Page:The crater; or, Vulcan's peak.djvu/390

150 THE CRATER; hoops, iron in bars, hemp, and such other articles as were wanted for the trade. By this time, the Rancocus had returned, and had dis charged her inward-bound cargo at the Reef, bringing excellent returns for the oils sent to Hamburgh. She now lay in Whaling Bight, being about to load anew with oil that had been taken during her absence. Saunders was as busy as a bee ; and Mrs. Saunders, who had come across from her own residence on the Peak, in order to remain as long as possible with her husband, was as happy as the day was long; seeming never to tire of exhibiting her presents to the other women at the Bight. At the Reef itself, an exceedingly well-built little town was springing up. Since the removal of the whaling ope rations to the Bight, all nuisances were abated, and the streets, quays, and public walks were as neat as could be desired. The trees had grown wonderfully, and the gar dens appeared as verdant and fresh as if they had a hun dred feet of loam beneath them, instead of resting on solid lava, as was the fact. These gardens had increased in numbers and extent, so that the whole town was embedded in verdure and young trees. That spot, on which the sun had once beaten so fiercely as to render it often too hot to be supported by the naked foot, was now verdant, cool, and refreshing, equally to the eye and to the feelings. The streets were narrow, as is desirable in warm climates thus creating shade, as well as increasing the draughts of air through them ; it being in the rear that the houses ob tained space for ventilation as well as for vegetation. The whole number of dwellings on the Reef now amounted to sixty-four ; while the warehouses, public buildings, ships, offices, and other constructions, brought the number of the roofs up to one hundred. These buildings, Colony House and the warehouses excepted, were not very large cer tainly, but they were of respectable dimensions, and neat and well put together. Colony House was large, as has been mentioned ; and though plain, certain ornaments had been completed, which contributed much to its appear ance. Every building, without exception, had some sort of verandah to it; and as most of these additions were now embowered in shrubs or vines, they formed delightful places of retreat during the heat of the day.