old willow trees which still hang over the tomb itself. These
trees, though descended from, are not the original willows; and it
is commonly rumoured that more than one or two generations have
been carried away piecemeal by visitors as relics.
There are fifty miles of road throughout the Island, and well laid
out, considering the very steep nature of the country. They have,
moreover, been kept, until recently, in good repair; and the ride or
drive along the mountain-tops, from Longwood across Sandy Bay-
ridge, and by Government House to Ladder Hill and Jamestown,
is, for beauty of scenery, scarcely to he surpassed. The shady
lanes, lined on each side with bright yellow blossoms of gorse,
brilliant scarlet geraniums, and the deeper tints of the fuchsia
mixing with the blue-green foliage and orange-coloured blossoms of
the buddlea, and the pale-green leaves of the young oak trees, are
very charming, and not less so when these suddenly give place to a
rich meadow or sunny hayfield. The intricate nature of the roads,
winding in and out of numerous valleys and ravines, sometimes
making it necessary to travel more than a mile to reach a spot but a
few hundred yards distant, conveys an impression of greater size
than that which the place really possesses, and several days, at
least, are necessary to obtain even a general idea of the Island. The
most picturesque and English-like lane is that leading from the
Cathedral to the westward of the Island, and is well worthy of a
visit from the passing stranger.
The Island was until lately divided into three parishes, respectively
called Jamestown, St. Paul, and Longwood. Each had its
church, and the former the district church of St. John in addition.
The Baptists have erected three chapels. There are at least fifteen
schools in the Island, and about one-seventh of the whole population
attend them.
There are eight or nine institutions, some of them very excellent,
but all are suffering severely from the poverty which now prevails
throughout the community. Amongst the principal may be mentioned
the Library, established in 1813, and supported by subscriptions;
it contains many interesting old books, but few modern
publications. The Benevolent Society, founded in 1814, for educational
purposes and acts of benevolence, is one of the most valuable
institutions of the place; it supports three schools entirely, and
gives such aid to others as the funds, which' are dependent upon
S I S T O B I C A Z . 41
donations and subscriptions, will allow. The Hussey charity, established
in 1865 for the education of Africans at St. Helena, is well
endowed and capable of carrying on extensive work. The African
Benefit Society, instituted in the same year, is supported by
subscriptions, and affords pecuniary relief to Africans in sickness,
and provides them with means for decent interment. The Mechanics’
and Friendly Benefit Society, founded in 1838, and supported by
subscriptions, is a most excellent society, numbering several hundred
members ; its objects are to afford relief to them when ill, to grant
annuities to widows and orphans, and assistance towards funeral
expenses of deceased members. The Poor Society, established in
1844, has almost similar objects, but fewer members. The Social
Society, commenced in 1845, is similar to the last two, but under
different regulations ; and the Church Society, established in 1845,
distributes aid to the clergy, catechists, and scripture readers, from
funds collected by subscriptions, and grants from the English Society
for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. There are two
Masonic Lodges, and a Regiment of Militia, as well as a Corps of
Rifle Volunteers | and, in internal telegraphic communication, St.
Helena is not behind the rest of the world, electric wires stretch
from post to post, along the roads and up and down the hills
throughout the Island. The superficial area, that is the horizontal
base upon which the Island stands, now measures 45 square miles,
or 28,800 acres; of this 1816 acres are quite barren, indeed for a mile
inland from the sea, excepting in the ravines where they intersect
the coast, few plants are to be seen; next to this, advancing towards
the interior, there is a belt of semi-barren land, principally covered
with wire grass, cactus, and other shrubs with a few trees, leaving
the interior, an area of 8284 acres, covered with the richest verdure
to the very mountain tops. About 6100 acres are private freehold
property ; the remainder belongs to the Crown, and is occupied th u s ;
let on lease, 1950 acres; appropriated as common pasture, 1800 acres ;
used for Government purposes, 250 acres; and, not in use, 18,700
acres. A large part of this last is barren, but a considerable portion
of it is suitable for sheep pasture ; the soil is productive, and capable
of growing oats, barley, potatoes, mangold wurzel, and other crops
with great success. Wheat has subsequently been found not to
answer, as the ear mildews in consequence of the moisture always
present in the atmosphere. I feel assured, however, that the blights