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                                THE

                              HISTORY

                              OF THE

                        ISLAND OF DOMINICA.

                            CONTAINING

              A DESCRIPTION OF ITS SITUATION, EXTENT,
                    CLIMATE, MOUNTAINS, RIVERS,
                   NATURAL PRODUCTIONS, &c. &c.

                           TOGETHER WITH

         AN ACCOUNT OF THE CIVIL GOVERNMENT, TRADE, LAWS,
         CUSTOMS, AND MANNERS OF THE DIFFERENT INHABITANTS
                   OF THAT ISLAND. ITS CONQUEST
                  BY THE FRENCH, AND RESTORATION
                     TO THE BRITISH DOMINIONS.


                         By THOMAS ATWOOD.


                              LONDON:

      PRINTED FOR J. JOHNSON, NO. 72, ST. PAUL’S CHURCHYARD.

                            M DCC XCI.




INTRODUCTION.


It is greatly to be lamented, that although the island of Dominica
is so very capable of being rendered one of the chief, if not the
best, the English have in the West Indies; yet, from a want of
knowledge of its importance, or inattention, it is at this time
almost as much unsettled, as when it was ceded to Great Britain,
near thirty years ago.

This is the more remarkable, from the great consequence the
possession of it is to the English, in case of a rupture with
France, it being the key of the British dominions in that part
of the world, and from its situation between the two principal
settlements of the French, Martinique and Guadeloupe, it is the
only place in the West Indies, by which there is a possibility for
Great Britain to maintain the sovereignty of those seas.

It has moreover many conveniences for the service of both an army
and fleet, which few other West India islands can boast; and was
it to be well settled with British subjects, would be of material
assistance to our other possessions, by furnishing them with many
articles of which they very often are greatly in need.

For the purpose of bringing forth to view these capabilities of
Dominica, the following history of that island is submitted to the
candid perusal of a generous public by the author; whose chief
inducement for writing it, was his hope, that it might be some
small means of service to a country, in which he has spent several
years of his life, and the prosperity of which, it is his ardent
wish to see speedily promoted.

The history of distant settlements belonging to Great Britain, it
is presumed, cannot fail of being acceptable to every Englishman
who wishes well to his country; and however deficient this essay of
his may be, in point of erudition, correctness, or correspondent
circumstances, yet, from its being the first on the subject, the
author hopes it may meet with a favourable reception.

It falls not within the compass of this work to enter into details
of acts of the legislature, the conduct of governors, or of
individuals of that island; these he leaves for a more extensive
work, or for abler pens to record; and if what is here submitted
to public perusal serve in the least to promote the welfare of
the present and future inhabitants of Dominica, and thereby the
interests of the British nation at large, the purpose of the author
by this publication will be fully answered.

  London, May 1791.




CONTENTS.


CHAP. I.

  _Description of the island, its situation, extent, climate,
  and other subjects; together with an account of
  the conquest of it, its cession to Great Britain, and the disposal
  of the lands by the crown._                                 Page 1


CHAP. II.

  _Description of the soil, mountains, and woods; of valuable timber,
  and other trees; also of the birds of the woods peculiar
  to the island._                                                 17


CHAP. III.

  _Of the rivers and lakes in the island, river and fresh water
  fish, also of sea fish, land crabs, and a description of the native
  quadruped, and other animals._                                  35


CHAP. IV.

  _Of the most remarkable reptiles and insects of the island, their
  venomous and other qualities, with remarks._                    51


CHAP. V.

  _An account of the different articles of West India produce raised
  in the island; the number of sugar and coffee plantations
  therein, with remarks._                                         72


CHAP. VI.

  _Names and descriptions of particular West India fruits which
  grow in the island; also of European and American fruits,
  herbs, vegetables, and flowers; with observations on their
  properties, &c._                                                86


CHAP. VII.

  _Of the trade of the island, previous to its reduction by the
  French last war, with a relation of that circumstance; and
  the articles of capitulation to which it surrendered._         104


CHAP. VIII.

  _Of the government of the island under the French, with a relation
  of the distressed situation of the English inhabitants, until
  its restoration to Great Britain; an account of that event,
  and several other subjects._                                   138


CHAP. IX.

  _An account of the division of the island into parishes and towns,
  with a description of its capital, the principal buildings,
  fortifications, and harbour; together with observations on
  Prince Rupert’s Bay, and the grand Savannah in that
  island._                                                       171


CHAP. X.

  _The civil government, officers, courts, and other subjects relative
  to them; also a description of the militia of that island._    195


CHAP. XI.

  _Description of the white inhabitants, free people of colour, and
  native Indians of the island; their manners and customs,
  with observations._                                            208


CHAP. XII.

  _Of the <DW64> slaves of this island, their rebellion and reduction,
  the usage, manners, customs, and characters of these people
  in general in the West Indies._                                224


CHAP. XIII.

  _Of the present trade of the island, and the free port of Roseau,
  with remarks. Conclusion._                                     276




THE

HISTORY

OF THE

ISLAND OF DOMINICA.




CHAPTER I.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE ISLAND, ITS SITUATION, EXTENT, CLIMATE AND
    OTHER SUBJECTS; TOGETHER WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE CONQUEST OF IT,
    ITS CESSION TO GREAT BRITAIN, AND THE DISPOSAL OF THE LANDS BY
    THE CROWN.


The island of Dominica is situated in 15 degrees, 25 minutes, north
latitude; 61 degrees, 15 minutes, west longitude from London; and
43 degrees, 40 minutes, from Ferro.

The discovery of this Island was claimed by the three kingdoms, of
England, France, and Spain; but the right of possession remained
undecided, and Dominica was considered as a neutral island, by
three Crowns; till the year 1759, when, by conquest, it fell under
the dominion of Great Britain; and was afterwards ceded to England,
by the treaty of peace concluded at Paris, in February 1763.

On the cession of the island to the English, Commissioners were
appointed under the Great Seal, and sent out there with authority,
to sell and dispose of the lands by public sale, to English
subjects, in allotments. “Of not more than one hundred acres of
such land as was cleared; and not exceeding three hundred acres in
woods, to any one person, who should be the best bidder for the
same.” These allotments were disposed of for the benefit of the
Crown, and were confirmed to the purchaser, by grants, under the
Great Seal of England; with conditions in each grant, “That every
purchaser should pay down twenty per cent of the whole purchase
money, together with sixpence sterling per acre, for the expence of
surveying the land; and that, the remainder of the purchase money
should be secured by bonds; to be paid by equal installments, in
the space of five years, next after the date of the grant. That,
each purchaser should keep on the lands so by him purchased, one
white man, or two white women for every hundred acres of land, as
it became cleared; for the purpose of cultivating the same. Or in
default thereof, or non payment of the remainder of the purchase
money, the lands were to be forfeited to his Majesty, his heirs and
successors.”

The Commissioners were also impowered to execute leases to the
French inhabitants, of such lands as were found in their possession
at the time of the surrender of the island; and which lands were
thus leased to those inhabitants, who were desirous of keeping
them in possession, on consideration of their taking the oaths of
allegiance to his Britannic Majesty.

These leases were executed for a term, not less than seven, some
fourteen, and others for forty years absolute; renewable at the
time limitted for the expiration of the same. With conditions in
every lease, “That the possessor, his heirs or assigns, should pay
to his Majesty, his heirs or successors, the sum of two shillings
sterling per annum, for every acre of land, of which the lease
should consist.” “And, that they should not sell or dispose of
their lands, without the consent and approbation of the Governor,
or Commander in chief of that island, for the time being.”

The Commissioners were likewise impowered to make grants, under the
Great Seal, of lots to poor settlers; to such English subjects, as
should be deemed fit objects of his Majesty’s bounty; in allotments
of not more than thirty acres of land, to any one person. With
authority also to the said Commissioners, to reserve and keep such
lands, in the most convenient parts of the island as they should
think proper for fortifications, and the use of his Majesty’s army,
and navy. Together with a boundary of fifty feet from the sea
shore, round the whole island; and reserving all mines, of gold and
silver, which might thereafter be discovered there, for the use of
his Majesty, his heirs and successors[1].

This island is 29 miles in length, and 16 miles in breadth, but in
some parts it is broader, being of a very irregular figure. It is
rugged and mountainous in some parts; but spacious plains, and fine
extensive vallies are interspersed throughout the island, which are
in general very productive.

The climate of this country is hot at times, in places on the sea
coast, that are much sheltered by mountains; but in the open parts
of the island, at no great distance from the sea shore, it is
moderately cool at most times, and greatly resembles the climate
of England, in summer. This is occasioned by the almost constant
breezes blowing from the mountains, which moderating the heat,
render it more supportable than it is, in those islands of the West
Indies that are more level. In the interior mountainous parts, it
is perfectly cool in general; owing to the vast quantity of tall
woods, and the heavy rains which fall in those places, in some part
or other almost every day; which render it so cold, in the night
especially, that people who reside there are obliged to use woollen
coverings on their beds, in the same quantity as in winter time in
England[2].

The climate is, however, reckoned very wholesome, especially in
those places where invalids usually go for the recovery of their
health, which is frequently re-established by a few weeks residence
there. Besides, a good breeze generally blows from the mountains
most part of the day, which greatly moderates the heat on the sea
coast; and persons who live there temperately are seldom afflicted
with the disorders, incident to most other West India islands.

The wet season in this country commonly sets in about the end of
August, and continues till about the beginning of January, but
with frequent intervals of fine weather. The severity of the rainy
season, is usually in the months of September and October, when
very heavy continual rain falls for days together; nay, it has
been known to fall there for two or three weeks at a time, with
very little intermission. The island, however, is seldom without
rain, in some part or other; and often during a promising day, the
disappointed traveller meets with such sudden, and heavy showers,
that in an instant wet him to the skin, nor is an umbrella or great
coat of much service, the rain falling in such large drops, and
often accompanied with such severe gusts of wind, that the umbrella
is rather an inconvenience; but let him be careful to change his
wet cloaths as soon as possible, for inconsideration, in this
respect, has proved fatal to many in this climate.

When the rains are violent and of long continuance, they do great
mischief in the island, among the plantations; carrying away large
tracts of land with coffee, plantain trees, sugar canes, and ground
provisions; which are all hurried into the sea. In the towns also,
they often do much damage, causing the rivers to overflow their
banks, or breaking out in fresh places, carry away houses, or
whatever else stands in the way of these dreadful torrents.

Thunder and lightening is seldom so severe in Dominica, or does
so much damage there as in many other parts of the West Indies;
although there have been some instances of lightening striking
vessels in the road, damaging houses and killing people; but such
instances are very rare.

Nor are earthquakes, those alarming phænomena of nature, so
frequent, or so destructive in this, as in many other West India
islands; yet, it is asserted by some of the first inhabitants,
that earthquakes happened here formerly very frequently; especially
soon after the English first took possession of the country; when
they were felt severely, several times in a day, for the space of
some weeks together, which so terrified the inhabitants, that they
were on the point of quitting the place, but happily they soon
subsided. These people say likewise, that although no material
damage happened at that time, yet that the island was split in
several places; and in particular, a large chasm was made in a
mountain there called Demoulins, so very deep, that though they
attempted with several coils of cordage spliced together, yet they
were unable to fathom it. There is, however, no appearance left of
that remarkable circumstance, which yet by no means contradicts the
veracity of their report.

Hurricanes, those dreadful scourges of the West Indies, are seldom
very severe in Dominica; and in comparison with the mischief they
generally do in other islands, may more properly be termed only
heavy gusts of wind, especially when compared with the destruction
done by that in the Leward islands the first of September, 1772;
the most dreadful one that for some time has been felt in the West
Indies. In the hurricane season, the damage received in Dominica
is principally occasioned by the very heavy rains, or by the sea,
which sometimes in those seasons tumbles into the bays, especially
that of Roseau, in a very frightful manner; and making on the
shore, overwhelms the vessels that unfortunately happen to be there
at anchor; and sweeps away the houses, or whatever else is in the
way of its destructive force.

A particular circumstance of this kind, which happened there the
last day of September, 1780, was the most remarkable that has
occurred in this island, in the memory of the oldest inhabitant,
and did the most mischief. It did considerable damage among the
plantations, and in Roseau destroyed several houses on the bay, and
several vessels in the road.

The effects of these hurricanes in the West Indies are truly
astonishing; for the wind, with a fury hardly credible, blowing
from different points at one and the same instant, carries all
before it; the rain is as it were taken out of the sea, and hurled
on the land in clouds; which from not having time to exhale, is as
salt as the briny element from which it was driven; and falls in
drops as large as hail stones, affecting the hands and naked face,
in the same manner as a severe hail storm; the whole of the scene
is truly alarming and beyond description dreadful.

The mornings and evenings in Dominica are in general remarkably
pleasant and cool; that is to say, from day break till eight
o’clock in the morning, and between five and six o’clock till bed
time in the evening. Early in the morning is the time, when those
who can afford it, and wish to preserve their healths, will do
well to employ their leisure time till breakfast, either riding on
horseback, or taking a walk, to enjoy the cool, enlivening breezes.
Bathing, previous to these exercises, is also the best preservative
of health, and here people have the opportunity of doing it either
in the rivers or in the sea.

Frequently bathing in cold water is productive of much benefit to
persons in warm climates; as, exclusive of that which arises from
cleanliness, so necessary in hot countries, it braces the nerves,
and keeps the body refreshingly cool the whole day after. By taking
a ride there on horseback, a person in the space of half an hour
is transported from an uncomfortable warm air on the sea coast, to
a pleasantly cool retreat in the interior parts of the country;
which, in an evening especially, he may leisurely enjoy, till
disposed to return to town; when the breezes, by that time set in
to blow from the mountains, permit him to sleep the remainder of
the night in cool tranquillity.

The taking a morning or evening’s walk in this island, by the sides
of the rivers, whose glassy surface glides swiftly on, or murmuring
water-falls foam to the view, is very pleasing. Does fancy lead
him to enjoy the scene, a mile or two, he still finds ample
amusement. Viewing the rapid streams, he sees the silvered fry,
sporting on its surface, in astonishing numbers. The serpentine
windings of the rivers in some parts; in others, the waters wide,
deep, and silently flowing along; and in many places, numberless
falls of water, tumbling down the sides of steep precipices, or
rushing over the tops of huge stones in the beds of the rivers,
at once charm both the sight and hearing. Is he fond of the
delightful study of botany; here an extensive field is open for his
speculation, and numberless curious shrubs, plants, and flowers,
that grow spontaneously, afford him ample scope for enquiry?

Rising early in a morning in this country, you have the delightful
pleasure of exploring the wonders of the heavens; the morning star,
with a rapidity that exceeds all bounds of conception, running
its daily course; the sun emerging from the sea, all glorious
to behold; and in the words of the Psalmist, “Coming forth like
a bridegroom out of his chamber;” and all the lesser planets
twinkling into obscurity. In the evening in Dominica, is the most
amazingly glorious scenery that can possibly be imagined; the
heavens bespangled with innumerable stars, which the dense climate
of Europe hides from mortal sight, or which are but barely to be
distinguished, are in this island open to full view; and the lovers
of astronomy have there an opportunity to make new discoveries in
that science.

In the evenings, although the air is cool, yet it is not
accompanied by those noxious vapours, so remarkable for their
dangerous effects in some parts of the West Indies; so that it is
not uncommon for people in this Island to sit whole evenings in the
open air, without any detriment to their healths.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] It is the opinion of many people, that there are mines of both
those metals in this island; particularly of silver; pieces of
silver ore having been found in the interior N. E. part.

[2] In the interior parts of this island, it is impossible to
preserve salt in its proper state; for as soon as it is brought
thither, it dissolves into a thick liquid, from the remarkable
dampness of the air. This dampness is also prejudicial to articles
of furniture that are glued, which frequently, after a long
succession of rain, will fall to pieces.




CHAPTER II.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE SOIL, MOUNTAINS, AND WOODS OF VALUABLE TIMBER,
    AND OTHER TREES: ALSO OF THE BIRDS OF THE WOODS, PECULIAR TO
    THE ISLAND.


The Soil of Dominica, in some places, is a light, brown-
mould, that appears to have been washed down from the mountains,
and mixed with decayed branches, and leaves of trees. In the level
country, towards the sea coast, and in many places of the interior
parts, it is a fine, deep, black mould, which is peculiarly adapted
to the cultivation of the sugar cane, coffee, cocoa, and all other
articles of West India produce. The under stratum of the soil is
a yellow, or brick clay, in some parts, in others it is a stiff
tarrace; but it is in most parts very stoney.

The land is in general very productive, especially in the interior
parts, but towards the sea coast, it requires to be frequently
manured; because the surface of it usually opens into large chasms
in dry weather, thereby exposing the soil to the excessive heat
of the sun; so that its vegetative quality can only be restored
by dunging. This, however, is not very easily done by the greater
part of the planters; because they have not in general a sufficient
number of cattle on their plantations, in proportion to the land
under cultivation, of the sugar cane in particular; from whence, in
a great measure, and to the want of <DW64>s, is to be attributed
the small quantity of sugar exported from this settlement to
England.

Several of the mountains of this island are continually burning
with sulphur, of which they emit vast quantities. From these
mountains issue numbers of springs of mineral water, whose virtues
are extolled for the cure of many disorders; in some places the
water is so very hot, as to boil an egg, &c. in less time than
boiling water, and this heat is retained at some distance from its
source.

These sulphureous mountains are certainly among the most wonderful
phænomena of nature, and command our astonishment and admiration.
To see vast tracts of land on fire, whose smoke, like clouds,
stretches far around; brimstone in flames, like streams of water
issuing from the sides of precipices; in the vallies large holes
full of bituminous matter, boiling and bubbling like a caldron;
the earth trembling under the tread, and bursting out with loud
explosions, are objects truly terrific to the beholders; who, on
the spot, are struck with awe and admiration, on viewing such
dreadful works of the Almighty, who causes them to exist, for
purposes only known by him[3].

Others of the mountains are exceedingly large and high, whose
summits, sides and feet are covered with vast tall woods, which
together with the under woods, are so crouded as to be almost
impervious to the eye, and that for several miles around. From the
tops and sides of these descend numberless springs and water-falls,
which form the most delightfully romantic cascades, of fine, cool,
wholesome water, as clear as crystal, excepting in places where it
is tinctured with sulphur.

The woods of Dominica, which constitute nearly two thirds of the
island at present, including the parts that are incapable of
cultivation, on account of steep and rugged mountains, afford
a vast fund of excellent timber: consisting of locus-wood,
bullet-tree, mastic, cinnamon, rose-wood, yellow-sanders,
bastard-mahogany, iron-wood, several species of cedar, and various
other sorts of wood, useful for building houses, vessels and
canoes, for furniture, for dying, and other necessary purposes.

In the woods, an awful, yet pleasing solitariness prevails; but
that which makes them the more agreeably romantic, is the noise
of falling waters, the whistling of the wind among the trees, the
singing and chirping of an innumerable quantity of birds among
the branches, and the uncommon cries of various kinds of harmless
insects, which together with the dark shadiness of the trees, form
a solemn but delightful scene for contemplation.

The trees in the woods are of uncommon height, and by far exceed
in loftiness the tallest trees in England. In this island their
tops seem to touch the clouds, which appear as if skimming swiftly
over their upper branches, and looking up the trees is painful to
the eye. Many of the trees are like wise of enormous girt, and
their spreading boughs extend far around; those of the fig-tree
especially, under whose inviting shade hundreds at a time may
repose themselves, without fear of being wet by the heaviest shower
of rain, or dread of the influence of the scorching sun-beams.

In the woods the trees are, in common, covered with different
foliage, so that it is usual to see one tree dressed out with the
rich liveries of several, all growing in beautiful variety: the
trunk and branches, covered with ivy and other plants, growing on
them like house-leeks.

That the leaves of different trees should be found on one tree,
is an object worthy of speculation; but yet, in my opinion, is no
other way to be accounted for, than by supposing that the seeds of
different trees, being scattered by the wind, fall into the heart
of the same plant, like house-leeks, and are thus incorporated into
the tree on which they are seen growing.

The different species of ivy, or rather wild vines, in the woods,
grow to a great size, and have the appearance of so many cords,
or thick ropes, fastened to the branches. Some of these are
very tough, strong, and useful; and hoops, baskets, and other
wicker utensils are made of them: also walking-sticks, called
supple-jacks, which, if cut in the proper season, are very durable,
and so pliant, that both ends may be bent together without
breaking them. These being in general regularly knotted, and of
a good polish, are much admired for walking-sticks, or to use on
horseback instead of whips; for both which purposes many of them
are frequently sent to England, where they are well known.

Among other valuable trees in the woods of Dominica is the
gum-tree, which yields great quantities of that article. The
circumference of the body of this tree is generally very great,
and its timber is, on that account, made into canoes; which is
done by digging or burning out the inside, and shaping the log
into form. The gum falls from the body and branches of the tree
in great quantities, in substance like white wax, and was very
serviceable to the planters of that island, during the time it was
in possession of the French last war; this gum being used instead
of oil, which could not then be had, to burn in lamps in the
boiling houses when making sugar. The Romish priests of this island
use it likewise in their censers at funerals, and other ceremonies
of their church, it having a very aromatic smell when burning;
and it is supposed to contain virtues which might be valuable in
medicines, was it better known.

The timber also of this tree, as well as that of several others
in the woods, makes good shingles for covering of houses, and was
very serviceable for making staves for sugar and coffee casks, at
the time the Americans refused supplying the English colonies with
them. Several fine sloops and schooners have likewise been built of
the timber of this island; and the vessels that have been built of
it are esteemed preferable, both for strength and durability, to
others built of timber imported from North America.

Cabbage trees are in great plenty in Dominica, and are very
serviceable on the plantations, as their trunks sawed, or split,
make good laths or rails for cattle-pens, being very durable: the
branches and leaves are used for thatching of houses; and the
cabbage part of them is excellent eating. These trees are of great
height, have much the appearance of the cocoa-nut tree, and bear a
berry much like a date. The cabbage part is in the top, whence it
is taken after the tree is cut down; and when that part is boiled
it is equally as good, and tastes much like the bottom part of an
artichoke. It also makes a very good pickle, some of which is often
sent to England as presents.

The woods of Dominica abound with wild pigeons, mountain doves,
ring-neck doves, ground doves, partridges, mackaws, parrots, hawks,
diablotins, and a variety of singing and other small birds; among
which is the mountain whistler, the thrush, and wren: from the
singing, whistling, and chirping of which, the woods resound in a
most delightful manner.

The wild pigeon is of the size of the common house pigeon, has a
red bill and legs, and its feathers are of a dark blue, tinged with
a gold colour. They build on the tops of the highest trees, lay
only two eggs at a sitting, but hatch several times in the season,
which is from February to August. Their flesh is of a dark colour,
and is very fat when they are in season, which is after their
breeding time is over, when it has a most delicious flavour, and is
greatly relished.

The mountain dove is also nearly the size of a house pigeon, has
the same red- bill and legs, but its feathers are of a
brown colour. It differs but little from the ring-neck dove, being
only a size larger, and builds its nest on trees in the mountains,
or at the sides of steep precipices, where it makes a pleasing,
loud, plaintive noise. The ring-neck dove builds in coverts in the
woods, as does also the partridge, which is likewise a species of
the dove kind, but from its great resemblance, it is called the
pieddrié by the French. The flesh of the three kinds is much liked,
but has a bitter taste, as has that of most other birds of the
country, owing to the berries they feed on; this taste, though at
first disagreeable, is soon relished by most people, and they are
reckoned very wholesome. The ground dove is not much bigger than a
lark when stripped of its feathers, which are of a brown colour.
It has a red bill and legs, makes a pleasing plaintive noise, and
when killed in season its flesh is very fat, and of a delicious
flavour; for which reason it is generally called the West-India
ortolon.

The mackaw is of the parrot kind, but larger than the common
parrot, and makes a more disagreeable, harsh noise. They are in
great plenty, as are also parrots in this island; have both of them
a delightful green and yellow plumage, with a scarlet-
fleshy substance from the ears to the root of the bill, of which
colour is likewise the chief feathers of their wings and tails.
They breed on the tops of the highest trees, where they feed on the
berries in great numbers together; and are easily discovered by
their loud chattering noise, which at a distance resembles human
voices. The mackaws cannot be taught to articulate words; but the
parrots of this country may, by taking pains with them when caught
young. The flesh of both is eat, but being very fat, it wastes
in roasting, and eats dry and insipid; for which reason, they are
chiefly used to make soup of, which is accounted very nutritive.

The hawks are of two kinds, the one of the largest size of those
species, the other that of the small sort in England. They are both
very ferocious, commit great depredations among the other birds in
the woods, and on the plantations often destroy fowls and house
pigeons.

The diablotin, so called by the French, from its uncommonly ugly
appearance, is nearly the size of a duck, and is web-footed. It
has a big round head, crooked bill like a hawk, and large full
eyes like an owl. Its head, part of the neck, chief feathers of
the wings and tail, are black; the other parts of its body are
covered with a milk-white fine down; and its whole appearance
is perfectly singular. They feed on fish, flying in great flocks
to the sea side in the night-time; and in their flight make a
disagreeable loud noise like owls: which bird they also resemble,
by their dislike of making their appearance in the day-time, when
they are hid in holes in the mountains, where they are easily
caught. This is done by stopping up some of the holes, which lead
to their hiding places, and placing empty bags over the rest, which
communicate under-ground with those stopped: the birds at their
usual time of going forth to seek their food in the night-time,
finding their