Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1850-01-26

is coerseness in the finish that displeases
the eye. In many parts of these islands,
however, the orange, lemon, lime, cocoa,
Sc, are found abundantly, and nearly all
the products of the tropics would amply re-
pay the toll of cultivation. The principal
products Of the soil are arrow-root, potatoes
and onions. The climate is one of the most
healthy and delightful in the world, veeeta-
tion basking in the smiles of perpetual sum
mer, and arrayed in perpetual bloom, each
tree or shrub perfecting type of all the
seasons, in its varied and prolific yield Of,
at the same time, every stage of its own pro-
ducts, from the tender blossom, to the mature
fruit.
The population of the Bermudas is about
1000 whites, and 5000 blacks, the latter
having arisen from their former state Of vas
salage, to far higher degree of intelligence
than generally exists among the same race IN
the United States This, doubtless, is mainly
attributable to that feature of the British
policy, that to a great extent relieves the
gloomy background Of her many errors, In.
usurpation and unjust tyranny the abol:-
tion Of slavery throughout her colonial.
possessions.
Early accustomed to all the varieties of ma
! riime life, the negroes Of these islands are
literally race of seamen. In their light
and seemingly frail crafts, they will performs
the most difficult and astonishing voyages,
and make light of hardships and dangers.
They form q very valuable auxiliary in q
commercial point of view, in the important
services they are ever ready to render, to
the distressed mariner on this fearful coast.
Nature, as il jealous Of her meagre pos
sessions of rock and barren soil, has hedged
about these islands, an almost impossible
barrier Of coral reefs and gloomy breakers,
hidden from view, yet exceedingly dangerous.
They extend in some directions to the dis
tance Of twenty leagues from the island and
woe to the luckless adventurer who shall
approach too near these soundings! The
entrances to the main harbors' are narrow,
always dangerous, and seldom attempted
without a pilot. A safe voyage to these
islands is rendered more difficult from their
proximity TO the Gulf or Florida stream
that place where the sun seldom shines, and
storms ara-always brewing.
1t is here that Great Britain has planted
one of her principal military stations. There
is at this time division Of the forty-second
regiment of her majesty's troops here-a
regiment, it will be recollected, that rendered
very important service at the battle of Wa
ierloo. They look anything but fierce or
warlike, and are invariably courteous to
strangers. Their parades are well conducted
and snowy, and little else will be heard by
a stronger but the martial rally of the bugle
and the rattle Of the drum, by day, and the
sonorous and Oft repeated cry Of SAILS
WELL :" by the sentry, at night.
Here, too, with much apparent propriety
is founded one Of those penal colonies SO pc
culiar to the institutions Of the British crown.
A very great number of criminals are here
daily led out from the frownine walls Of the
gloomy hulks or prison ships, branded with
their number and degree, TO labor in the
quarries. The strictest discipline is main
tained, and implicit obedience to stringent
but necessary rules is required, and promptly
enforced