Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Bermudas, The

BERMUDAS, THE, or SOMERS' ISLANDS, a group of small islands, about 300 in number, in the North Atlantic Ocean, belonging to Great Britain, 580 miles from Cape Hatteras; area, about 30 square miles. The principal islands are 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 vessels 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. Fish abound, and form a profitable source of industry to the inhabitants. Breadstuff s, etc., are imported from the United States, and manufactured goods from England. The imports in 1918 amounted to £692,742, and the exports to £119,977. The tonnage entering and clearing the ports in 1918 amounted to 732,613. During the World War Bermuda was an important station for the British Navy. Hamilton, on Bermuda Island, is the seat of the colonial government. Pop. of capital (1918) 2,700; of the islands 21,629. These islands were discovered by Bermudez, a Spaniard, in 1522, and settled by the English in 1607.