Page:Voyage in search of La Perouse, volume 1 (Stockdale).djvu/418

390 which should have been employed to a much better purpose.

8th. But this day, light had scarcely appeared, when we were upon the road. In crossing it we directed our course towards its entrance, and very nearly approached a redoubt, about 5,000 toises distant from the town. In that place, the road was at least 3,500 toises in breadth; so that an enemy had nothing more to fear from this battery, than from the first which I have described. This is constructed exactly in the same manner; but it is situated nearer to the entrance of the road.

Near this spot was a hamlet, composed of some cottages, the neatness of which indicated the easy circumstances of the inhabitants. The sea supplied them copiously with food, and most of the houses were encircled with well cultivated gardens.

Some of those islanders raised fowls, and disposed of them at the market in the town. We accepted the invitation of one of those honest people, who insisted on treating us with new laid eggs.

Most of the gardens were surrounded with shrubs, among which we distinguished the jatropha curcas, which being planted close together, formed