The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-11-27
CUMBERLAND BAY.

nearer the serrated and prominent peaks
came boldly into view, until the aspect
was completely changed. The island OF
Mas-a-Tierra is in the form of a tri-
angle, with an area of ninety square kilo-
metres. In character the island is un-
doubtedly volcanic. With it's sharp peaks,
rocky ravines. rapid and precipitOus in
cines, there is not the least doubt that
some mighty upheayal of nature was the
cause Of its rising from the ocean bed.
In a geographical sense the type Of the
most recent age is plainly visible while
strata indications similar TO those found
along the chain Of the Andes on the main
land are prominent. There are no sandy
or pebbly beaches, the only landing place.
at Cumberland bay, being composed Of
water worn pieces Of lava and sharp
pointed, hinty obsidian. But on shore,
round the bay, the coating Of earthly mat
ter produces luXuriant grass and is eX-
cellent for cultivation Of various vegeta-
bles and some fruit. The highest peaks
Of the island are named "The Yunque,"
100 metres: Monte Alto, the Pyramide,
the Gordon de las Cabron and the Sal-a-si-
Puedes
Frequent rains are climatic features OF
the island indeed, scarcely day passes
but 20 overs and drizzle fall at intervals
rainfall the vegetation is luxuriant. Deep
green MOSES and ferns, tall and coarse
grasses and her bage grow in profusion
Numerous springs of clear, cold water
are TO be met with in different directions.
A typographical examination OF the
island shows that its principal features or
noteworthy landmarks are Punta del
Negro. where at one time all the island
focks were kept; long plain called
Robinson Crusoe's Walk English bay
the rendezvous Of Sharp, the pirate with
Monte Alto at the eastern end Of Cum
berland bay; Point San Carlos and Point
Bacalao, the eastern point of the island.
Confronting Cumberland bay there rises
the hill known as the pass Of the
Goats" across which is a pathway that
affords the only communication by land
across Mas-a-Tierra. Fronting Cumber-
land bay is the ridge known as Gordon
Sal-a-si-Puedes. Easy TO ascend the
sharp, Jagged rocks render the descent
difficult and extremely dangerous. A
prominent feature Of the island is the
towering hill FL Yunque ('"The Anvl').
that, together with the Pyramid Noun
tain, is a noteworthy landmark in Cum
berland bay.
On the sides Of the pyramid are extern
sive plantations Of radishes and a grove
consisting Of Pangal trees having leaves
two and a half to three metres in dame
ter, sufficiently in size and density to
shelter a large number of persons from
rain. French Port, or FL Puerto Fran
cesas, is the most picturesque spot on the
island, where numerous hocks Of sheep,
goats and donkeys arc found in a Wild
state browsing on the luXuliant heritage.
Sentry (Centinera) Point is the scene Of
the rOOkerieS where the fur seals haul
~ breed
Without doubt that part Of the island
most interesting to visitors is the site
OF the old forts and buildings erected by
the Spanisrds, situated at POrtezuelo and
Puerto Ingles. where Selkirk lived. The
city founded by the Spanish commander
was called La Ciudad de San Juan Baus-
tista. The foundations Of the fort are
still visible, while a number Of ancient
cannon lie buried amid a dense growth of
gigantic ferns and semi-tropical Vegeta-
ton. Two small forts, one at Goldfish
Point (Punta Basdiao), the other, under
Goat Hill, are still remaining in partial
preservation. the smoth and regularly
laid masonry testifying 10 the careful
work OF past age. There were two
cities or settlements, one on the level
plateau where the cemetery now exists,
the other in the valley leading to the Cor
don Sal-se-Puedes. Visitors can still de-
cipher many Of the epitaphs that remain
legible on the tombstoneS erected to the
memory Of those who died on the island
during the last portion of this century.
Upon the ruins Of the fort AT the base of
Goat Hill the present sub-intendente Of
the island has erected a flagstaff, upon
which the Gillian colors are hoisted
whenever a vessel Is seen in the ofiiing,
While at night lantern is hoisted as soon
as the vessel rounds the point. both day
and night signals indicating the position
OF the best harbor-Cumberiand bay-on
the island
To the settlement at Cumberland bay
the name of the old city has been given.
AT the present time there are only twenty