BRITISH SETTLEMENT


groups of lofty cocoa.nut trees, -and
thickly interspersed and lively foliage of
the tamarind, contribute to, give a very
picturesque and pleasing effect to the
dwellings of the inhabitants, indepepd-
ent of the advantage conferred by their
grateful shade, a luxury which only those
who have felt the powerful and subduing
influence of a tropical sun, can fully
appreciate. The regularity of the winds'
whiehb prevail. in this country' has beei
mentioned, and. were it not for the salu-
brity of these, the settlement would cer,
tainly be far less healthful than it is, as it
is placed at the edge of an immense
swamp which extends many miles back,
and which at most seasons abounds with
stagnant waters, but that during the rains
is completely overflowed.
 The number of houses of all descrip-
 tions contained in Balize may be number-
 ed at about two hundred. Many of these,
 particularly such as are owned by the