Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1896-12-24

he best material for rope making, |
There ore several plantations Of it in
New Providence, Abaco, md other is
ands, but Andres is found most suita-
bic for its growth. Thisis the largesto
the Bahamas, and the one lying nearest
Nassau. 1t is 90 miles long and 40 miles
across the middle, with population OF
J, 400, Of which only 20 or 80 are white
people. 1t has q rocky soil and is COW
cred almost everywhere with impene-
trable bush. The few settlements are
On the east coast, and the center Of the
island has never been explored. This
furnishes food for the superstitious and
fanciful minds Of the negroes, who re-
late wonderful tales Of race OF giants
and various supernatural beings who
are supposed to inhabit the interior
and occasionally visit the ccasta at night.
Almost all the settlers on this island are
engaged in sisal cultivation, Of which
there are several large plantations, that
Of Mr.. Joseph Chamberlain, M. P, being
notable.
The long struggling island Of Eleu-
thera has also sisal estates, though the
local speciality is the raising Of pineap-
pies. The island Is cooler in summer
than Nassau, and many Of the inhab-
itants are glad to escape from the me-
trQrolis to Governors Harbor and other
settlements, where decent accommoda-
tions may be found, which is more than
can be said Of most Of the other islands.
lnagua, the most southerly Of the
group, lying close to Hayti, is somewhat
different in character. 1t possesses ex-
tensive prairie lands and numerous wild
horses. Mention must be made OF San
Salvador, which was the first land
touched upon by Columbus, He sl,o-
sequently visited New Providence, Oc-
tober II, 1892, which he named Fernan-
dina after Ferdinand Of Spain.
The island was chiefly celebrated IN
early days on account of the deeds 81 a
daring set Of pirates who had fixed on
Nassau as their headquarters. The
reefs and shoals which surround the
harbor made convenient retreat for
those knowing the waters, but extreme
ly dangerous for any unwary vessel that
might be driven towards the shores.
The pirates at length attracted so much
attention that, at the solicitation OF
British merchants George I. dispatched
an armament to reduce the colony to
obedience. During the early part Of the
American war Of independence the is
land was taken by Commodore Hopkins,
but abandoned as untenable. twas re-
taken in 1881 by the Spaniards and
Americans, but afterwards restored to
Great Britain.
OF course the palmy days Of the BAHIA
mas (like the other West lndies) were
before the abolition Of slavery; still
during the American civil war. money
literally poured into Nassau. TWINS thu
principal center for blockade running
and all provisions and stores wer'
bought up at fabulous prices.
The sights Of Nassau are certain,
not numerous; there are two, however
which the visitor should not neglect
The first is the phosphorescent lak'
which lies two miles east Of the town
and only about 80 yards from the sea
with which it is connected by chan
mel, 1t is said to be the most phospho
resent piece Of water in the world, bu
the reason of the phosphorescene ha
never been satisfactorily explained
The lake, or pond, Is artificial, havipl
been cut many years ago, probably 70
storing turtle. Certain 1t is that on an,
dark night the water presents a won
derful spectacle. A boat Is there for tn
use Of visitors, and plenty Of small boy
always on hand to dive under an
around it. As soon as the water IS dis
turbed, it appears simply transforme
| into liquid fire.
The other sight to be recommended
a visit to Grantstown tone Of the nativ
settlements) on Saturday evening
Stalls covered with various comestible
line the roadway, each one Brilliant
illuminated by small bundle Of car
dlewood, which forms splendid natul
al torch Then there are shanties wher
Characteristic negro singing and dan'
ing may be heard and seen.
| cnrelv there never was such Mac
FOR psaIm-slnging as Nassau; it seems
be the only dissipation Of the colort
people, Almost every night there is
function in the various churches al
chapels; If it Is not service, II Is
choral practice. The negroes are no
ably musical race, and here they ha'
fun opportunity Of cultivating the
tastes as far as psalmody is concerned
The knowledge Of the tonic sofia
widely diffused, and the part-singiI
OF the people is really admirable; Il
quality of the voices often leaves nut
. to be desired, but the singing is CORE
J and always hearty, not to say bolste
' Gus, The sailors on the sponge boa
{ and other craft, when their attention
{ not otherwise required, usually pr
{ duce their tonic sofia books and beg
deciphering new tunes, sometimes
two or three parts, in really extrac
9 binary way. In short, when the negro
b are not talking or eatingthey are usll'
i. ly singing hymns. There are sever
: races of negroes in the islands, 81
9 cessors of those originally brought
' the spaniards. Some Of the Afric
Q languages are still spoken by the old
people amongst themselves, thou
y English is the only language one hea
E and remarkably pure English it Is, !
! the most part, with but very lit