ST. JOHN


beaches are limited semi-level valley mouths-sometimes dry and
sandy, sometimes characterized by mangrove swamps in various
stages of transition. Most of the bay-valleys are relatively broad
along the beach but short in depth, with mountains rising at steep
angles along the sides and heads. Exceptions to this rule are the
valleys extending back into the mountains from Durloe Bay, Coral
Bay, and Reef Bay. The saddle between Mary Point and Fredrikdal
at Francis Bay is also an exception to the general coastal environ-
ment. Except for the summit areas extending from Susannaberg to
Hammer Farm and the limited region of Bordeaux, the only places
of practical utility to a pre-Columbian population would have been
along the coasts. Remaining lands were rocky, steep, and doubtless
dense in thornbush and forest or, as in the east, dry and inhospit-
able.
 With these features in mind, we set as our primary goal the re-
 connaissance of the island's perimeter, the bay-valleys, and spot
 checks in the higher elevations. All of these regions were examined
 and are outlined in systematic order below on a geographical basis.
 As situations would warrant, the reconnaissance would continue in
 one region while one or two of the team conducted test excava-
 tions in seemingly important sites.
 Lind Point: The southeast face of Lind Point forms a north
 limit of Cruz Bay and is a steep slope with a small mangrove pond.
 Westward and northward around the point we encountered rock-
 fall and poor beach conditions. This same inhospitable feature
 continues to the north side of the point. There was no evidence
 here of prehistoric occupation or usage.
 Salomon Bay: This so-called "bay" is merely a northwest flank
of Kaneel Hill presenting a good sandy beach, but 30 yards back
from the high tide limit, the slope rises rocky and steep. Five
sherds were collected from the surface, Site 1, indicating possible
camp use. As this area is not well suited for anything but passing
usage, it is not surprising that more evidence of occupation was
not observed.
 Durloe Bay (Cancel Bay): This bay is one of the best protected
arms of the sea to be found on the island. The south is protected
by the high flanks of Kaneel Hill. The head of the bay forms a
shore with good beaching potential for native or modern small
craft. A low promontory, Durloe Point, protects the bay to the