, 1892-04-27
A WEST INBIAN PALACE OF
200 YEARS AGO.
st. Christopher Advertiser l2h April.

Not more than two months ago, the Pro
prietor Of Fountain Estate was told that q
scion Of a time-honoured stock in this island
had thoughtfully presented the Public Libra
ry with a beautiful landscape painting, in
1865, Of LA Fountaine,'' in which, with q
diversity of other objects, is seen the dwelling
of the Governor of the French part Of the
island, during its occupation by that nation.
Subsequently an old volume was exhumed
containing the original History in French of
the West Indies, published at Rotterdam in
1865, describing the Generals residence and
ornate style of living, which, a literary gen
tleman, lately domiciled among us-Mr.
Lewis II. Percival-has kindly translated for
any antiquarian in our community who visits
the Library, and attracted by this picture,
would like to know more about it.
Extract referring TO the Palace of the French
Governor Of st. Christopher.
Among the beautiful, large and solid
edifces which the French and the English
have built in several places in this Island,
the Castle of Monsieur 10 General do Poincy
excels beyond q doubt and far surpasses all
the others, for which reason a particular de-
scription Of it will be given.
1t is situated in a cool and healthy spot
on the slope Of a very high mountain cover
ed with large trees, which, by their perpetu-
al verdure, give to it an enchanting appear
ance. It is only one French league distant
from the seashore. Along the road leading
to it, which ascends imperceptibIy, are to be
found the agreeable houses Of some Of the
principal officers and inhabitants Of the
Island, and as soon as a little rising gtOund
has been passed which hides it in ascending
from the low land. the entrance is by a
straight and wide avenue, bordered by
orange and citron treesi which serve as u
palisade, and which are exceedingly refresh
ing to the o~lfactory nerves and to the sight;
but this beautiful palace presents such an
extremely charming appearance, that one can
scarcely look at anything else.
It is nearly square in shape and has three
stories we'll proportional according to the
rules Of a splendid architecture, in which
Cut.stones and bricks are used in fine sym
metry. The front which is first seen, and
which faces the East, has at it's entrance a
large staircase with a double row of steps
and a beautiful breaBtwork at the top while
the side facing West is also embellished
with q staircase in every respect equal to the
other, besides u beautiful spring of clear
water, which is stored in a large basin and is
thence supplied to the different apartments
through subterranean canals.
The halls anu other rooms are well dlVld-
ed the floors ale in French style, made Of
solid red wood, polished. of a pleasant smell,
and the growth of the Island. From the roof,
which is fat, there is one of the most lovely
and perfect of views.
The windows are arranged in fine order,
the view from the front ones extending along
the avenue and on towards the beautiful
valleys planted with sugar cane and ginger.
Those at the West are INSTRUCTED by the
mountain not far away, which by a proper
arrangement, presents its rich background
to add to the grace and projections Of this
Palace.
With. regard to the views from the South
and North, they cover a considerable portion
of the Island, as also the courts and build
tings in which oil the offices necessa-
ry for the perfection of such a beautiful
house.
In the space between this Chateau and the
mountain, a beautiful garden is established,
which is carefully kept. 1t contains princi-
pally pot-herbs (for soups such as are seen
in France, and is enriched by q flower garden
filled with rare and curious flowers. which
are watered by a clear. fountain having its
source ION the mountain slope, and without
great continuance giving a large jet from the
centre Of the garden.
This rich building is so well situated and
kept 80 agreeably cool by the soft winds