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.