a solitary island in the Atlantic Ocean, Lat. 7. 55. 56. S., and Long. 14. 23. 50. W.; about 7½ miles in length, and 6 in breadth, and within the immediate influence of the south-east trade-wind. The whole character of the island is volcanic, and its surface is broken into mountains, hills, and ravines. Towards the south-east, the Green Mountain, the highest in the island, rises 2870 feet above the level of the sea, while the plains or table-lands surrounding it vary in height from 1200 to 2000 feet. On the north side they sweep gradually down towards the shore; but, on the south, they terminate in bold and lofty precipices. Steep and rugged ravines intersect the plains, opening into small bays or coves on the shore, fenced with masses of compact and cellular lava; and all over the island are found the usual products of volcanic action. The chief productions of the island now are green vegetables. Ascension was formerly noted for the abundance of turtle and turtle eggs found on its shores. The coasts abound with a variety of fish of excellent quality. The native wild animals are guinea-fowl, goats, cats, rats, and land-crabs; but the goats have been almost exterminated to make way for sheep and cattle. The air is clear and elastic, and the climate remarkably salubrious. The island was discovered by the Portuguese on Ascension day 1501; but remained uninhabited till after the arrival of Napoleon at St Helena, when it was taken possession of by the British Government, and it now forms a permanent station. The garrison, with their retainers, reside in George Town, on the north-west coast, which is abundantly supplied with fresh water from a magnificent cistern capable of containing 1700 tons of water, supplied by means of iron pipes from springs in the Green Mountain, six miles distant. Population about 400, including the garrison. Ascension is found useful as a station and rendezvous for the vessels employed on the coasts of Africa and Brazil. A crevice in one of the rocks was long known as the sailor's post-office, because letters were deposited there to be taken up by the next ship passing in a contrary direction. Ascension Day, a festival of the Christian church held ten days before Whitsuntide, in memory of our Saviour's ascension into heaven.

Ascension, right and oblique. See Astronomy.

AsceTerium (from ἀσκοῦρα, one who exercises), in ecclesiastical writers, is frequently used for a monastery, or place set apart for the exercise of virtue and religion. Originally it signified a place where the athletic or gladiators performed their exercises. Plato, Gorg. 42.