a small town, situated at the bottom of a bay, near the leeward extremity of the island of St Lucia. Of itself it is not entitled to much notice, but the adjacent ground is very remarkable. The declivities of the surrounding hills are cultivated, and afford sugar-cane of a good quality.

The extremity of the south side of Souffriere bay runs into two steep hills of a conical shape, and nearly perpendicular, reckoned the highest on the island, and known by the appellation of the Sugar-Loaf Hills. It is impossible to ascend them; for although it was once attempted by two negroes, it is said that they never returned. Paffing the hills to the windward of Souffriere, a fine level country presents itself, extending from 15 to 20 miles from the back of the Sugar-Loaf Hills along the sea coast, being wholly cultivated, and divided into rich estates. It is intersected by numerous rivers of very clear water, which, by art, are made subservient to the purpose of sugar-making. The rains here are less frequent than on any other part of the island, and the wind blows from the sea, or nearly so.

There is a volcano in the vicinity of this town. After passing one or two small hills, the smell of sulphur is sensibly felt before any vestige of the place is perceived. The first thing discerned is a rivulet of black running water, feeding forth streams nearly in a state of ebullition, from which the volcano soon comes into view, situated Souffriere situated in a hollow, and surrounded by hills on every side. There are many pits in the hollow, of a black and thick boiling matter, which appears to work with great force. Lava is ejected by flow degrees, and there is a large mass of it in the centre of the hollow, forming a fort of hill. The lava is said to be a sulphur mixed with calcareous earth and some saline body. Small quantities of alum have been found in a perfect state; and there is a rivulet of good water in the opening, at the north side of the hollow. When the bottom of it is stirred, the water is very hot, so much so as not to be touched. The liquid running from the pits is strongly impregnated with sulphur, and very much resembles the preparation sold in the shops, called aqua sulphura.