The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-05-31
BACK FROM THE ISLANDS.
Return Of the Ruatan Excursionists -Partic-
ulars Of the Trip.

| The steamer Il. b. Ward, Jr., arrived at the
wharf yesterday morning, after o quick trip
| from the Bay Islands, bringing, among other
passengers, the excursion party from this
city, who left two weeks ago for the purpose
of making the round trip on her.
The party included DR.. r. l.. Tanney and
Col. r. s. Hardee. who had been delegated
and detached by the Board of Health
Of this city to proceed to the
Spanish Honduras coast and the Bay
Islands, and inquire into the sanitary condi-
ton Of the ports which have trade connections
with New Orleans. Particularly were they
instructed to ascertain whether or not yellow
fever or any disease capable Of being trans
mitted by vessels or their crews were preva-
lent or common on the islands or on the main
land.
1t is scarcely necessary to say that the gen.
tlemen labored earnestly and faithfully to
satisfy themselves as to the general health
surrounding country, both on the mainland
and on the islands, and as q result of their
investigation they will report to the Board OF
Health that yellow fever is unknown, and
that no contagious or Infectious disease exists.
A reporter OF the DEMOCRAT yesterday saw
Col. Hardee shortly after he had left the yes-
sci, and from him obtained the following
INTERESTING PARTICULARS or THE TRIP.
The trip over was made In four days. and
the first landing was made at TruxiIlo on the
coast, about sixty or seventy miles above the
island. A trip along shore was taken, and 1t
was found to be bordered by high, steep cliffs,
rising up between 1000 and 5000 feet On the
shore, along the edge OF these CLIFFS the fruit
which forms the one article Of commerce of
Truxillo Is raised.
The climate was found healthy and no
serious sickness Of any kind was known.
Truxillo IL the only town on the coast, and it
IL OF historical interest and importance, as
being the place where Gen. William Walker.
the leader Of the famous Ncaraguan expedi-
tton, WAS executed and buried. The excur-
sionists visited his resting place. The popu-
lation Of Truxillo 10 made up Of Jamaicans
and Carib Hondurans, the latter an offspring
from the famous Carfb Indians.
From Truxillo the party crossed over to Ru-
atan, the main leland In the group, and DIR.
fancy and Col. Hardee pursued their nves-
tigation, but could find no traces OF fever.
The inhabitants on the island are Jamaican
negroes, who speak the English language
well, and are possessed Of considerable intel
ligence and shrewdness, but are exceedingly
indolent.
The Island is mountainous, like the main
land, but the elevations are not so high, they
rising not over fifteen or sixteen hundred feet.
One Of the peculiarities Is that there Is not q
vi ttlC tSIttuuy HOuSst5 0uL5IIb u
the small town Of Ruatan being made of
weeds and perfectly open. There are no carts
or carriages Of any kind on the island. Little
mules are used for all purposes of conveyance.
The climate Ia delightful, the temperature
seldom, II ever varying ten degrees, rarely
falling below so or rising above 80. The peo-
pie are contented and healthy, the only disease
prevalent to any extent being chills and
fever. Five days were spent In and around
the island.
Col Hardee speaks In glowing terms of the
scenery, which he describes as beautiful be-
yond the power Of description. He was also
enthusiastic over the fruits, and mentioned
several kinds to him unknown up to his visit
to the islands, and which from their perish
able nature cannot be transported. He spoke
particularly of one specimen, to which the
natives give an unwritable name, as being
especially luscious aid delicious He de-
scribes 1t as q combined nut and pear, grow
ing together and being connected with each
other. !.
The trip was a most enjoyable one through
out, and Col. Hardee, speaking for the party,
compliments the officers of the vessel for the
courtesy and consideration with which the
passengers were treated.