BAHAMAS.

Situation and Area.

The Bahamas are a chain of islands lying between 21° 42′ and 27° 34 N. lat., and 72° 40′ and 79° 5' W. long., composed of about 20 inhabited islands, and an immense number of islets and rocks, comprising altogether 4,466 square miles. The principal islands are New Providence (containing the capital, Nassau), Abaco, Harbour Island, Eleuthera, Inagua, Mayaguana, Ragged Island, Rum Cay. Exuma, Long Island, Long Cay, and the Biminis, all of which are ports of entry; and Great Bahama, Crooked Island, Acklin Island, Cat Island, Watling's Island, once known as St. Salvador, the Berry Islands, and Andros Island (containing the only river).

History.

St. Salvador, one of the islands composing this chain, was the first land discovered by Columbus on his voyage in 1492. A few years later all the Carib inhabitants were transported to work in the Cuba mines, and the islands were abandoned. They were included in the charter given by Queen Elizabeth to Sir Humphrey Gilbert in 1578, but no visit was made to them or occupation effected, and in 1612 they were nominally attached to Virginia. The island of New Providence was

granted by Charles II to a proprietary body in 1670, and in 1671 Captain Johnson Wentworth was appointed by the proprietors to be their first Governor. It fell into the hands of the

were

French and Spaniards in 1703, after which it became a rendezvous for pirates, who extirpated in 1718 by the English, and a regular colonial administration formed. In 1781 the Bahamas were surrendered to the Spaniards, but at the conclusion of the war they were once more annexed by Great Britain, which was confirmed in their possession at the Peace of Versailles, 1783.

In 1848 the Turks and Caicos Islands were separated from the other Bahamas, and formed into a distinct Presidency, under the Government-inChief of the Governor of Jamaica.

The sugar-cane grows luxuriantly in many of the islands, but is little cultivated.

The Colony enjoyed great prosperity during the American Civil War, when it was the headquarters of many blockade running operations. Fishing is extensively carried on, over 100 native-built boats, with 500 men, being employed. Shells and pearls are largely exported. Spongefishing employs a large fleet, over 60,000l. worth being raised annually. Nassau is a port of registry, and had on 31st December, 1887, 574 ships registered, of 28,096 tons.

The chief imports are textile fabrics, bread stuffs, spirits, and wines.

Lighthouses on several of the islands have been established, and are maintained, by the Imperial Government at a cost (1889-90) of 9,5961. per annum.

United States A parcels post with the United Kingdom and the United States has been established.

Constitution.

The Executive Government is conducted, under Letters Patent, by the Governor, aided by an Executive Council of 9 members. The Legislative authority resides in the Governor, a Legislative Council of 9 members, and a Representative Assembly of 29 members. The qualifications of Electors are full age, a residence of 12 months, with land value 5.; or being a householder of premises value 21. 88. in New Providence, or 11. 48. elsewhere, for six months. The qualification of Members is possession of an estate of real or The personal property of the value of 2007. Executive Council is composed partly of official and partly of unofficial Members, who have a seat in one of the branches of the Legislature.

Education.

There is a Government system of elementary education, established 1847, and modified by laws of 1864, 1875, 1885, and 1886. The central controi is in a Board of Education nominated by the Governor. Local Committees, partly elected, exercise local supervision only.

There are 36 unsectarian Government schools, with 4,975 scholars, 11 aided schools with 925 B 2