S T. J A G O. 65
could no longer be held together, a chair was constructed © O 7
from some of the soundest parts and presented to the U n iv e rsity
of Oxford, as a relic that was still worthy of further preservation.
There is nothing inviting in the aspect of the island of St.
Jago, when seen from Praya bay, as will readily be perceived
from the annexed view ; and it requires only to set foot on
shore to be convinced that poverty, and sickness, and pining
want, are the constant companions of the greater part of its
wretched inhabitants. On an elevated plain- at the head of
the bay, which is accessible only by a winding path made
among the rocks near the left angle, is situated the town, as
it is unworthily called, of Praya. I t consists of two rows of
mean straggling cottages, one on each side of the plain, interspersed
with still meaner hovels. On that end of the plain
which overlooks the bay is placed the church, without aspire,
or tower, or any kind of steeple or mark to indicate the usé
for which it is designed, or to distinguish -it from the other
buildings in the town, except a large wooden cross erected
upon the roof. Here also is a kind of fort in ruins, with a
few old guns so corroded as scarcely to be trusted for firing a
salute with safety, some mounted on old crazy carnages, and
others lying on the ground. The jail is behind the church,
and by much the better building. The government house is
a wooden hut, situated on the edge of the plain to the right,
and overlooking a valley planted chiefly with cocoa nut trees.
There was a sort of tavern kept by a military officer of colour.
The only Europeans we saw were the Governor, his -secretary-,
K