Evening star., 1937-09-26
FR0STS UNKNOWN
IN THE BAHAMAS
Water at the Beaches Holds
at About 70 Degrees
Throughout Winter.

In her book, Presenting Nassau"
Helen Boris Higgs uncovers many facts
of interest to the Winter tourist, and
the following notes are cleaned from
the pages:
The islands number approximately
700.
The group is one of Great Britain's
three self-governing colonies, sharir Z
this distinction with Bermuda and
Barbados.
San Salvador, or Whaling Island.
Is generally accepted as the landfall
or COLUMBUS. 1t is small island. IL
miles long and miles in width. much
of the area of which is covered by a
lake
The Island of New Providence, on
which the capital city and famous
pleasure resort of Nassau is located. is
about Il miles in length from east to
west and miles from north to south.
This island is mostly fiat, though a
range of rocky mills makes its appear
ance in several parts of the island.
Population Largely Colored.
The Bahama Islands have a popu-
Iation of about $4,000. The city of
Nassau represents 10000, of which
two-thirds are colored. Next to New
Providence, the Island of Eleuthera is
the largest in population, having about
$500 natives.
The lowest recorded temperature in
the annals of the Weather Bureau is
53 degrees. The separation of the
Bahamas group from the mainland of
the United States by the warm Gulf
stream accounts for the high average
winter temperature. The cold winds
from the North are warmed by the
Gulf Stream before reaching the Ba-
hamas. This accounts for the great
difference in temperature between
Florida, where frosts are not infre-
ouent, and the Bahamas, where they
are unknown.
The Bahamas are rich in native
howering plants and ferns. Over $50
varieties of plants have been identified
IN the islands. Thirty species of
orchids and several indigenous palms
have been found.
The most important industry in the
Islands is the gathering OF sponges.
The sponge is a submarine animal
With a porous body. The skeleton of
elastic fiber that remains after the
removal of the living matter is the
commercial product.
On the shallow banks that lie within
Do1, - L.
as couch abound.
Straw plating engages many of the
Out Island and New Providence native
women. Durable, attractive mats are
produced and these are used in most
of the homes in Nassau. Bags and
hats also are made of straw and are
sometimes of very fine quality. Two
types OF straw are in use. that from
the coconut tree, which is dyed a nat
ural soft brown. and that from a local
palm. which is straw-yellow when dry.
Carriages. taxicabs and boats pre-
sent the only means of conveyance on
and about New Providence Island.
Water Around 10 Degrees.
Paradise Beach is one of the finest
In the world. The long curve of sand
Is unusually free of stones and bare
rock. Most of it is sheltered from the
eNrf. but II surf bathings is desired
1t Is only short walk down the beach
to the unprotected area where the
combers roll in. The temperature of
the water is posted daily and is rarely
below 10 degrees in the Winter months.
The beauty of the white coral sand
and unbelievably clear water is un-
surpassed.
Fort Charlotte is the largest and
most interesting of Nassau's three
forts. The main part of the fort
was constructed in 1893
The water tower. near Fort Fin
castle, aside from its utilitarian pur-
pose of giving pressure to the supply
of excellent water for Nassau, offers
from its summit panoramic view
Of practically the whole of New Prov
idence Island.
Blackbeard's Tower is an old watch
tower built and used in buccaneer
days by the pirates. 1t is partly in
ruins now, but this only adds reality
10 the tales it might tell if able. 1t
Is situated miles east of Nassau
on a hill which must be ascended
on foot.
The Oueen's Staircase ie b,,t , fau.