PROVIDENCE, OLD, an island of the Caribbean Sea, situated about 125 miles from the nearest point of the Mosquito coast, its centre being in latitude 18. 21. north, and longitude 81. 21. 50. west from Greenwich. Its shape is an irregular oval, four miles and a quarter in length by two and a half in breadth. It is surrounded by an extensive coral reef; and at its northern extremity is another smaller island called Santa Catalina, separated from Old Providence only by a very narrow channel. Both islands are very hilly, and present an agreeable variety of scenery. The soil is exceedingly productive, and vegetation flourishes luxuriantly. The cattle and horses are excellent; but cotton is the staple export, which, with turtle-shell and hides, are the principal articles of trade. These are annually taken away by traders in exchange for English goods brought from Jamaica. Isabella, the only village on the island, is situated at the northern extremity, close to the channel, between the two islands. It was once a populous and flourishing place, but has now fallen into decay. The island is under the government of New Grenada, and, with that of St. Andrews, forms the ninth canton of
the republic. Old Providence is noted in the history of piracy as having been the resort formerly of buccaniers, and latterly that of privateers. It is but thinly inhabited, and capable of supporting a much larger population.
PROVIDENTIAL CHANNEL lies between some shoals in the South Pacific Ocean, through which the Endeavour passed, near the north-east coast of New Holland. Long. 137. 50. E. Lat. 5. 38. S.