PORT LOUIS, the capital of the island of Mauritius, on a small bay formed by basaltic and partially-wooded hills near the N.W. extremity of the island; S. Lat. 20. 10., E. Long. 57. 29. The streets are regular, though narrow, and some of them are planted with beautiful acacias. The houses are low, and built for the most part of wood. Behind the town lies an open space called the Champ de Mars, which is lined with many elegant villas. The chief buildings are the large and convenient barracks, hospital, bazaar, theatre, public library (containing more than 60,000 volumes), court-house, college, and botanic garden. The harbour is good and well sheltered, but it is difficult of access, on account of a coral reef at its mouth. During the season of hurricanes the anchorage is not safe, except for a small number of vessels. Port Louis is a convenient port for repairing vessels, and has docks for that purpose. The harbour and town are defended by fortifications of some strength. Pop. 35,000.