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Appendix No. 4. indigenous, but we also saw vines, fig trees, oranges, and lemons in a most flourishing condition, which
must have been introduced some years ago.
ISLANDS NEAR PANAMA.
6. The island is at present uninhabited, but it is only within the last eighteen months that it has been deserted, and there is but little doubt that cotton, tobacco, bananas, and tropical fruits have at some period or another, within the last thirty years, been cultivated in the island.
Charles Island, at the time of our visit, was in the undisputed possession of numerou half-wild cattle, some donkeys and pigs.
Hunting parties would, with patience, obtain large supplies of beef, but it would be absolutely necessary to salt the meat as soon as killed, otherwise the heat, combined with the myriads of flies which immediately congregate upon the carcase, would speedily render it uneatable.
7. Fish, a species of cod, can be caught with hook and line in great abundance, but the turtle are difficult to catch, and the land tortoises, which at one time were reported to abound in the island, may now be said to be practically extinct.
Travelling over the island is by no means easy, in consequence of the density of the bush, the prickly and thorny nature of which renders it destructive to all clothing. Water is scarce, and during the dry season is said to be unattainable, although the cattle, donkeys, &c., must have some sources unknown to us from whence they obtain water.
8. I may therefore sum up as follows:-
Post Office Bay-Anchorage safe, but unpleasant during the day, when the wind and a swell set in. Landing generally possible, but at times dangerous, and sometimes impracticable.
Black Beach Bay.-Landing nearly always safe, but only one small spot available, affording room for but one or two boats at a time. A small boat harbour might easily be built here, material being plentiful and close at hand.
Climate. Warm, but not so unpleasant as might be expected, considering the proximity to the Equator. Parties of officers knocked about during the heat of the day without apparently any ill effects. Myriads of flies are most disagreeable, and a disgusting nuisance.
Fertility and Resources.--If cultivated and irrigated, it would, I believe, produce everything that can be grown in the tropics. If water were stored, which could easily be done, the island would support a numerous population with all the necessaries of life except flour. The sea is alive with fish of all descriptions, and many turtles and seals abound.
I have, &c.
F. H. STIRLING, Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-chief.
(Signed)
Appendix No. 5.
BERMUDA TELEGRAPH.
Appendix No. 5.
BERMUDA.
CORRESPONDENCE ON PROPOSED LINE OF TELEGRAPH TO CONNECT HALIFAX WITH BERMUDA AND THE WEST INDIES.
No. 1.
Colonial Office to Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad.
Downing Street, January 30, 1880.
Sir,
I AM directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to transmit to you, to be laid before the Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad, a copy of a letter in which Sir Michael Hicks Beach caused to be referred for the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty and of the Secretary of State for War a proposal which has been submitted to this Office by Mr. G. F. Smith, on behalf of a Company which is stated to be in process of formation, for establishing a telegraph line between England and North America, by means of which Bermuda might be placed in telegraphic communication with this country and with Halifax, if Her Majesty's Govern- ment would grant a subsidy to the Company.
I am also to inclose, for the information of the Commission, copies of the replies which have been received to this letter; and also copies of the correspondence which passed between this Office, the Admiralty, and the War Office, in 1877, with respect to the desirableness of establishing telegraphic communication between Bermuda and Halifax; and I am to request to be furnished, as soon as possible, with the views of the Commission upon the subject.
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I am, &c.
(Signed)
JOHN BRAMSTON.
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