Bermudas

The, or Somer’s Islands, a group of small islands, about 300 in number, in the North Atlantic Ocean, belonging to Great Britain, stretching N. W. about 20 miles, the lighthouse on Gibb’s Hill being 580 miles S. E. of Cape Hatter as; area, about 80 square miles. The principal islands are those of Bermuda, St. George, Ireland, and Somerset. The protection afforded to shipping by their numerous bays, and their position in the track.of the homeward bound West India ve els, have led to the conversion of the Bermudas into a maritime rendezvous, and likewise, into a British naval station for West Indian fleets. The harbor of St. George’s Island has been greatly improved, is fortified, protected by a breakwater, and has water and space enough to float the largest fleet. The principal productions are fruits, vegetables, maize, and tobacco. Pineapples are very abundant and largely exported. The climate is mild and salubrious; almost realizing the idea of a perpetual spring.