, 1874-09-09
THE CHARMS OF
CRUZ.


From a Correspondent Of the Boston Journal.
This beautiful island is rightly called the
"Gem of the Carib Sea" Its charming and
varied scenery reminds one constantly of
Switzerland. Though known by many as pos
sessing the most mild, equable, and healthy
climate on the globe, it seems to have been
generally overlooked and almost forgotten,
because steam navigation is supposed to make
other less desirable places so much more
accessible. 1t is located a little aside from
the route of ocean steamers yet it is only forty
miles from ST. Thomas, The coaling station
for steamers of all nations, and where the
mails, freight, and passengers are landed for
all the "Windward" and ".Leeward Islands,"
Aud now that the United States and Brazil
line of steamers is so we'll established, (none
better a~f1oat,) leaving NeW-YOrk the 23rd of
each month, february excepted, } connecting
at st. Thomas with excellent schOOners, which
will at once take passengers to Christiansted or
West End in five or six hours, making the
entire trip from New-YOlk to the island in six
or seven days. the objections as to access are
easily removed.
As the actual facts become known, it would
seem that this island would soon become the
most popular of resorts for these who are seek
ing a mild climate during the Winter and
Spring months. The temperature during the
entire year varies only some seventeen degrees,
say from 100 to $40 Fahrenheit, averaging
about $50 during Winter and Spring. The
drives upon the island are exhilarating. The
roads are magnificent, surpassed but little by
those of Central Park. AS the entire island
has been under cultivation for a long period,
not an unhealthy spot can be found. The
climate is rather too dry for the planter, but
its dryness is probably the cause of its being
80 healthy.
o Good living is a certainty, as everything de-
sirable is easily obtained. The English Ian
guage is the common language. The people
are exceedingly hospitablo and polite, especial
ly to strangers. Climate, scenery, food, and q
friendly people, all combine to make it most
desirable spot for the searcher for health. To
open this delightful island to those who may
be benefited by a %sojourn there, an enterpris-
ing merchant of Christiansted has, in connec-
ton with others, purchased for the aocommo-
dation of bOarders the beautiful estate called
"BIlowsminde." It was formerly the resi-
dence of two Of the Colonial Governors. It is
located som two miles from Government
house in Ohristiansted, situated on a high hill,
and commanding one of the most varied and
extensive views to be seen anywhere. The
buildings are large, we'll built, in good order,
fine stables, delightful walks, in fact every.
thing which can make a life there of four or six
months perfectly enjoyable.
There are also several fine estates having
large and comfortable houses, where private
families are glad to take a limited number of
boarders, and where strangers have assured US
they never Jared better or enjoyed themselves
more. Such board can be had for the compa-
~rativeIy low price of $40 to $l4 per week.
There is an excellent hotel near the landing,
where persons can go to refresh themselves j;
and if they do not wish to remain the gentle
manly landlord will give all requisite informa.
ton. There is likewise a house near the fort,
kept by a lady, and som private families in
the town receive strangers occasionally. The
Government House and Banks are located at
Ohristiansted, and it may be of some interest
to know that the agents of this branch of the
English Colonial Bank are Messrs. Maitland,
Phelps & Co., of New-York. All who seek
this lovely island in search of health will never
regret it. If they try it a " Health Seeker
believes they will try it again.
w. A. B.