Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904 Excerpt: ...they are bounded by a steep cliff masked by creepers and vines of wondrous variety, on another by the Roseau river that goes tumbling and tossing over the round boulders on its way through the town, while to the east the Roseau valley pierces into the very heart of the island, and ends up in a background of high mountains and peaks that is, as often as not, framed in a rainbow. Another morning may well be spent in a walk to the Agricultural School at Morne Bruce. There, on a plateau about 400 feet above the town, you will find a model institution where twenty young darkey lads are receiving an excellent technical education at the expense of the State, and where, by practical demonstration, they are taught how to turn to the best account the fertile soil which they will, one day, possess. For all these youngsters are the sons of peasant proprietors, and it is hoped that after a course of four or five years at the school they will appreciate the advantages of scientific agriculture over the rough and ready but wasteful methods that too often prevail in the West Indies. These excellent institutions, as well as the Botanic Gardens, are under the able direction of Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G. The buildings now occupied by the Agricultural School were once the quarters of the troops that, fifty years ago, were stationed in Dominica. The garrison was removed in 1854, and the red coats of the gallant 54th were the last seen in the island. From the back of one of the buildings one can see what is perhaps the most beautiful view in Dominica. The whole of the Roseau valley lies below you, and the river winds like a silver ribbon through a vegetation of wondrous hues. The steep slopes on either side are very bold and grand for so small an island, and in the far distance...