Your search within this document for 'general' resulted in 97 matching pages.
 
1

“...CONTENTS CHA'- PAGE I. General Information . . i C II. General Information (coni.) . 27 . III. Barbados . . . . *57 \ IV. British Guiana . . . . 78 V. Jamaica * . . , 100 ^ VI. Trinidad......................... \ VII. Tobago . - _ rj2 ^VIII. Grenada......................jgj IX. St. Vincent . -173 ■ X. St. Lucia....................X88 < XI. Antigua......................... f XII. St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, Montserrat . . . .216 ^ XIII. Dominica . . - .................234 XIV. The Virgin Islands, Guade- loupe, Martinique . . 246 « A...”
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“...THE WEST INDIAN SEASON 1909—10. Since this Guide was published few material altera- tions have been made in the general arrangements for visitors to British Guiana and the West Indies. The principal change has been in connection with Jamaica, Kingston having been practically destroyed by earthquake and fire since this volume left the printer’s hands. It is now being rapidly rebuilt; but operations have hardly advanced sufficiently far as yet to render it possible to describe the new city, which will Be greatly superior to its predecessor in every respect. Under contract with the Government, The Royal Routes. Mail Steam Packet Company now maintains a fort- nightly intercolonial mail' service performed under ordinary circumstances by the two new and yacht- like steamers Berbice and Balantia (each 2500 tons, twin screw) specially built to suit the West Indian climate. The Company has arranged for a series of independent and organised tours during the winter from England and New York at prices...”
3

“...THE POCKET GUIDE TO THE WEST INDIES CHAPTER I GENERAL INFORMATION The West Indies—Position and Names—Geology—Climate— Health—Food and Beverages—Meals—Expenses—Money —Banks—Routes to the West Indies. The West Indies are a chain of islands varying Position in size from 44,000 square miles, which is the 8110 Names- area of Cuba, to small islets of only a few acres I in extent, stretching in a curve from Florida to ' the northern coast of South America. Begin- ning at the north-west with the Bahamas, they end at the south-east with Trinidad off the coast of Venezuela. The origin of their name is trace- able to the fact that when they were first sighted / by Columbus he believed that he had reached India by a western route, which it was his object and ambition to do. The name Antilles, which is also given to the islands, is said to be derived from Antilla, or Antiglia, a mythical land which A...”
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“...GENERAL INFORMATION 3 many interests which they and the islands have in common. Of the foreign islands of the West Indies, and Foreign indeed of all, Cuba, an independent republic, is CoIonies' by far the largest, next to which comes San Domingo, the old Espagnola or Hispaniola, which comprises Hayti at the western end and San Domingo proper at the eastern end. The other foreign islands of importance are: Puerto Rico (American), St. Thomas, Santa Cruz, and St. John (Danish), Guadeloupe and Martinique (French), and Curasao and its dependencies (Dutch). Without entering into an elaborate disquisition Geology, as to the formation of the islands, it may be mentioned that most have very distinct traces of volcanic origin, while the small coral animal has also done its work in providing a field for European colonisation. It soon becomes abun- dantly clear to the visitor that the islands are the peaks of a submerged range of mighty mountains. The size of all the British West Indian Islands and...”
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“...GENERAL INFORMATION 5 are subject to occasional hurricanes in August, September, and October; but, fortunately, such dis- turbances do not come without warning, and due notice of their approach is signalled from stations of the United States Weather Bureau, the signal being two red flags with a black centre hoisted one above the other. > Hurricanes of such violence as to cause serious damage to buildings or loss of life are, happily, nöt frequent in any given place. For example, Montserrat, which suffered from a hurricane in 1899, had, it is said, previously en- joyed immunity for upwards of one hundred years. Volcanic eruptions are confined to the Mon- tagne Pelée in Martinique and the Soufrière in St. Vincent, both of which had been quiescent for very many years prior to the trouble of 1902, and seismic movements are generally so slight as to be scarcely noticeable. During January, Febru- ary, and March the north-east trade-winds blow with great regularity, rendering these months par-...”
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“...GENERAL INFORMATION 7 The question of food and beverages in the West Food and Indies is one which deserves a few remarks. To Be76rages- a visitor fresh from temperate climes, both pre- sent decided features of novelty. Beef and mutton find their places on the board, though, owing to the climate, they are as a rule tough, except in the larger islands, in which supplies from the United States are obtainable. Chicken and guinea-fowl figure extensively on the menu, but, beyond these, a tropical table differs materially from one at home. This is chiefly the case in so far as concerns the fish and vegetables. Of the former there are the flying-fish—the dish par excellence of Barbados, and very good it is, too—snapper, snook, mullet and grouper, all of which are deservedly popular. Among the vegetables are yams—floury and soft to the palate—sweet pota- toes, tannias, eddoes, ochros—the pods of which, cooked like asparagus, are excellent—plantains, delicious when fried, cassava, Indian corn, papaw...”
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“...GENERAL INFORMATION 9 a quarter hours, and then boiled again next day for half-an-hour. On the third day the pepper- pot will be ready for table. The pot must be constantly replenished, and if heated up day after day it will last for many years: in fact, if carefully tended, the older it is the better. Indeed, the writer has been privileged to partake of a “ pepper- pot ” said to be over one hundred years old. In Dominica and the French islands the edible frog known as the crapaud (Hana esculc?itci) is considered a great delicacy, and, one might add, very succulent. It is served to unsuspecting visitors under the name of “mountain chicken.” The iguana, a tree lizard, also furnishes a palatable dish, while gru-gru worms, large maggots—as for want of a more appropriate name they must be called—found in the growing heart of the palm trees, are also looked upon as a choice luxury. The taste in regard to beverages in the West Indies follows very closely that prevailing at home; but a new-comer...”
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“...GENERAL INFORMATION ii at sea, there are, after the ticket has been paid for, no expenses except for wines, &c., and the in- evitable tips. With regard to the latter, it may be "Tips.” mentioned that to ensure the best attendance it is a good plan to give the cabin steward and waiter their tips in two instalments, half at the begin- ning of the voyage, with a promise of further largess if satisfaction is given. * For a voyage of twelve days it is usual to give the cabin steward £1, the waiter at table ios., the bathroom steward 5s., and the boots 2s. 6d. On shore, ten percent, of the amount of the charge or bill will be found to be a good basis for calculating the amount of tips. At most of the hotels and lodgings in the Hotels and West Indies, from 8s. 4d. to 12s. 6d. per day is Lodgings' the minimum charge for board and lodging. Added to this must be the expenses of various expeditions, involving the use of buggies, horses, boats and trains but the tourist will be on the safe side if...”
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“...in Antigua, Barbados, British Guiana (Berbice and Demerara), Dominica, Grenada (brancfT'at St. George’s and an agent at Grenville), Jamaica (branch at Kingston, sub-branch at Montego Bay, and agents at Falmouth and Savanna-la-Mar), St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, St. Vincent, and Trinidad (branch at Port of Spain, and agent at San Fernando). The Bank issues letters of credit, drafts on demand, and telegraphic transfers on the branches, receives for collection bills of exchange, and conducts general banking business connected with the West Indies. The Colonial Bank also affords banking facilities be- tween the West Indies and Canada through its agents in the Dominion, the Bank of British North America. The Bank of Nova Scotia has branch offices in Jamaica and Trinidad, and the Union Bank of Halifax has recently opened an...”
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“...GENERAL INFORMATION 13 office in Jamaica. The British Guiana Bank (established 18365 capital, $1,400,000, $926,520 paid up) has its headquarters in Georgetown, Demerara (38-40 Robb Street), a branch in Ber- bice, and agencies in all the British islands. Having made up his or her mind to visit the Routes to West Indies, the next matter for the consideration todies^ of the tourist is the route to be taken. The facilities for reaching the West Indies, whether from the United Kingdom, Canada, or the United States, are ample, and, except in the case of Jamaica and some of the foreign islands, there are more or less frequent opportunities for getting from island to island by steamer, sloops, or schooners. Unless compelled to do so by stress of circumstances, tourists will do well to avoid the two latter means of communication, which are uncertain and often involve considerable discom- fort. As a general rule, the only sleeping accommo- dation on such vessels is in what is called a “ dog ƒ hutch...”
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“...GENERAL INFORMATION 15 Jamaica, (d) round St. Lucia, (e) round Trinidad and between Trinidad and Tobago, and (ƒ) round Grenada. During the tourist season special yacht- ing steamers are run for attractive tours at low rates. Ordinary fares :— Single Tickets, Out or Home. Return Tickets, Out or Home. Southampton. To or From. First Cabin. *2 c* First Cabin. Second Cabin. Col. X. Col. 2. Ser- vants. Jl Col. X. Col. 2. Ser- vants. Antigua . . . Barbados . . Demerara . Dominica Grenada . . . Jamaica . La Guayra . New York . . Martinique . Montserrat . Nevis .... St. Kitts . . . St. Lucia . . St. Vincent . . Tobago . Trinidad . . . 'S ■g $ 3 'S 'S 3 'Êfè 3 iS 'g ■sfs
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“...GENERAL INFORMATION T7 pay second-cabin rates. Special coaches are attached to a convenient train leaving Padding- ton on the day of embarkation, and are run along- side the steamer at Avonmouth. Fleet:—Port Kingston, 7584 tons; Port Hender- son, 5167 tons; Port Royal, 4455 tons; Port Antonio, 4458 tons; Port Morant, 2900 tons, and Port Maria, 2900 tons. The s.s. Delta, belong- ing to this company, has first-class accommodation for travellers, and makes a trip round Jamaica every week, fare ^3. The Demerara and Berbice, Steamship Co. Ltd. From (William Smith & Co., of 86 Leadenhall Street, London- London, E.C.), London to Demerara and Berbice. Fares, ^17, ios. and ^20. The Direct Line (Prentice, Service & Hender- son, 175 West George Street, Glasgow), and The London Line (Scrutton, Sons & Co., 9 Grace- church Street, London, E.C.), London to British Guiana and all the West Indian Islands. Fares : Barbados, Demerara, and Trinidad, ^17, ios.; Antigua, Berbice (British Guiana), Dominica, ...”
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“...GENERAL INFORMATION 19 (Martinique) for Cayenne once a month, touching at the following ports :— Out. Dates. j Dates. Arrive. Depart. 1 Arrive. Depart. ] F ort-de-Fran ce 23 Cayenne 3 St. Lucia 23 23 , I Surinam 4 4 | Trinidad . 24 24 1 Demerara s 5 1 Demerara 26 26 Trinidad 7 7 Surinam . 27 27 St. Lucia 8 8 Cayenne . 28 ... Fort-de-France 9 Another intercolonial steamer plies between Trinidad and Colon, touching at various Vene- zuelan ports. Koninklijke West-Indische Mail Dienst (The From Royal Dutch West India Mail Service, de Ruyter Newayorknd kade 125, Amsterdam), under contract with the Netherlands Government for the conveyance of mails. The steamers of this line sail from Amster- dam and New York every fortnight, the ports of call being Paramaribo (Dutch Guiana), George- town (Demerara), Trinidad, Venezuelan ports, Curasao, Jacmel (Hayti), Aux Cayes, Port au Prince (Hayti), New York, and vice versa. Fleet: — Prins der Nederlanden, 1923 tons; Prins Frederik Hendrik, 2164 tons;...”
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“...GENERAL INFORMATION 2 I leave Hamburg for St. Thomas and Havana, Cuba, arriving at St. Thomas on the ioth or nth, and Havana on the 15 th or 16th. Fares: First cabin, £19. These steamers give a convenient oppor- tunity for travelling between St. Thomas and Havana. Fares: 6s. 8d. On the return journey they leave Havana on the 1st or 2nd, reaching St. Thomas on' the 5 th or 6th. The steamers on this service are Syria and St. Jan. Children over twelve full fare, from two to twelve, half fare, and under two years free. Pickford Ó* Black Steamship Company, Ltd. From (Halifax, N.S.). The steamers of this company, Canada- which is under contract with the Canadian Government, sail from St. John, New Brunswick, and Halifax, N.S., every twelve days, on the fol- lowing routes alternately:— Ports of Call. Distance. Time. Halifax to Bermuda. 800 miles 72 hours Bermuda to St. Kitts 925 .» 86 ,, St. Kitts to Antigua . 60 ,, 6 ,, Antigua to Dominica 123 ,, 12 1, Dominica to Barbados 170 ,, IS Barbados...”
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“...GENERAL INFORMATION 23 Laupar, 1400 tons, also runs on these services. When the 1st or the 15th falls on a Sunday the steamer sails at 10 p.m. on the previous night. The Trinidad Lint of Steamers (The Trinidad From Shipping and Trading Co., Ltd., 29 Broadway, Araenca- New York; Richmond Street, Trinidad; Head Office, 62 Buchanan Street, Glasgow). The vessels of this line, which have excellent accom- modation for travellers, leave New York every twelve days for Grenada, Trinidad, and Tobago, and vice versa. Rates of passage: single fare, $50 G£IO> 8s. 4d.) to I65 (^13, 1 os. rod.); return fare, $87^ (;£i8, 4s. 7d.) to $250 (^52, is. 8d.). A special round tourist ticket, including seven days’ stay at the Queen’s Park Hotel, Trinidad, is issued for $123 (f26, os. iod.). The passage occupies about eight days. Steamers: Maracas, 3500 tons; Grenada, 3000 tons, and Maraval, 3000 tons. The United Fruit Company (131 State Street, Boston, U.S.A.). Steamers of this line leave Boston (Long Wharf) and...”
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“...GENERAL INFORMATION 25 the first port takes about six days, and the length of time spent at each of the islands about six or eight hours. After discharging cargo the steamer usually proceeds to the next port at night, so that tourists have an opportunity of going ashore during the daytime. The length of time required to make the round trip from New York to Deme- rara and back is almost thirty days, the steamers calling off the islands on the voyage north in passing, whether by day or at night, just to pick up mails and passengers. The rate of passage from New York to any island is $40 (£8, 6s. 8d.), %° G£i°> 8s. 4d.), and $55 (^n, 9s. 2d.), accord-, ing to the accommodation, and to Demerara, $65 (£t-3> ios. rod.). For some special deck cabins there is an extra charge of $5 {£1, os. rod.). Return tickets are double the above rates. The s.s. Trinidad or the s.s. Pretoria sails every three weeks to Barbados direct, calling at the Islands to pick up produce on the voyage north. This is a popular...”
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“...CHAPTER II GENERAL INFORMATION (continued) Outfit—The Voyage—Thé Customs—Telegrams—Postal facili- ties—Population — Religion—Freemasonry—Language— The Laundry—Books on the West Indies. There is no need to buy an elaborate outfit Outfit, for a visit to the West Indies. It should be , borne in mind that the less luggage that is taken Luggage. | the better it is for the temper. Where much land travelling is contemplated, substantial leather suit ^ cases and portmanteaux are best. They can be kept in good condition and insect proof by periodical applications of brown boot polish. A capacious canvas sack, with a padlock fastening, into which surplus effects can be dumped at the last minute, is the greatest convenience, and a fold-up cabin “ tidy ” with pouches for the various articles of toilet is almost indispensable. Should the steamer be the base of operations of the tourist, steel or stout leather cabin trunks are recommended, the most convenient size being 36 ins. long, 20 ins. wide, and...”
18

“...GENERAL INFORMATION 29 for long day excursions before dawn, when the 1 temperature is, comparatively speaking, low, a I loose flannel coat or wrap is indispensable. A thin silk tea-gown and an ordinary evening dress should also form part of the outfit. Tourists will be well advised not to make themselves too con- . spicuous with puggarees and similar eccentricities, ' as cabmen and boatmen naturally consider those who do so to be fair game, and deal with them accordingly. Sun hats are best purchased locally. Blue spectacles are a comfort in Barbados, where the glare from the coral roads is very trying. A waterproof cape will be found convenient, but in ordering it care should be taken to mention that it is for use in the tropics, as beetles have a predilection for inferior caoutchouc. Kid and patent leather should be avoided for foot wear for the same reason. Deck chairs can nowadays Deck generally be hired aboard the steamers (R.M.S.P. Chairs> Co., 4s.), but to ensure complete comfort...”
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“...GENERAL INFORMATION 3i are aboard, and the steamer is slipping down Southampton Water, passing Netley on the left, or the port side, as it should now be called. On turning into the Solent, Cowes is seen, and then in succession Yarmouth, Totlands Bay, Alum Bay, and the Needles to the left, with Hurst Castle standing out on a spit of sand to the right. The pilot is dropped off the Needles, and the steamer proceeds to Cherbourg, where passengers are embarked that evening, and thence, under the present arrangements, to Vigo, whose magnificent Vigo, bay has been the scene of many naval engage- ments. The town was assaulted and burnt by the English under Drake and Norris in 1589; and, on October 22, 1702, the combined English and Dutch fleets attacked the French and Spanish in the port. Several men-of-war and galleons were taken and many destroyed, and an abund- ance of plate and other valuable effects fell into the hands of the conquerors. Vigo was taken by Lord Cobham in 1719, but relinquished...”
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“...GENERAL INFORMATION 33 “ I have fought for Queen and Faith like a valiant man and true; . . . With a joyful spirit I Sir Richard Grenville die.” After passing the Azores, awnings are put out, md the first touch of the tropics begins to make itself felt; cooler garments are donned, and the officers of the ship appear in white suits. Soon the Sargasso Sea is entered, and tourists will note, The probably for the first time, the remarkable Gulf l^8*80 weed, which floats in a vast eddy or central pool of the Atlantic between the Gulf Stream and the Equatorial current. It was on entering this sea that the crew of Columbus’ ship very nearly mutinied, believing as they did that their vessels had reached land, and were on the verge of running on the rocks, though really the ocean is here fully four miles deep. The origin of this mass of weed is not known, but it presumably was once attached to rocks, though it is now propagated as it floats on the surface. In colour, it is yellow, and it supports...”