^-^t.j.ij.iuuv^.^. uuimc uj-iiy ixiuu X11V1XUJJ.O, Minn XllcilCO CtliU. LiilCC
females; the daily average number in the Asylum during the same period being
29, of whom 16 were males and 13 females.
Two patients were discharged cured, and there were seven deaths; an inquest
was held in each case.
The daily average number of patients whom it was found possible to employ-
in the institution grounds or in household work was 8 — 4 males and 4 females.
39
(C.) Poor Houses and Poor Relief.
The infirmary or poor house contains usually about 42 persons, most of whom
are suffering from chronic infirmities and old age.
Outdoor poor relief was granted to 85 persons in the island of New Providence,
and 136 on the Out-Islands. VITAL STATISTICS.
(A.) Population.
The estimated population for the year 1902 is 55,190. The births during the
year numbered 2,131, and the deaths 1,299, showing an excess of births over deaths
of 832. The average birth and death rate per thousand was 38.6 and 23.5 respectively.
(B.) Public Health.
The medical inspector reports that the health of the island has been fairly good
throughout the year ; the ordinary autumnal fevers having been unusually limited in
prevalence and mild in type.
Diarrhoea and dysentery of a rather severe type have been prevalent, and a
few cases of typhoid fever appeared during the year, which were probably due to
the rainfall being much less than usual.
Measles of a very mild type and a few lingering cases of whooping cough were
noticed in the early part of the year. Influenza has been more or less endemic,
•occurring chiefly in the winter months.
JUDICIAL STATISTICS.
(A.) Police. ...
The number of persons arrested by the police during the year was 485, classi-
iied as follows: —
Fighting 54.
Assaulting police 43.
Common assaults 17.
Burglary 2.
Larceny 50.
Bad language 96.
Drunkenness 87.
Other offences against person or property 44.
The number of persons reported was 788, including 30 cases of fighting, 121 of
¦bad language, and 119 for trespass of cattle and pigs in the streets; the remainder
^vere principally breaches of police rules and regulations.
(B.) Prisons.
The total number of persons committed to prison during the year 1902 was
254, of whom 156 were men, 86 women, and 12 juveniles.
Two hundred and twenty-seven were committed for purposes of penal imprison
ment, 135 being men, 82 women, and 10 juveniles. Of these 168 were under
sentence for three months or less, made up of 93 men, 68 women, and seven
juveniles. One hundred and eleven pf those committed had been previously convicted.
and of these 63 may be classed as habitual criminals, having been convicted three
or more times.

40
The punishments inflicted numbered 116; three being cases of corporal punish
ment inflicted on juveniles with a tamarind rod. There was no flogging during the
year. There were five deaths during the year, a verdict of death from natural causes
being returned in each case.
The sanitary condition of the prison has been very good

(C.) Criminal Statistics.
The number of persons brought before the Magistrates' Courts by arrest, warrant
or summons was 2,827, an increase of 191 as compared with the numbers for 1900.
The following table shows an abstract of the criminal statistics of the years
1899, 1900, and 1902:—

1899.

1900.

1902.

Apprehended by the Police or summoned before the
magistrates.
Number of summary convictions : —

2,508

2,636

2,827

For offences against the person 

246

237

290

For praedial larceny 

37

31

35

For offences against property other than praedial
larceny.
For other offences ...

80
1,460

76
1.600

101
1,756

The number of convictions in the Superior Courts : —

For offences against the person 
10
7
10
For praedial larceny 
—
—
1
For offences against property other than praedial
larceny.
For other offences ...
15 1
12 2
16 6
The number of persons acquitted : —
In the Inferior Courts 
464
438
385
In the Superior Courts 
21
8
20
The cases were disposed of as follows: —
Discharged for want of prosecution or evidence.
Discharged on the merits 
Summarily convicted 
Committed for trial
213 385
2,186 43
vith regard to the summary convictions the punishments inflicted were : fines
1,581; imprisonment in lieu of fines 166; peremptory imprisonment 140; whipping
51 ; bound over with or without sureties 248.
The offences for which these punishments were inflicted include 290 offences
against the person, and 137 against property; the remaining 1,759 are not classified,
but consist chiefly of breaches of education laws, street traffic regulations, and other
minor offences. °
™Jn ^ „SuP<Lrior €ourt? there were 33 convictions; 10 for offences against the
person, 14 for offences against property, and nine for other offences.
There were 20 acquittals.
41
POSTAL AND TELEGRAPH SERVICES.
Post Office.
The revenue for the twelve months from 1st April, 1902, to 31st March, 1903,
amounted to £4,303, and the customs duties collected on parcels to £638 18s. 3d.
The total number of postal packets received and despatched was 389,088.
During the twelve months 1,849 parcels, valued at ,£2,379 8s. 5d. were received
from the United Kingdom, and 1,944 parcels, valued at £1,373 lis. 4d., from the
United States. 316 parcels, value £257 lis. 6d., and 212 parcels, value £88 0s. 2d.,
were despatched to the United Kingdom and the United States, respectively. Ihe
total number of parcels handled was 4,321, value £4,098 lis. 5d.
The following tables show the number of letters received and despatched, money
orders issued and drawn, and numbers and value of stamps, envelopes and post
cards sold at the Nassau Post Office: —
Statement of Letters Received and Despatched from 1st April, 1902, to
31st March, 1903.

Received.

Despatched.

Letters.

Post
Cards.

News papers and
Books.

Total.

Letters.

Post
Cards.

News
papers and
Books.

Total.
United Kingdom 
United States 
Other Countries 
Interinsular 
32,69486,587 152
24,017
911
2,006 4
96
31,75144,428 12
700
65,356
133,021 168
24,813
19,539 65,10013,19724,795
827
5,497 1,055 285
6,0146,327
2,911
20,183
26,38076,92417,16345,263
Total 
143,450
3,017
76,891
223,358
122,631
7,664
35,435
165,730
Total number received
Total number despatched .
Total
223,358 165,730 389,088
Statement of Money Orders Issued and Drawn During the Period from
1st April, 1902, to 31st March, 1903.
Issued.
Drawn.
•
No.
Amount.
No.
Amount.
United Kingdom, including through orders ...
United States  * ¦••
831
1,002
£ s. d.
962 2 11
1,218 13 9
166229
£ s. d.
375 16 6
742 14 4
Total 
1,833
2,180 16 8
395
1,118 10 10
Total number of Money Orders issued and drawn 2,228, amounting to £3,299 7s. 6d.
Statement of Stamps, Envelopes, and Post Cards sold at the General
Post Office during the Year ended 31st March, 1903.
£ s. d.
71,052 5,1384,114
6,477,
, at Id.
449 9 1
2\d
... ... ... .
740 2 6
Ad.
• a. ... ... •
85 12 8
od.
• ¦¦ •¦• ... .
85 14 2
6d.
forward
161 18 6
Carried
1,522 16 11
1658o
42

Brought forward

6,853

Stamps,

at Is.

1,311

Tl

2s.

1,253

55

3s.

1,383

?5

OS.

459

5J

£1

353

Envelopes (Id.) at l^d.

375

at 2s. 7rf. for 2o

581

5)

„ 2d.

2,016

»

„ 2id.

91

5)

„ M.

2,776 Post-cards, at Id.

275

at 2i.

Less

Affixed to D&posit Cards

. £ s.

J.

1,522 16

11

342 13

0

131 2

0

187 19

0

345 15

0

459 0

0

2 4

n.

1 18

9

4 16

10

21 0

0

1 2

9

11 11

4

2 5

10

3,034 5 6£
0 9 0
£3,033 16 61

The Government cable between Nassau and Jupiter, in Florida, continues in
good condition, and the number of messages sent and received from 1st January,
1902, to 31st December, 1902, is shown in the following table: —

United Kingdom
Other points
Service

Total

424
2,835 240
3,499

(E.) Savings Bank.
The savings bank is a Government Institution, and is attached to the General
Post Office at Nassau.
Deposits are limited to £200 for any one person and £40 for any single year.
The rate of interest allowed is 2J per cent., and the invested funds amount to
£17,886 12s. lid.
The transactions for the last five years are shown in the following table: —

Year.

No. of
Depositors.

Deposited during
the year.

Withdrawals.

Interest
added to
accounts.

Balance due
December 31st.

Assets.

1898 

1,107

£ s. d.
4,806 11 11

£ s. d.
4,144 5 5

£ s. d.
230 5 2

£ s. d.
10,415 17 0

£ s. d.-
10,523 9 8

1899 

1,240

7,205 1 0

4,822 12 10

270 11 1

13,068 16 3

13,277 0 10

1900 

1,350

7,591 8 3

5,752 15 7

323 8 2

15,237 17 1

15,525 11 9

1901 

1,421

7,664 15 11

6,846 4 2

378 10 1

16,434 18 11

16,842 4 6

1902* 

1,480

4,145 4 7

4,166 9 11

195 18 6

16,607 12 1

17,886 12 11

N.B.— For period, 1st January, 1902, to 30th June, 1902.

LEGISLATION.
The Legislature met on the 12th February, and was prorogued on the 11th May.
rhere Were 22 Acts passed during the Session, including the Appropriation Act,
>nd one Act was reserved for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure.

43
The following are the more important of these Acts : —
Act 3, Edward VII., cap. 1.
An Act to revive an Act entitled " An Act for laying out and establishing a
town on the Island of Exuma." This Act was necessary, owing to the dying out of
certain 'Commissioners appointed under an Act passed in the reign of George III.,
and there existed no authority for granting titles to land in a portion of the Island
where the principal settlement (Georgetown) existed.
The new Act makes the Surveyor-General the successor of the original Com
missioners, and enables him to make grants of the unallotted land subject to the
control of the Governor-in-Council. Act 3, Edward VII., cap. 2.
An Act to extend the provisions of the Fibrous Plant Act, 1889, and the Fibrous
Plant Act, 1889, Amendment Act, 1890, to the leaf and fibre obtained from fibrous
plants. The object of this Act is to protect the Sisal industry, as it was found that dis
honest persons made a practice of stealing leaves from the large plantations, and
it was impossible to identify fibre thus offered for sale, the produce of such illegally
procured leaves.
The Act requires persons buying leaves and fibre to keep a book, and to enter
the names of those offering them for sale, and to ascertain the source from whence
they profess to obtain their goods. The purchase of leaves and fibre is prohibited
from persons under 16, and the police have power to stop and examine persons con
veying leaves and fibre along streets and highways.
Act 3, Edward VII., cap. 8.
An Act for the protection of persons contracting to serve as labourers in
foreign countries and on ships trading with foreign countries.
This Act renders it compulsory for labourers to sign the contracts in the pre
sence of the Resident Justice. Act 3, Edward VII., cap. 11.
An Act to facilitate the development of the forest lands of the Colony.
This Act gives facilities for the acquisition of land to certain persons granted
a concession to cut timber on the Island of Abaco.
Act 3, Edward VII., cap. 15.
An Act to prevent the employment of children under the age of 13 years on
board vessels engaged in sponging and fishing within the waters of the Bahama
Islands. The intention of the Government was to impose an age limit of 15 years, but the
large sponge interest in the House of Assembly defeated this laudable purpose, and
the Bill could only be carried by a reduction to the age of 13.
EDUCATION.
The Education Department of this Colony is regulated by Act 49, Vic. cap. J.6,
amending and consolidating previous laws relating to education, and there are
further amendments to the consolidating Act.
The main Act places educational matters under control of a Board consisting
of 12 members (exclusive of the Governor) of which members not more than eight
are to be members of the Legislature.
Under the Act the Board is given power " to make, alter, or repeal by-laws for
the organization, discipline, and management of the department of education, and
16585 F 2

44
of the officers thereof," which by-laws, subject to the approval of the Governor-in-
Council, and after publication, have the effect of law.
There is an Inspector and General Superintendent of Schools, who receives a
salary of £250 a year and travelling allowance of £200 a year; a Secretary to the
Board of Education with £100 a year ; and a constable attached to the Board at £50
a year, whose duty it -is to enforce the compulsory clauses of the Education Act.
All parents under the present by-laws of the Act are required to send their
children to school from the age of six to thirteen, unless some reasonable excuse is
forthcoming. Education is non-sectarian, and no catechism or sectarian work on the subject
of religion is permitted to be used in any public school.
No fees are charged at any of the public schools.
The following is the distribution of schools in the Bahamas, the letter G dis
tinguishing Grant-in-aid Schools, all others being Board Schools.
New Providence. — Boys Central, Girls Western, Infants Western, Girls Eastern,
Victoria, Sandilands.
Eleuthera and Adjacent Cays. — Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, Bluff, Current,
Current Island (G), Bogue, Gregory Town, Hatchet Bay, James's Cistern (G),
Governor's Harbour, Palmetto Point, Savannah Sound, Tarpum Bay, Bock Sound,
Freetown, Millars (G).
Cat Island.— Arthur's Town, Dumfries (G), Bluff (G), Tea Bay (G), Bight, Old
Bight (G), Devil's Point (G), Port Howe. #
Exuma. — George Town, Steventon (G).
Long Island. — Sims, Deadman's Cay, Clarence Town (G).
Ragged Island, Rum Cay, Watling's Island. — One school each, named after
island. Acklin's Island. — Spring Point, Snug Corner (G).
Crooked Island. — Colonel Hill (G).
Inagua. — One school, situated at Matthew Town, but named after the island.
Abaco and Cays. — Cherokee Sound, Hopetown (on Elbow Cay), Marsh Harbour,
Great Guana Cay (G), Green Turtle Cay, Old Place.
Bahama. — High Rock (G), Eight Mile Rock.
Bimini. — Alice Town.
Andros. — Nicoll's Town, Mastic Point, Stanyard Creek, Calabash Bay, Man
grove Cay, Long Bay Cays,. Kemp's Bay (G).
The Inspector of Schools reports that during the year under review, of schools
established and entirely maintained out of the funds at the Board's disposal, 45
were in operation. They were attended during some part of the year by 7,432
pupils ; had a total average roll of 6,243 ; and an average attendance of 4,416.
Grants-in-aid were made to 15 schools. These were attended, some part of the
year, by 1,434 pupils, had an average roll of 1,296, and an average attendance of
807. , °
The two classes of schools give the following totals : schools 60, pupils present
at all during the year 8,866, average roll 7,539, average attendance 5,223.
-d ^V£e ^nd of the year the teacning staff comprised 45 principal teachers in
^J Schools, seven assistant teachers, five pupil teachers, seven sewing teachers,
ZLl a ^ltor'- . Thf %> together with four students in training, and 11 persons
engaged in Grant-in-aid Schools made a total of 184.
£5,00Tlh12stO2d1 C°St °f thG department of ^ucation for the year amounted to

45
Facilities exist, especially in Nassau, for higher education. A. Grammar School,
under the auspices of the Church of England and two separate Girls' Schools are
located in the City.
Queen's College, under Methodist management, provides similar advantages,
and there is a kindergarten department in connection with it, admitting pupils of
both sexes.
St. Andrews's Hall, which formerly was a department of Queen's College, is
now a separate institution, under Presbyterian management. This school has
formed a connection with the London College of Preceptors, and it is stated that
many of the pupils hold its certificates.
Under Roman Catholic jurisdiction is an academy for the higher education of
girls, and for elementary education there are two schools.
In 1902, Mr. Cole, the Inspector, in an interesting resume of the educational
history of the Bahamas, reported that there were 14 private schools in New Provi
dence, with a total of 244 names on the rolls, and nine on the Out-Islands, with a
total of 166. The average attendance was not given, but it was remarked that
" most of them appear to be kept by needy persons, whose qualifications are very
meagre ; and while some of them are so located that whatever good is effected by
them would not be attained by other means, others serve to a great extent as places
of refuge from the effects of the compulsory clauses, for selfish parents and idle
children." I fear that in this Colony the type of education provided under the auspices of
the Government is not that which is best suited to the needs of the masses, and if
any real progress is to be effected, a radical alteration must be made in the present
system. It may be said that none of the boys reached by the Education Act proceed
with their studies after leaving school. As a rule the main object of the parents
is to get them away from school, so that their services might be utilized on board
a sponger or in some form of manual labour. In the very unlikely event of a boy
showing an aptitude for book learning and making the best use of his training, his
great ambition is to become a clerk in a store, or possibly to enter the Government
Service. But the demand for this form of labour is extremely limited, and very
poorly remunerated, whereas there is need for a good class of artisans. At present
there is not one master .carpenter, blacksmith, or mason in the Colony, and no means
of training these and possible exponents of other industrial arts. There are men
who build houses and small craft, and fashion wood and iron into various shapes ;
but it is the " rule of thumb " which reigns, and there is little of the precision which
comes of the trained hand and eye in conjunction with a trained mind. What is
wanted here, is a system based on that so ably conducted by Mr. Booker Washington
at Tuskegee, in Alabama, United States of America, and until that or some similar
scheme based upon industrial training as the main factor in the educational method
is adopted, I fear that no improvement in the condition of the large native population
in this Colony will be manifested. It is easy, however, to make destructive criticism,
but although an alternative system may be advocated, it is almost impossible in a
Colony like this, where the revenue is never sufficient for the calls upon it, to make
the radical change which would be necessary in order to place this question upon a
proper foundation, and unfortunately so far, little disposition has been shown by
the Legislature to assist the Government in its efforts to encourage practical agri
culture, which, after all, is the industry upon which the mass of the people must rely,
and about which at present they know next to nothing.
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THE BAHAMAS.
The following are works either on or relating to the Bahamas, exclusive of
Official Blue Book Reports.
Memoirs of Peter Henry Bruce. London, 1732.
Catesby's Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahamas. London
1770.
McKinnen's Tour in the West Indies. London, 1804.

46
Montgomery Martin's British Colonies. London, 1834.
Reports of Mr. Harvey (Out-Island Civil Engineer, 1856-7). Nassau, 1858.
The Isles of Summer, by Charles Ives, M.A. Newhaven, United States of
America, 1880.
The Land of the Pink Pearl, by L. D. Powles. London, 1888.
Stark's History and Guide to the Bahamas Islands. Boston, United States
of America, 1891.
Sketches of Summerland, by G. J. H. Northcroft. Nassau, 1900.
GENERAL REMARKS.
It will be gathered from this Report that these Islands have been severely
handicapped in their development (a) from the scant soil and absence of natural
water supply, which is more or less a feature of the whole group ; (b) from the want
of an adequate and sufficiently enterprising population ; and (c) from the absence of
harbours capable of accommodating anything but small craft. The local adminis
tration, too, has always been unable to maintain any regular steam communication
with the Out-Islands, thus seriously militating against proper supervision from head
quarters. .
It is clear that there can be no future for this Colony, except that which can be
evolved out of certain advantages which it does possess, the most prominent being
its delightful winter climate, and, to those who do not object to weather which is
hot though seldom oppressively so, its summer climate also. Nassau will probably
always be a favourite winter resort for dwellers on the adjacent continent. There
are few people who pay it a visit who do not want to return, and the climate is un
doubtedly superior to any of the Florida resorts, which, however, have the advantage
of approach by land instead of by sea, and it is unfortunate that the voyage from
Miami to Nassau, though only a comparatively short one (16 hours) is sometimes
a very unpleasant one, and owing to necessities of draught at both ports, the
vessels employed have to be restricted in size.
It occurred to me, during a visit I recently paid to some of the Exuma Cays,
that these Islands would be admirably suited to form sanitoria for consumptive
patients. They are all narrow, with deep ocean on the east, and an extensive shal
low bank on the west, upon which excellent boating and bathing could be secured.
As I have remarked elsewhere the islands and cays are extremely picturesque, and
with proper arrangements and accommodation might be made very attractive to
residents. It is practically impossible that malaria could exist on these islands,
and the rainfall is much more limited than on the larger ones, falling more frequently
in winter than in summer. Their elevation is in no case higher than about 100 feet
above sea level, but none of them are absolutely flat.
The only other alternative to the encouragement of visitors and the sponge
industry is agriculture, which, as" will be gathered from previous remarks, is practi
cally a neglected art. There is no reason why any able-bodied man should starve
in these islands, though even- year the Government is called upon to assist people
who are stated to be in this condition. Soil culture is not easy, but where it is
systematically attempted well repays effort. There is, undoubtedly, a more cheering
look out for the Sisal industry, and those plantations which are worked on proper
lines are yielding good results. This cultivation is extending and bids fair to be
a permanent and promising one for these islands. There is, perhaps, no other
economic plant which is so well suited to the peculiar conditions existing here as the
Agave, which produces the so-called " Sisal " fibre, and it is now understood that
while it will grow and thrive under conditions of neglect that would be fatal to
almost any other plant, it requires rational treatment, and will not survive being
embedded in solid rock through which the roots cannot penetrate, as was formerly
thought possible The failures that have arisen in the past have mainly come from
an imperfect understanding of vegetative processes, and disregard of ordinary rules
of husbandry. Much of the " Sisal " that has been planted in this island is still

t I t I t I t I t I t 1

1°

tvfoA

I-

\
x- .A?

r

-V

m

^

r"

orf * •••*^~;

-.a

6"'

6":

^G^&y

ca1

0

c e

^

Itf

^

^

>

>

v

•fed

I-0

4,MJL

¦A

47
choked up with weeds and undergrowth, and it is only those who pay some attention
to cultivation that make a financial success of the venture.
In regard to the sponge industry* which has been for many years the main
support of the Bahamas, no doubt in consequence of the large extent of the banks
on which the sponges are found, this will continue to be a valuable means of support
to both merchants and the collectors, who man the sponging vessels. Complaints
are made periodically of damage done to the beds by the collection of immature-
specimens, but so far no steps have been taken to penalize those who offend in this
way. I have, &c, G. T. CARTER, Governor.

See Appendix B, Nos. 3 and 4.

48

APPENDIX A.
January, 1902.

Date.

Barometer.

10
a.m.

p.m.

Thermometer.

7
a.m.

2
p.m.

9
p.m

Remarks.

1 January
2
34
5 Sunday

7
89
101112 Sunday
1314
15
16
17
18
19 Sunday
20
212223
24
2526 Sunday
27
28
2930
31 *

30-68
30-6930-55 30-50
30-54
30-4830-50
30-5030-5830-60
30-45 30-32
30-50 30-68
30-6430-25
30-40
30-6030-60
30-5530-46
30-45
30-51
3055
30-6530-65
30-6830-75
30-75
30 74
30-61

30-63
30-59
30 45
30-45
30-46
30-43
30-4430-4530-5230-5130-3330-2730-45
30-6230-48
30-14
30-38
30-54
30-50
30*49
30-3730-40
30-48
30-50
30-58
30-6030-65
30-6930-70
30-7030-55

6669
7070
70
69
68 68
6969
70696161
6869
63
6566
696867
6464
7070
72
72
7074
74

72
75
7474
70
70
7072
72747468
646572
69
65
697272
75
6565
72
7375
7574
75 79
79

70
71
71
70
6868
69
69
69
726963
59
646969
63
6769
6968
6464
70
70
7272
70
707275

N.E.
N.E. B.
N.E.
N.E.
N.N.W. N.
N.W. N.E.
Calm to
N.W.
N.W.
N.W. N.E. E.
S. to W.
and to S.
N.W. E.
N.
light. N. S.
N.W.

S. to N.
light. E.E.E.E.
E.
E.
E.
Total -

•68
•11

•38

1-17"

Fresh Breeze.
Intervals.
Much the same.

Cloudy at

Still cloudy. Threatening
rain in evening.
Cloudy day. Shower at 4.30
from N.
Windy night, heavy rain
early morning, dull day
with strong breeze.
Wind moderated during
night. Light N.W. wind
early morning.
Lovely day ; light N. wind.
Calm early morning ; light
breeze from N.W. after.
Fine and bright. Fresh N.
breeze.
Much the same ; breeze less.
Calm morning ; breeze from
N.W. after 11.
Cold day ; wind strong from
N.W.
Strong breeze all day ; cold.
Wind moderated during ,
night and shifted to N.E.
Minimum temp. 56°.
Warmer day ; fresh breeze.
Very heavy fall in Bar. no rise
since 4 p.m. yesterday.
Heavy squall at 11.30 a.m.
another at 1 p.m. Wind shif
ted to W. backedto S. after.
Wind swung to N.W. during
night ; blowing hard in
morning and all day.
Wind calmed down during
night.
Lovely day, light air from N.
Lovely day, light air from N.
Calm early morning ; wind
fresh from S. after.
Wind shifted to N.W. after
midnight, strong at day
light.
Calm morning ; wind to S. at
10 a.m. light all day ; calm
and cold after sunset.
Dull day ; warmer.
Dull morning ; light E. wind ;
warm.
Fine bright day ; fresh E;
wind.
Fine bright day; fresh E.
wind.
Fine bright day; fresh E.
wind.
Fine bright day; fresh E.
wind.
Fine bright day ; wind less.
Fine bright day ; light breeze.

49
February, 1902.

Barometer.

Date.

1 February
2 Sunday
3 4 5 67 8 9 Sunday
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Sunday
17

18192021 22
23 Sunday
2425262728 16585

10
a.m.

i
p.m.

30-57 30-58 30-50 30-51 30-50 30-49
30-47 30-46 30-50 30-4730-57 30-55 30-50 30-5530-50 30-35 30-30 30-35 30-55 30-50 30-35 30-40 30-45 30-47 30-3530-4530-3230-24

Thermometer.

7
a.m.

p.m.

9
p.m.

ti
.a

30-50 30-47 30-45 30-45 30-45 30-4530-42 30-41 30-40 30-42 30-5330-46 30-44 30-50 30-40 30-25 30-23 30-3430-50 30-43 30-30 30-35 30-40 30-4030-32 30-3530-1830-18

73 75 69 68 68 69 73 69 69 64 63 62 65 65 70 70 63 66 6670 73 6767 6573 6674 75

79 8172 71 73 75 75 72 71 68 65 65 67 70 7876 66 6870 78 75

7070 7678 70 7980

74 74 68 68 69 72 70 69 66 67 6363 63 68 68 68 64 65 6873 6868 69 72 70 69 74 76

S.E. S.
N.
N.E. S.toN.E. S. N. N.
N.N.E. N.W. N.W.N.W.
to W.
N.W. N.E. S.
s.w.
to N.W.
N.W.
to W.
W.
N.E.toE. S.E.
S.to S.W. w.
Calm S.E. S.
w.
S.E. s.
Total -

Remarks.

•44

•07

•55

•90

Fine bright day ; warm, light
breeze.
Warm day, light S. breeze.
Wind shifted to W. in even
ing of yesterday, and went
to N. early morning.
Fine bright day ; light N.E.
breeze.
Fine bright day ; wind light.
Warmer day, bright, wind
light.
Pleasant day ; light breeze,
bright.
Pleasant day, with fresh N.
wind.
Dull morning ; light breeze ;
rain at 4 p.m.
Blew hard from midnight to
4 a.m. Raining up to
9 a.m. Wind backed! rom
N.E. to N.W.
Strong breeze all day ; bright ;
hazy.
Past night very cold. Low
Temperatures in Florida..
Light breeze.
Much the same : somewhat
warmer.
Lovely day ; fresh breeze.
Bright day ; warmer.
Dull mostly. Wind shifted
in afternoon. Slight rain
at 7.30.
Strong N.W. wind sprung up
after midnight. Cold
morning ; blowing hard
all day. Wind backing to
W.S.W.
Wind rather less, but fresh
breeze ; calm in evening.
Fine bright morning ; light
breeze.
Strong breeze from S.E. ;
dull evening.
Heavy squall during night
from S. with rain.
Morning dull and damp.
Rain set in at 11 a.m.,
lasting more or less all day.
Lovely day ; light breeze.
Very fine day ; calm.
Much the same ; fresh breeze.
Warm morning; wind shifted
to W. at 11.30, with squall
passing out to sea.
Pleasant day ; light air from
W. and N.W.
Strong breeze from S.E. ;
heavy drop in barometer.
Very strong breeze from S.
to S.E

1-96"

G

50
March, 1902.

Date.

Barometer.

10
a.m.

i
p.m.

Thermometer.

7
a.m.

2
p.m.

9
p.m.

H

Remarks.

1 March
2 Sunday
3 4
5
u 789 Sunday
10 11
1213
14
15
16 Sunday
17
18 19
202122
23 Sunday
24
25 26 27
28
2930 Sunday
31

30-3530-3630-48
30-4530-42
30-6230-7930-74
306430-6530-65
30-6230-6030-60
30-57
30-5630-52
30-50
30-53
30-45
30-50
30-5230-5030-50
30-3530-5230-5430-5030-46
30-5030-45

30-3030-530-45
30-40
30-34
30-6030-72
39-6530-60
30-5730-60
30-5730-5530-51
30-52
30-51
30-45
30-4530-45
30-41
30-4530-45
30-4330-4030-30
30-4830-4830-4530-4030-4530-40

75
7670
6870
66
6569
757572
72
757574
75
7574
6566
67737273
74 73
70727376 *
76

8385
70
73
8364
7075
7677
7576

8280
80 72
6970
72
80 78
8278767578
80 81
85

767869
70 70
62-5 68
7074
757274
73
7575
7474
6566
687072
7273 7370
7274
757772

S.E.
S.to
S.W. N.E. S.
N.W. N.E.
toE. E.
E. to
E.N.E. N.E. E.
E.
E. to
S.E.
S.E.S.E.
S.E. S.
N.W. N.N. S.
S.E.
toS.
N.W. N.E.
N.W. N.E. E.
S.E.
S.S.E. S.
S.to
N.W.
Total -

•16

•02

•18"

Strong breeze from S.E. ;
hot day.
Hot day. , Calm in evening.
Cooler. Wind to N. in early
¦ morning.
Pleasant ! day with light
breeze,
Strong breeze from S. to
S.S.W. all day.
Breeze strong from N.W.,
cold. No rise in temper
ature all day.
Strong breeze all night.
Barometer abnormally
high.
Breeze lighter ; cloudy at
times.
Stronger breeze. Fine..
though some cloud.
Much the same, lovely day.
Some rain in night ; fresh E.
wind in morning.
Fine bright day ; fresh E.
wind.
Much the same.
Much the same.
Much the same.
Much the same.
Much the same.
Calm night. Wind came, in
from N.W. at 8 a.m.
Wind less. Fine bright day.
Much the same.
Light breeze. Lovely day.
Light breeze. Lovely day.
Light breeze. Lovely day.
Light breeze. Lovely day.
Wind fresher.
Fresh breeze from N.E.
Wind still fresh ; some cloud.
Strong S.E. breeze ; fell at
sunset.
Much the same.
Much the same.
Light S. wind till 3 p.m.
Then shifted to N.W.
Cloudy.

51

Date.

April, 1902.

Barometer.

Thermometer.

"8
it a

10
a.m.

i
p.m.

7
a.m.

2
p.m.

9
p.m.

3

Remarks.

1 April
23 4 5
6 Sunday
7 8 9
10 11 12 13 Sunday
14 1516 17 18 19
20 Sunday
21 22
2324
25
26 16585

30-45 30-52 30-57 30-55 30-43 30-48 30-45 30-31 30-35 30-46 30-56 30-55 30-50 30-48 30-46 30-43

30-30 30 28
30-35 30-5330-6530-6830-6530-6430-65

30-40 30-46 30-53 30-45 30-35 30-43 30-35 30-25 30-30 30-43 30-51 30-50 30-39 30-42 30-40 30-40

30-38 30-30

30-25

30-24

71 7172 73 74 74 75 75 76 75 75 75 72 79 78 78 78 75

75 75 75 76 76 77 79 83 79 81 81 81 82 83 83 83 82 75

30-32

72

30-50

73

30-60

74

30-64

74

30-60

76

30-60

75

30-55

77

76 79 76 75
76 77797980

72 73 7173 75 75 76 78 7777 7676 78 78 78 76 76 75 7673 73747576 75 76

N.E. N.E.N.E. E.
Calm. N.E. S.E.
S. to W.
N.W. N.
N.E. S.E. S. s. s.
S. to N.

S.toW,
and to S.

N.W. N.W. N. E.
N.E. E.E. E.

•26 •01 •03

Fine, light breeze, threaten
ing to N .W. at sundown.
Cloudy all day ; light breeze.
Cool pleasant day. Fresh.
N. to N.E. wind.
Warmer, but pleasant.
Still hot day. Rain from
N.E. and S.E. Som&
thunder.
More breeze ; pleasant day.
Less wind, warmer ; cloudy
at times. ¦ '
Threatening and cloudy.
Wind S.W. early shifted ta
N.W. later. Fine.
Wind light ; bright and hot.
Wind light ; bright and hot.
Wind light ; bright and hot.

Wind fresher, warm.
Much the same.
Breeze stronger ; bright and
warm.
Slight thunderstorm at 4
a.m. ; still morning. At
1.30 p.m. wind shifted to
W. and N. bringing heavy
squall with thunder.
Another thunderstorm with
rain at 11.30 from S.W. ;
wind all round compass
afterwards.
Thunderstorm at 4 a.m.
Barometer dropped -05
between 4 and 6. Strong
wind from W. for short
time.
Fine and bright. Fresh
breeze from N.W.
Very heavy squall at 1 p.m.
with torrential rain and
hail from N.W. Thunder
and lightning. Strong
N.W. breeze.
Breeze still strong ; showers
between 3 and 4.
Fine day, fresh breeze.
Very fine day ; strong breeze.
Very fine day ; strongbreeze.
Very fine day ; strongbreeze.
•05 Rain from N.E., at about 9
wind shifted to S.E. and
back to E. Fine afternoon G 2

•05

•77

•48

•29

•81

•03

52

April, 1902 — continued.

Barometer.

Thermometer.

O8-d

.— 1

Date.

10
a.m.

i
p.m.

7
a.m.

2
p.m.

9
p.m.

% .5
5

a
'3

Remarks.

27 Sunday

30-61

30-56

77

80

77

N.E.

—

No change, bright and fine.

28

30-61

30-56

78

82

78

N.E.

—

No change, bright and fine.

29

30-62

30-56

78

82

78

N.E.

—

No change, bright and fine.

30

30-65

30-60

78

82

79

E.
Total -

—

No change, bright and fine.

2-78"

May, 1902.
1 May...
2
3 4 Sunday
5 6
7 89
10
11 Sunday
12 1314
15 16
17
18 Sunday
19 20 21
2223
24
30-65
30-60
79
81
76
E.
—
30-60
30-52
78
80
76
N.E.
—
30-53
30-45
77
82
77
E. to
30-51
30-48
76
80
77
S.E.
E. to N.
—
30-55
30-50
76
81
76
N.E.
—
30-57
30-54
78
82
78
E.
—
30 55
30-50
79
82
78
E.
—
30-52
30-45
79
82
79
E. to S.
—
30-51
30-44
78
83
79
Calm to
E.NE.
—
30-48
30-42
79
82
79
S.to
30-48
30-43
80
82
78
E.N.E.
E. to N.
—
30-58
30-53
78
82
78
N.E.
—
30-55
30-50
77
82
78
N.E.
—
30-46
30-40
78
81
79
N.E.
•01
30-42
30-40 •
80
82
79
E.
—
30-49
30-45
80
82
80
N.E.
—
30-52
30-48
77
82
80
E.
•14
30-48
30-43
79
83
80
E.
—
30-50
30-45
79
84
80
E.
—
30-53
30-48
82
84
79
E. to
30-50
30-45
81
83
79
N.E.N.E.

30-45
30-40
80
82
79
N.E.
—
30-41
30-38
78
82
79
N.E.
•31
30-44
30-40
77
81
79
N.E.
•36
Fine bright day. Fresh
breeze.
Fine bright day. Fresh
breeze.
Fine bright day. Fresh
breeze.
Bright morning. Wind
backed to N. ; light.
Bright and clear.
Bright and clear.
Bright and clear.
Bright and clear.
Cloudy. Wind light from
S.E., E. and E.N.E. in
afternoon.
Fine bright day ; light
breezes ; warm.
Pleasant day ; wind backing
to*N. ; cooler.
Cloudy and threatening ;
but no rain.
Much the same ; overcast.
Slight shower during past
night.
Warm day ; light breeze.
Calm morning. Fresh breeze
9 a.m., threatening to
N.E. and N.W.
No change ; dry air ; cloudy
at times.
Still dry ; threatening, but
no rain.
Bright warm day.
Bright warm day.
Bright warm day.
Bright morning ; overcast at
11 a.m., with misty rain
from N.E. Squally and
cloudy all day.
Heavy shower in night.
Cloudy after slight rain.
Strong breeze.
Rain early morning ; breeze
still strong.
53

May, 1902 — continued.

Barometer.

Thermometer.

O

flrrt
4
s
Date.
Remarks.
10
4
7
2
9
OS 8^
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
p.m.
S
25 Sunday
30-48
30-40
SO
82
80
N.E.
—
Threatening at times, but no
rain.
26
30-43
30-38
79
61
80
N.E. to
N.
—
Lovely day ; wind backed to
N. light.
27
30-36
30-30
80
87,
82
S.W.
—
Hot day. Light breeze.
28
30-36
30-35
83
87
80
S.W. '
—
Threatening to S.E. and
thunder, but no rain. Hot.
29
30-45
30 44
83
86
81
N.W. to
N.E.
•03
Slight rain at noon ; fine
after.
-30
30-53
30-49
82
86
81
N.E.
—
Fine day ; some cloud at
times.
31
30-55
30-50
81
85
81
N.E.
Total -
—
Strong breeze all day.
•85"
1 June
-2-3 4
-5 6
7
8 Sunday
9
10 11
12 13
14
.15 Sunday
16 17
.18 19
.30 21
June, 1902.
30-54
30-50
82
30-50
30-45
80
30-47
30-44
81
30-50
30-45
80
30-52
30-45
79
30-52
30-47
79
30-45
30-40
80
30-41
30-35
81
30-43
30-38
83
30-40
30-35
82
30-35
30-30
82
30-32
30-28
81
30-33
30-30
82
30-40
30-40
84
30-45
30 40
80
30-40
30-32
83
30-37
30-34
85
30-44
30-40
85
30-41
30-34
81
30-38
30-35
81
30-41
30-40
81
85 83 8282 83 8383 8485 8485 8386 858786
8787
8382 82
8181 80 808079 81 8080 8182 82 83 8182
82 83
83
82 8080
E.E. E.
E.N.E.E.N.E. E.N.E. E.E.
N.E.
N.N.E. E.
N.E. to
N. E. S.
S
E.E. S.S.s.
•02
¦05•01
•01
•01
•01
2-30
•33
•73•13 •07
Wind still strong. Cloudy.
Breeze the same. Heavy
squall at 6.30 p.m. Very
short.
Wind still strong. Slight
rain squall at 1.30.
Fine day, wind still fresh ;
minimum 72° in night.
Very fine day ; breeze still
strong.
No change.
Cloudy day ; breeze the
same.
Cloudy day ; air damp ;
breeze fresh.
Breeze less ; more sunshine
but dull as a whole.
Wind backed more to N ,
slight showers.
Cloudy, slight rain.
Threatening, slight shower
before 12. Cloudy all
day but no serious rain.
Threatening all day ; calm at
3. Cloud all round.
Clear morning. Rising Baro
meter for S. wind very
unusual. Thermometer
90° at noon. Rain and
thunder from S.W. at 2.30.
Rain during night and early
morning. Cleared up
after 10.30.
Some rain in morning, fine
after. :
Fine day, cloudy at times.
Fine day, cloudy at times.
at
Overcast early. Rain
6.30 a.m. and later.
Cloudy, some rain, not heavy.
I
Bright morning, heavy squall
from S. at 2. Rain set in
heavily at 7.30 lasting
some time.
54

June, 1902 — continued.

Barometer.

Thermometer.

c

"3

Date.

10
a.m.

4
p.m. -

7
a.m.

2
p.m.

9
p.m.

•J .a
s

1

Remarks.

22 Sunday
23

30-50
30-56

30-45
30-48

83
80

83
85

81
82 ,

S. to N.
Variable

•65
•15

Dull morning threatening to-
N., wind shifted but
nothing much came.
Rain in morning, fine after.

24
25

30-5430-51

30-5030-45

83
83

85
88

82
83

N. to
N.E. E.

—

Very fine day, light breeze.
Much the same.

26

30-50

30-45

84

87

83

E.

—

Much the same.

2728

30-54
30-56

30-4930-50

8486

90
89

84 84

S.
S.E.

•05

Shower at 6 a.m. Still, hot
day.
Hot day. Light breeze.

29 Sunday
30

30-5730-56

30-5330-52

8685

8888

8484

S.E E.
Total -

•13

Breeze stronger, fine day,.
some cloud.
Bright day, some rain in
night.

4-55"

July, 1902.

1 July...
2 3 45 6 Sunday
78 9
10 11
12
13 Sunday
14151617
18
19

30-60

30-57

85

88

84

S.E.

—

30-67

30-63

85

88

84

S.E. to

•20

30-68

30-60

85

88

84

N.E. E. to

30-63
30-58
85
88
84
N.E. E.
—
30-62
30-57
85
89
83
E.
—
30-63
30-59
84
87
82
E.
—
30-62
30-55
85
87
84
N.E.
—
#0*56
30-56
86
90
87
Calm
—
30-56
30-56 ¦
88
88
85
N. to S.
¦ —
30-56
30-54
84
90
80
E. to S.
—
30-55
30-47
86
90
84
N.E.
30-52
30-48
88
88
82
toS.Var.
—
30-51
30-50
80
86
82
E.
1-56
30-55
30-58
84
82
82
E.
—
30-60
30-55
86
86
80
E.
•31
30-56
30-52
86
88
83
E.
—
30-60
30-56
85
88
82
E.
•01
30-61
30-60
85
85
78
N.E.
30-65
30*61
84
84
82
toS. E
•75
Fine day ; showers after-
7 p.m.
Fine day ; wind shifted to
N.E.
Very fine day ; fresh breeze-
Fine day ; fresh E. wind.
Fine day ; fresh E. wind.
— Fine day ; fresh E. wind.
Clear, bright day ; light
breeze.
Heavy ' thunderstorm,,
2.10 p.m., but no rain.
Thunder, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ;
very hot ; no rain.
Bright and very hot ; nice
breeze.
Bright and very hot; nice
breeze.
Fine morning ; thunder and
rain after.
Fine day ; light breeze.
Fine morning; thunder and.
rain after.
Fine bright day.
Fine bright day.
Fine bright day.
Squally ; high gusts ; thun
der and rain.
Fine bright day.
00

July, 1902 — continued.

Date.

Barometer.

10
a.m.

i
p.m.

Thermometer.

7
a.m.

2
p.m.

9
p.m.

HJ* Pi

Remarks.

20 Sunday
21 22 23
24 25
26
27 Sunday
2829 30
-31

30-62 30-64 30-60 30-66 30-72 30-53 30-55 30-59 30-62 30-60 30-58 30-60

30-56 30-55 30-57 30-65 30-57 30-49 30-50 30-56 30-60 30-55 20-55 30-54

83 75 87 83 85 86 88 87 85 85 83 84

87 82 88 89 88 89 90 89 88 90 87 88

84 82 80 85 82 86 86 82 84 87 84 85

S.
W.and
N.W. to
N.E. S. s.
S.E. s. s.
S.E. S.E.
S.E. S.E.S.E.
Total -

•20

•04 •06

•16

Fine bright day ; thunder all
night.
Strong breeze ; fine and
bright.
Fine bright day.
Fine bright day.
Fine bright day.
Fine bright day ; shower at
night.
Fine bright day ; shower at
night.
Fine bright day.
Fine bright day ; 90° at noon.
Fine bright day ; shower,
10 p.m.
Fine bright day.
Fine bright day.

3-29"

August. 1902.

1 August
-2 3 Sunday
4
-5 ¦6 ¦7¦8 9
10 Sunday
11
12
13 14 
15
16

30-60 30-64 30-65 30-61 30-60 30-60 30-57 30-5830-58 30-63 30-60 30-6030-59 30-57
* 30-53 30-50

30-54 30-59 30-62 30-5730-55 30-55 30-54 30-5530-56 30-60 30-56 30-5330-55 30-49 30-48 30-45

82 86 80 83 83 80 83 85 8182 84 84 85 83 82 85

90 90

87 88 86 89 88 88 82 87 88 88 89 88 83

84 79 78 80 81 eo 84 82 8080 80 83 8283 82 80

S.E.S.to S.E.
Calm

E. to
S.E. S. S. s. s. s.
E. to
N.E.
E. to
N.E. E. E.
N.E. E. to
S.E. S.

2-43

•06

1-89

•09

•19 •03

Fine bright day. Thunder
9 p.m.
Cloudy and sultry. Terrific
thunder and rain, 10 to
12 p.m.
Cloudy, thunder, and very
oppressive. Thunder
storm lasted 30 hours,
several places hit.
Fine bright day, very heavy
dew.
Thunder and rain all day.
Fine day ; nice breeze.
Fine day ; nice breeze.
Fine day ; nice breeze.
Fine day ; nice breeze.

Fine day ; nice breeze back
ing.
Fine day; nice breeze, shower
in night.
Fine day ; nice breeze, heavy
dew.
Fine day ; nice breeze.
Fine day; nice breeze, shower
in night.
Fine day ; nice breeze.
Cloudy and threatening ;
light rain 4 p.m.

56

August, 1902 — continued.

Barometer.

Thermometer.

"S

r^

¦ H
•aCM a
Date.
Remarks.
10
4
7
2
9
'8
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
p.m.
S
17 Sunday
30-47
30-42
86
89
83
S.to
N.W. and
N.E.
•14
Fine bright day ; light wind
all round.
18
30-48
30-43
86
90
84
S. to N.
—
Fine and bright ; light-
breeze.
19
30-53
30-45
86
89
84
N.
—
Fine bright day.
20
30-50
30-46
85
88
86
N.E.
•29
Heavy shower early morn
ing ; fine 6 a.m.
21
30-52
30-49
86
89
86
E. to S.
—
Fine and bright. Shower
2 p.m.
22
30-50
30-42
86
90
86
S.E
•03
Fine and bright.
23
30-48
30-44
84
89
85
Variable
•11
Shower at 7.30 and more rain.
after from W.
24 Sunday
30-50
30-44 '
86
91-5
83
S.
•19
Heavy rain at 4 p.m. from.
S.E.
25
30-48
30-43
84
90
83
S.
•61
Dull morning.
26
30-46
30-40
84
85
81
N.
•31
Bright morning, fresh breeze;.
shower in evening.
27
30-49
30-44
84
87
83
N.
•13
Fine bright day.
28
30-55
3053
84
87
85
N.
—
Fine bright day.
29
30-65
30-58
85
87
84
N. to S.
andN.
-" ¦—-
Bright morning. Wind N.
shifting at 12.30 to S. in a
rain squall. Wind to N. at
2 p.m.
30
30-65
30-60
82
88
84
S. to E.
—
Fine day ; threatening at-
times, but no rain.
31 Sunday
30-64
30-57
84
87
84
E.
Total -
—
No change.
6-50'
September, 1902.
1 September ,
2
3
456
7 Sunday
8
9
1011
12
13
30-62
30-60
30-55
30-55
83
83
8786
8482
E. to
N.E.
N.E.
•12
•13
30-60
30-55 •
83
90
83
S.
—
30-65
30-61
83
86
83
S.
—
30-67
30-63
80
87
83
s.
¦99
30-7030-70
30-6430-64
8385
8790
84
84
S.E. to
E.
E.
•16
30-68
30-62
84
89
83
E.
•22
30-65
30-57
85
88
83
S.
—
30-63
30-59
85
87-5
84
s.
—
30-67
30-62
84
89
84
s.

30-73
30-65
84
89
84
b.Jcj.
—
30-70
30-65
85
89
84
S.E.
—
Fine morning ; some rain,-.
after.
Fine bright day; fresh.
breeze.
Fine day ; wind light.
Thunder shower at 2 p.m. —
nothing much.
Very heavy thunderstorm.
during night, lightning
terrific ; cloudy morning ;
more rain during day.
Fine day.
Fine day ; some rain after
8 p.m.
Fine day; some rain after-
7 p.m.
Fine day ; dry.
Heavy thunderstorm to N.W.
at 3 p.m. Wind S. light.
Wind to W. and N.E. after.
Fine bright day.
Fine bright day.
Fine bright day.
57

<

SEPTEMBER,

1902-

-continued.

Barometer.
Thermometer.
8-d
I—*
Date.
¦J .a
«t-t a
Remarks.
10
4
1
2
9
sis
'8
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
p.m.
.a
P3
14 Sunday
30-66
30-59
84
89
83
S.E.
—
Fine bright day.
15
30-62
30-53
84
89
84
E.
—
Fine bright day.
16
30-60
30-55
83
88
84
E.
—
Fine bright day.
17
30-62
30-56
84
88
84
E.
—
Fine bright day.
18
30-62
30-55
84
88
84
E.
—
Fine bright day.
19
30-60
30'51
83
87
83
E.
•20
Smart showers at 8 a.m.
20
30-55
30-50
83
87
83
S.E. to
S. & W.
—
Cloudy and threatening, but
no rain. Wind shifted
to W. at 5 p.m.
21 Sunday
30-60
30-52
79
87
83
s.
2-20
Heavy rain set in at 1 a.m.,.
lasting till 7 a.m.
22
30-58
30-57
84
87
83
s.
•20
Fine and bright.
23
30-63
30-57
83
88
84
s.
—
Fine and bright.
24
30-67
30-60
84
87
84
Variable
—
Fine and bright.
25
30-70
30-63
84
89
84
E.S.E.
—
Fine and bright.
26
30-70
30-63
83
89
85
E. to S.
—
Fine and bright.
27
30-67
3060
85
89
84
E.

Calm morning. Wind shifted
to N.W. at 11.30 a.m.
Squalls in that direction.
Some showers during day.
28 Sunday
30-66
30-60
84
87
83
S.
•10
Calm morning. Very heavy
rain set in suddenly at
9.30. 1-40" fell in less
than an hour.
29
30-65
30-67
83
87
83
Variable
1-42
Fine bright day ; light wind
from N. in afternoon.
30
30-60
30-52
83
88
84
N.E. to
E.
Total -
—~
No change : rain threatened
from S.W. but went off.
5-74"
October, 1902.
1 October
2
3
5 Sunday
67
8
30-60
30-54
83
87
83
S.E.
¦40
30-65
30-58
83
88
84-5
S. to N.
—
30-63
30-55
83
85-5
83
N. to
N.E.
•04
30-55
30-45
82
85-5
83
N.E.
—
30-55
30-48
82-5
88
84
S.E.
—
•30-51 30-57
30-5030-54
82-583
8690
8484
S.E. to
N. S.
•02
30-6530-66
30-6030-59
83 83
8488
84 84
S.E. to
S.W. and
N. E.
1-18
Smart shower at 3.30 a.m.,
cloudy at times.
Fine day. Cloudy at times.
Shower early morning.Cooler
at 4 p.m. First day on
which there has been a
fresher feeling in the air.
Much the same ; mostly
cloudy.
Light breeze ; cloudy at
times, warmer.
Wind to N. at 2 p.m. No
fall in barometer.
Bright hot day, some cloud
at times.
Fine day, some cloud.
16585
58

October, 1902 — continued.

Barometer.

Date.

10
a.m.

4
p.m.

Thermometer.

7
a.m.

2
p.m.

9
p.m.

a
'8

Remarks.

10 October
11
12 Sunday
13 14
15
16 17
18
19 Sunday
20
21 2223
24
25
26 Sunday
27 28
29
3031

30-6530-62
30-66
30-75
30-75
30-6830-62
30-60
30-6030-58
30-6230-60
30-6130-61
30-62
30-64
30-6030-4830-45
3070
30-80
30-72

30-58
30-5430-59
30-6830-65
30-5830-55
30-55
30-5330-5230-58
30-57
30-5830-53
30-56
30-60
30-5130-4030-40
30-67
30:75
30-65

83
83
8383
848383
83
8183
8181
8180
81
82
8281 79
7778
79

89-589-5
86
88
898889

87

86

86

83
8384
8484
84
83
82
8482
82
79-5

86

80

86

82-5

87

82

87

82

82

81

85

80

85

81

78

80

80

79

• 79

79

s.
S.toW.
S. toW.
and N.
E.S.E.E.S.E. S.E.
S. to N.
and E.

S.toW.
and N.E

S.E.
S.to
N.W. S.to
N.W.

S.W.
and S.

S.toN.W.
N.W.

S.to
N.W.

S.E.
E. to S.

S.toW. W. to
N.W.

N.
N.E.N.E.
Total

¦32
•08
•38

•28

•11

1-00

•18

•04

•02 •27

1-02

¦40

5-74"

No change. Smart shower
in night.
Light S. wind, hot. Wind to
W. at 6 p.m. Very light.
Calm morning. Heavy
shower from S.W. at 10
a.m.
Shower in night. Fine morn
ing. Cloudy at times.
No change.
Shower in early morning.
Still cloudy morning ; very
threatening to N. at 2 p.m
Wind to N. suddenly at
3 p.m., but storm all dis
sipated.
Wind to N. in afternoon with
threatening appearance,
but went off later. Rain
from N. and N.E.
Rain early morning. Fine
after.
Fresh S. breeze 9 a.m. Calm
at 3. Threatening to N.
Wind to N.W. at 5.
Wind S. in morning, threaten
ing to N. and N.W. but
no rain. Wind to N.W.
light later. Overcast and
dull.
Bright morning, threatening
after to N.E. and N.W.
Slight rain and thunder.
Barometer rose from 2
to 4.
Fine morning ; cloudy after
noon.
Fine day, light breeze. Heavy
cloud and lightning to
N. in evening.
Fine morning, threatening
to N. and N.W. at 4 p.m.
Wind shifted to N.W. but
only slight rain resulted.

Dull morning, very black to
S. squally with rain from
E. and S.E.
Cloudy morning ; calm and
from S. ; W. after.
Wind S.W. early. Cloudy,
some rain 10-11 a.m., wind
to W. at 11. Rain at
times during day.
Strong N. breeze sprung up
in night ; fine bright
morning. Great rise in
. barometer.
Breeze very strong. Cloudy.
Barometer very high.
No change. Shower at 6
p.m. and squally.

59
November, 1902.
Barometer.
Thermometer.
oo 'O
"3
Date.
10
a.m.
4
p.m.
7
a.m.
2
p.m.
9
p.m.
•a 1
Remarks.
1 November ...
30-65
30-60
78
80
78
N.E.
•03
Breeze still strong, but less.
2 Sunday
34
30-65 30-65 30-67
30-60 30-60 30-62
78 75-5 76
79 80 80
77 78 78
N.E.E. to
E.N.E. E.
—
Breeze still continues, not so
strong.
Fine bright morning ; wind
considerably less.
Fine day, fresh breeze.
-5 -6 7 8
30-70 30-70 30-60 30-51
30-65 30-60 30-5230-46
78 777777
8280 8080
7776 77 78
E.
E. to
S. s.
S.to
N.W.
•29•20•15
Fine morning ; rain from S.
and S.E. at 4 p.m.
Bright morning, cloudy after
noon, and wind to S.
Some rain in night ; fine
morning ; fresh breeze.
Shower early, and at 9 a.m.
Wind to N.W. at noon.
9 Sunday
10
30-6130-75
30-56 30-70
7877
78
80
76 77
N.E. N.E.
•29
Cloudy, blustery day ; some
rain.
Breeze still strong ; fine day.
1112
30-78 30-75
30-72 30-68
75 76
8080
75 78
N.E. E.
—
No change ; wind somewhat
less.
Fine day ; fresh breeze.
13 14
30-74
30-66
30-6530-58
78 78
8181
78 79
E. E.
•52
Cloudy morning ; heavy
shower at 2 p.m.
Cloudy day ; rain at times.
15
30-64
30-57
79
83
79
S.
•26
Brighter ; no rain ; less
breeze.
.16 Sunday
17
30-70 30-73
30-6430-65
79 80
83 83
81 81
E. E.
•01
Fine day ; slight showers ;
light breeze.
Much the same ; bright all
day.
No change ; heavy clouds to
N. and E. at 10 p.m.
Very heavy rain in night ;
fine day.
Fine bright day.
18
1920
30-68 30-6530-73
30.6030-62 30-66
7980 80
8383 83
79 8179
E.E.
N.E.
1-40
21
30-72
30-65
79
81
79
E.
—
Fine bright day.
22
30-70
30-65
78
81
76
E.
—
Fine bright day.
23 Sunday
24
30-65 30-70
30-60 30-60
76 76
8181
7677
Calm to
S.W. and
N.W. E.
—
Fine bright day.
Fine bright day.
25
30-63
30-55
75-5
83
78
S.
—
Cloudy at times ; light breeze.
26
30-60
30-57
77
83
77
S.
—
Cloudy at times; light breeze.
27
28
30-5830-78
30-55
30-73
7771
7574
74 73
S. to
N.W.
N. to
N.E.
•87
Wind shifted to W. at 10,
with rain squall, and
round to N.W.
Dull day, but fine; breeze
fresh.
29
30-85
30-78
73
78
75
N.E.

-30 Sunday ...
30-79
30-75
74
83
78
E.
Total
•04
4-06"
60
December, 1902.

Barometer.

Thermometer.

OO 'o

03

Date.

¦J .a
"3
Remarks.
10
4
7
2
9
A
'8
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
p.m.
1 December ...
30-75
30-65
78
82
78
s.

Very heavy dew. Fine
bright day.
2
30-70
30-62
78
82
78
s.

Very heavy dew. Fine
bright day.
3
30-67
30-60
78
83
78
s.
—
Very heavy dew. Fine
bright day.
4
30-62
30-54
78
84
78
s.
— '
Very heavy dew. Fine-
bright day.
5
30-63
30-60
78
78
76
S.to
N.W.
—
Wind to N.W. at 12. Ther
mometer 84° at 11.30.
6
30-77
30-71
75
80
77
N. to
N.E.
•01
Cloudy day ; moderate breeze-
7 Sunday
30-78
30-70
77
82
78
N.
—
Cloudy day ; light breeze.
8
30-75
30-70
76
78
75
E.
—
Dull day, threatened rain-
Heavy squall from N.,.
5 p.m.
Strongbreeze. Mostly bright-
9
30-90
30-85
73
76
73
N.E.
16
Barometer very high.
10
30-97
30-90
73
76
74
E.
—
Breeze still strong. Baro
meter phenomenally high.
11
30-90
30-80
75
79
77
E.
—
Fine bright day ; breeze less-
strong.
12
30-76
30-65
77
81
77
S.E.
—
Dull misty morning. Rain
from S.E. at 9.15 a.m.
13
30-72
50-68
78
80
77
N.W.
¦24
Wind S.W. early morning j,
shifted to N.W. 10 a.m.
14 Sunday
30-80
30-75
77
79
77
N.E.
—
Fine bright day.
15
30-90
30-85
77
79
77
N.E.
—
Fine bright day.
16
30-89
30-84
75
80
76
E.
—
Fine bright day.
17
30-83
30-75
75
77
76
S.E.
•38
Rain early ; dull all day y.
and fine rain in forenoon-
18
30-72
30-65
73-5
74
73
N.
Wind shifted to N. during
night ; fresh breeze at
sunrise.
19
30-78
30-73
72
76
74
E.
—
Fine bright day ; fresh
breeze.
20
30-77
30-72
73
78
74
E.
—
Fine bright day ; fresh-
breeze.
21 Sunday
30-78
30-72
74
78
74
E.N.E.
—
Fine bright day; fresh.
breeze.
22
30-65
30-55 ,
75
78
74
E.
—
Fine day. Wind backed to
N. Slight showers after-
7 p.m.
Wind backed to N.and N.W. j;
23
30-60
30-55
74
75
72
N. to
•03
N.W.
cloudy, and wind strong.
24
30-72
30-67
71
73-5
72
N.
—
Wind fresh ; cloudy at times-
25
30-75
30-65
71
73
71
N.
—
Wind less ; cloudy at times.
26
30-65
* 30-55
71
73
70
N.W.
—
Dull day ; light breeze.
27
30-65
30-60
67
68
66
N.W.
—
Very fine day ; bright audi
cool.
No change.
28 Sunday
30-80
30-75
64
70
69
N. to
,,
N.E.
29
30-82
30-78
69
74
73
E.
—
No change ; warmer.
30
30-81
30-72
73
75
72
E.
¦20
Dull damp day ; no sun ;
31
30-70
30-60
72
73
69
E.N.E.
to N.E.
1-98
rain at 9 p.m.
Rain during night ; blowing
hard from E.N.E. in early
morning ; later increased
to a gale. Barometer
dropped 2/10ths between,
10 p.m. and midnight.
Total -
3-00"
61

APPENDIX B.

Photographs.
1. View of Government House from garden, looking north, Nassau.
2. Government House Garden.
3. Sponging fleet in Nassau Harbour.
4. Sponge Yard, Nassau.
5. Sisal Grove, New Providence.
6. Drying sisal fibre, New Providence.
7. Fort Fincastle, Nassau.
8. Library, Nassau.
9. Cave, Mount Vernon, New Providence.
10. Cave, Mount Vernon, New Providence.
11, Typical street scene, Nassau.
12. Coral limestone quarry, New Providence.
13. Young pineapple farm (eight months old), New Providence (growing in
interstices of honeycomb rock).
14. Queen's Staircase, Nassau.
15. Town of Nassau from Cathedral Tower (Government House in centre of
picture).
16. South verandah of Government House, Nassau.
17. Fort Charlotte, Nassau.
18. Public Buildings, Nassau.
19. Mermaid's Pool, New Providence.
20. Blackbeard's Look-out, New Providence.
21. Harold's Pond, New Providence.
22. Beach at Hog Island, New Providence.
23. Nassau Harbour from Eastern Bay Street.
24. Colonial Hotel from Nassau Harbour.
25. Salt Cay, New Providence.
26. Salt Cay, New Providence.
27. Harbour Island, Eleuthera.
28. Main Street, Dunmore Town, Harbour Island, Eleuthera.
29. Governor's Harbour, Eleuthera.
30. Rock Sound, Eleuthera.
31. Georgetown, Exuma.
32. A composite palm and pine forest.

15658

VIEW OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE, FROM GARDEN, LOOKING NORTH : NASSAU.

II.

iGOVERNMENT HOUSE GARDEN.

III.

SPONGING FLEET IN NASSAU HARBOUR.

IV.

SPONGE YARD : NASSAU.

V.

SISAL GROVE : NEW PROVIDENCE.

VI.

DRYING SISAL FIBRE : NEW PROVIDENCE.

VII.

FORT FINCASTLE : NASSAU

VIII,

LIBRARY : NASSAU,

IX.

CAVE, MOUNT VERNON : NEW PROVIDENCE.

X.

CAVE MOUNT VERNON : NEW PROVIDENCE.

XI.

TYPICAL STREET SCENE : NASSAU.

XII.

CORAL LIMESTONE QUARRY : NEW PROVIDENCE.

XIII.

YOUNG PINEAPPLE FARM (8 MONTHS OLD) : NEW PROVIDENCE.
[Growing in interstices of honeycomb rocli.~\

XIV.

QUEEN'S STAIRCASE : NASSAU.

XV.

TOWN OF NASSAU FROM CATHEDRAL TOWER.
[ Government House in centre of picture]
' XVI.

SOUTH VERANDAH OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE : NASSAU.

XVII.— FORT CHARLOTTE : NASSAU.

W

XVIII.— PUBLIC BUILDINGS : NASSAU.

XIX.— MERMAID'S POOL : NEW PROVIDENCE.

XX. — BLACKBEARD'S LOOK-OUT : NEW PROVIDFNCE.

XXI. — HAROLD'S POND : NEW PROVIDENCE.

^,

vr&mffl... • ¦".- V

XXII.— BEACH AT HOG ISLAND ; NEW PROVIDENCE.

XXIII. — NASSAU HARBOUR FROM EASTERN BAY STREET.

XXIV. — COLONIAL HOTEL FROM NASSAU HARBOUR.

XXV. --SALT CAY : NEW PROVIDENCE.

XXVI.— SALT CAY : NEW PROVIDENCE.

XXVII. — HARBOUR ISLAND : ELEUTHERA.

XXVIIl.  MAIN STREET, DUNMORE TOWN, HARBOUR ISLAND : ELEUTHERA.

XXIX.— GOVERNOR'S HARBOUR : ELEUTHERA.

XXX. — ROCK SOUND : ELEUTHERA.

XXXI. — GEORGETOWN : EXUMA.

XXXII. — A COMPOSITE PALM AND PINE FOREST.

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