Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 4.djvu/563

 Port Jackson, or Queenstown, are described as "the finest harbour in the world."

By the treaty of 1885, this inlet was ceded to France, which has made it a harbour of refuge and a victualling station for its navy. The whole basin, about two miles broad, is divided by the islet of Nossi Volane into two secondary harbours, approached by a channel from 20 to 25 fathoms deep and ramifying in all directions for many miles inland. The south-western branch is no less than

27 miles long, and most of these creeks are deep and thoroughly sheltered. On the south side, near the village of Antsinana, stand the French establishments, completed by groups of hovels largely occupied by runaway slaves. This is the capital of the French province of Madagascar, which also includes the two islands of St. Mary and Nossi Bé; and although it may never develop a large local trade, it occupies a magnificent strategic position, commanding at once both sides of the great island, as well as the Comoro and Mascarenhas groups. In 1888 steps were taken to found a health resort on one of the crests of Amber Cape,