Group, was discovered early in the seventeenth century by Portuguese seafarers. It was taken possession of by British subjects, and settlements were started in 1625. Since that time it has been ruled under the British flag. Until 1627 the island was the property of the Duke of Marlborough, then was transferred to the Duke of Carlisle, and in 1652 was attached under colonial charter to the British crown. During the two and a half centuries that have passed over this flourishing colony its inhabitants have developed an independent, self-reliant character. Dissensions from the opinions of the home government, interior disturbances by insurrection of the colored population, earthquakes and hurricanes, have failed to disturb the proud, hospitable spirit of planters "to the manner born." In 1816 the most dangerous revolt of the negroes laid in waste more than sixty plantations in four days. At present the protection of life and property, by adequate provisions, is made an object of special consideration, and serious trouble is no longer apprehended.

Geologically speaking, the island is coralline in origin and rises to an elevation of about 800 feet above sea level. Gentle slopes, admirably fitted for a high degree of cultivation, characterize its general appearance. Seen from the sea the bright green canefields, separated from each other by roads of glistening whiteness, produce the impression of one great garden. This, indeed, is not lessened when traveling across country, where one estate joins the other, where dozens of sugar-mills in sight betoken the industry and prosperity of planters. But little timber remains on the island, having been removed for various economical purposes. "Parishes" represent the subdivisions of the total area, and a population of about 170,000 inhabitants testifies to the density of settlement.

Narrow, irregular

Fine villas and

Bridgetown contains about 50,000 souls. streets indicate the older portions of the town. country houses are located in the suburbs. Small wooden huts shelter large families of negroes, while but a short distance off, perhaps, may be the dwelling of an European, who has surrounded himself with everything that good taste and continental habits may require. Large gardens, indicating well developed horticultural ideas on the part of owners, surround the villas. Often the luxurious vegetation completely hides the dwelling from view, with a climate so admirably adapted to plant life, it is not surpris

ing that many people should cultivate flowers and shrubs. To see plants which grow only in green-houses in the fatherland

Clifton Hall Estate.

scattered in profusion over broad grounds, is so fascinating a sight that its influence can hardly fail to affect individual taste. Prominent among the structures of the town is the "Government

Building." An excellent material for architectural purposes is obtained by simply quarrying the coralline rock. It is readily dressed, well adapted to withstand the effects of the moist climate, and is of dazzling whiteness. Trying as this latter property may be under a tropical sun, the effect is certainly imposing. Within the Government Building are located the legislative, judiciary and postal departments. The colonial parliament holds its sessions there, and often the proud spirit of the "true-born Barbadian" has found vent in impassioned speech, defending the colony from real or fancied encroachments upon its colonial rights and prerogatives on the part of the home government. Able minds have there espoused the cause of their native island, and more than once has the introduction of home-measures been withdrawn in consequence. In all matters, however, not pertaining directly to the colony, its citizens are intensely loyal. Frequent visits to the homes of their childhood, as well as the education of sons at the Alma Mater which once sheltered their fathers, tend to sustain the bond which distance and separate interests might gradually weaken. The executive is represented by a Governor, who is appointed from Great Britain, and to whom legal and other assistance is afforded by the Attorney General, the Colonial Secretary, and officers specially appointed. "Government House" is his residence. It is surrounded by grounds which must appear charming to the northern eye. Luxuriant tropical plants, fostered by the hands of skilled gardeners, a tasteful distribution of flowers, shrubs and trees render the park one of great beauty. Within the mansion the visitor meets with apartments typical of the tropics. Large, high rooms, spacious halls, and a subdued elegance at once denote comfort and judicious consideration for sanitary arrangements. The Governor of Barbados has under his charge several other British islands of the Windward Group. Although each one is relatively independent, this partial centralization of executive authority is productive of good results. Difficulties can thus be more readily adjusted, and the similarity of interests assures cooperation.

Strikingly in contrast with the sable hue and light colored garments of the natives are the bright scarlet coats of English troops. A garrison of 800 men is kept at Bridgetown. By their presence the more or less turbulent spirit of the negro population is subdued and the power is at hand to check any sudden insurrection.

Picturesque among the "Red-coats" is the uniform of native East Indian troops, several companies of which are quartered here. Turbans replace the cap or helmet, wide trowsers and leggings the more civilized pantaloons. Of strong build and finely formed, these troops certainly present the appearance of a foe not to be despised. The policy of retaining men of totally different nationalities is one which, in case of emergencies, must be productive of good results wherever applicable.

Higher educational institutions are represented at Bridgetown by Codington College. It is patronized by the sons of planters and merchants, and has furnished a number of men of considerable local prominence. The building is beautifully situated amidst tall palms and groves of flowering trees which only a tropical sun can produce.

Great interest is manifested by the inhabitants in religious matters. The leading denomination is the Church of England, but others are not wanting, notably the Wesleyan. Every "parish" has one or more churches, and Sunday is observed throughout with a rigor which would do justice to an old puritanical settlement. As is found to be the case elsewhere, so here, the colored population enters most zealously into the services.

Consistent with the character of the economic features of the island, is that of the settlers at the main port. Society in Barbados does not present many classes. Planters and merchants lead in wealth, while the government officials form a separate division. distinguished for education and wide experience. Growers of produce are independent, and the complement is made up by workmen and not a few idlers. It is a noticeable feature that on the estates women are far better workers than men and are more reliable. Although a man may have no objections to pulling a heavy boat for several miles in a broiling sun for the compensation of but a few shillings, he would be indignant if requested to work in a canefield at regular and perhaps higher wages. Many of the colored women are tall, well-built, and they move through the streets in a stately manner, certainly never in a hurry. This effect is greatly enhanced by the long trains of their white or light-colored dresses, with which they conscientiously sweep the dusty streets.

Interesting material for study on evolutional development may be found in the growth of a small girl to the dignity of wearing

a long white dress. No doubt, each successive step is to them of the same importance as to their more favored sisters of northerly climes. Covered with but the scantiest apology for a garment, or sometimes elaborately attired in nothing but a string of beads around the neck, the smallest members of the household attend to playing in undisturbed happiness. They are well treated by all and cry by far less than the average country children of our own homes. Entirely at liberty, they roam into the fields, secure a prize in the shape of a huge sugar-cane, and enjoy themselves in gradually chewing up several feet of it. As they grow up their wearing apparel improves. It would be difficult to draw the line sharply at which the most pronounced metamorphosis takes place. By the time they have arrived at an age of comparative usefulness, either at market or in the sugar-house, they have risen to the exalted position of wearing long dresses. While working or walking in the country a "reef" is taken in the dress below the waist. Huge earrings and bracelets begin to ornament the dusky skin and a tastefully draped turban of flashy color protects the head from the rays of a hot sun. The hair is plaited in short, stiff braids and is ornamented with beads and ribbons; a necklace, sometimes more than one, is added; rings with precious glass stones adorn the fingers, and the young woman is ready for an evening promenade. Her good figure and general ornamentation may attract the attention of some stalwart young boatman, and a deepening of color in the dark brown cheeks betrays the blush which his loudly expressed admiration has called forth.

An inconvenient narrowness of sidewalks in town forces pedestrians into the street. There may be found a motley accumulation of donkeys, men, women and children. Once in a while a team drawn by six mules wends its way through the crowded thoroughfare, causing a decided swerving and sudden scattering of the mass of humanity. Here, as on the plantations, women take a leading part in active work. While a great, overgrown darkey may be perched on the top of a cart and allow himself to be drawn by a donkey scarcely larger than a Newfoundland dog, a woman will walk alongside, staggering under a heavy load which she carries on her head. It is amusing to see the accuracy with which these women balance on their heads large wooden trays filled with fruit or vegetables. Both hands free to manage the folds of their ample, flowing dresses, they pass along with heads