The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1891-10-23
CHAPTER K.
p1scovERY on HlspANIoLA.


While Columbus was steering at large
beyond the eastern extremity Of Cuba.
undetermined what course to take, he
deserted land to the southeast gradually
increasing upon the view, its high noun
tains towering above the clear horizon
and giving evidence of an island Of great
extent. The Indians, on beholding it.
exclaimed Bohio, the name by which
Columbus understood them to designate
some country which abounded in gold.
When they saw him standing in that di-
rection they showed great signs of ter
ror, imploring him not to visit It. assur-
ing him by signs that the inhabitants
were fierce and cruel. that they had but
one eye and were cannibals. The wind
being unfavorable and the nights long.
during which they did not dare to make
sail in these unknown seas, they were a
great part Of two days working up to the
island.
In the transparent atmosphere of the
tropics objects are deserted at great
distance, and the purity of the air and
serenity of the deep blue sky give q
magical effect to the scenery. Under
these advantages the beautiful island Of
Hayti revealed itself to the eye as they
approached. Its mountains were higher
and more rocky than those Of the other
islands. but the rocks rose from among
rich forests. The mountains swept down
into luxuriant plains and green savannas.
while the appearance Of cultivated fields,
of numerous fires ut night and columns
Of smoke by day, showed It to be popu-
lous. It rose before them in all the
splendor Of tropical vegetation. one Of
the most beautiful islands in the world.
and doomed 10 be one Of the most un-
tortunats
In the evening Of the 9Th Of December
Columbus entered harbor at the west
Hern end Of the island, to which he gave
the name OF st. Nicholas, by which it is
called at the present day. The harbor
was spacious and deep, surrounded with
large trees. many Of them loaded with
fruit, while q beautiful plain extended
In front of the port, traversed by fine
stream Of water. From the number Of
canoes seen in various parts there were
evidently large villages in the neighbor-
hood, but the natives had fed with terror
at sight of the ships.
leaving the harbor af st. Nicholas on
the 9TH, they coasted along the northern
side Of the island. It was lofty and
mountainous. but with green savannas
and long sweeping plains. At one place
they caught a view mp q rich and
smiling valley that ran far into the in
tsFisF, between tY9 maHHattains, and ap-
peaEed to be in q high state OF cultiva-
tion.
For several days they were detained
In q harbor which they called Port Com
ception; small river emptied into 1t
after winding through delightful coun-
try. The coast abounded with fish, some
Of which even leapad int9 their boats.
They cast their nets, therefore, and
caught great quantities, and among
them eeyeral kinds similar to those Of
Spafn-the first fish they had met with
resembling those Of their own country.
The notes Of the bird which they mis-
took for the nightingale, and Of several
etheEs to Which they wsra accustomed.
reminded them strongly pf the groves OF
their distant Andalusia They fancied
the features Of the surrounding country
resembled those of the more beautiful
provinces Of Spain. and in consequence
the admiral named the island Hispan-
lola.
pesirops 0f establishing some inter-
cohrse with the natives, who had aban-
doned the coast on his arrival, he dis
patched six men. well armed, into the
interior. They found several cultivated
fields and traces Of roads and places
Where fires had been made. but the in
kabitahts had fed with terror to the
mountains.
Though the whole country was soil
tary and deserted. Columbus consoled
himself with the idea that there must be
bopplohs towns IN the interior, where
the people had taken refuge, and that
the fires he had beheld had been signal
fires, like those lighted PIP on the noun
iains Of Spain N the times Of Moorish
war, 70 give the alarm when there was
any invasion Of the seaboard.
On the 12th Of December Columbus,
with great solempity. erected cross on
8 commanding eminence at the entrance
81 the 6arbor in sign Of having taken pos.
session. As three sailors were rambling
about the vicinity they beheid 4 large