CONTRIBUTIONS FROM HER MAJESTY'S COLONIES TO THE PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1876. BAHAMAS. A chain of islands lying between 21° 42′ and 27° 34′ N. lat., and 72° 40′ and 79° 5′ W. long. The group is composed of about 20 inhabited islands and an immense number of islets and rocks. The principal islands are New Providence (containing the capital, Nassau), Abaco, Harbour Island, Eleuthera, Inagua, Mayaguana, St. Salvador, Andros Island, Great Bahama, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, Exuma, Long Island, Crooked Island, Acklin Island, Long Cay, Watling's Island, the Berry Islands, and the Biminis. St. Salvador, one of the islands composing this chain, was the first land discovered by Columbus on his voyage in 1492. New Providence was settled by the English in 1629, and held till 1641, when the Spaniards expelled them, but made no attempts to settle there themselves. It was again colonized by England in 1667, but fell into the hands of the French and Spaniards in 1703, after which it became a rendezvous for pirates, who were in 1718 extirpated, when a regular colonial administration was established, and the seat of Government was fixed there. In 1781 the Bahamas were surrendered to the Spaniards, but at the conclusion of the war they were once more annexed by, and finally confirmed to, Great Britain at the Peace of Versailles, 1783. In 1848 the Turks and Caicos Islands were separated from the other Bahamas, and formed into a distinct Government, under the Government-in-Chief of the Governor of Jamaica. The Turks and Caicos Islands lie between 21° and 22° N. lat., and 71° and 72° 37' W. long. Trade and Industry. There are ten colonial custom-houses and ports of entry in the Government of the Bahamas, viz., Nassau, Abaco, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Exuma, Rum Cay, Long Island, Long Cay, Inagua, and Ragged Island. Considerable quantities of pine-apples, oranges, and sponges are exported, chiefly to England and the United States. The pine-apple crop is very precarious. The industry of salt raking has ceased to be remunerative, owing to the high protective duties imposed on salt by the United States. Experiments in coffee planting and other branches of industry have been commenced under the patronage of the present Governor. The history of the Bahamas began in 1492, when Columbus, the great pioneer, navigator, and discoverer of a New World landed on the shore of Guanaliani and named it St. Salvador. Commerce did not immediately follow in the wake of discovery, but about 250 years after that event, pine apples were grown at and exported from Eleuthera, and 50 years later cotton was extensively cultivated, and salt and wood added to the exports. At the present time the colony's staples are salt, fruit, sponge, barks, dye and furniture woods, guano, and straw, turtle shell, fish scale and shell work. The articles on exhibition fairly represent the productions and manufactures of these islands, and both might be indefinitely extended. But it is not the commercial position of the Bahamas only which should make a knowledge of them general. Their equality and wonderful salubrity of climate commend them to all who seek a genial, healthy, life-giving atmosphere. As a winter home for the afflicted, Peter Henry Bruce wrote nearly a century and a half ago, "It is no wonder the sick fly hither for relief, being sure to find a cure here." Modern travellers also testify that as a resort from damp and cold to sunshine and summer for those who require change and climatic benefit the Bahamas offer peculiar advantages. The heat is tempered by an ocean breeze of softness and purity seldom experienced elsewhere. Tropical flowers gladden the eye, and the luscious pineapple, orange, and melon tempt the palate with their freshness and beauty. Fish abound in the clear pellucid waters surrounding these islands, and the northern fowl seek a home on the lakes. In a word, the Bahamas scem by nature fitted as a grand sanitarium for the afflicted from the North American Continent, and as a most desirable winter resort for all who wish to escape the rigours of the Northern Season. Cl. 600, 601. SPECIMENS OF WOODS (MANUFAC- Where the Price is given it is always to be Sawyer, R. H., & Co. 1 log Sabicu or 3 pieces Green Ebony (dye), largely exported George, Jno. s. 1 piece Logwood (dye), Cl. 600, 601. generally exported to London. 4 pieces Braziletto (do.), generally exported to the United States. 2 pieces Green Ebony (do.) 1 piece Yellow pine (furniture), large forests of Pitch Pine are in the Bahamas not utilized. 1 piece Sabicu or Horseflesh (do.) 1 piece Mahogany (do.) 1 piece Cedar (do.) 1 piece Satin Wood (do.) 1 piece Stopper Wood (do.) 1 piece Orange Wood (do.), not at present exported. 1 piece Lignum Vitæ (do.), exported to London. Nos. 12 to 22. CL. 600, 601 Cl. 600, 601. Cl. 600, 601. Cl. 600, 601. Dupuch, Joseph. 65 Walking Canes, all manufactured out of woods growing in the Bahamas. 2 Crab Wood, each $1 25, can be supplied in Nassau from the tree at $12 per 100. 2 Red Crab Wood, each $1 25, in Nassau at $12 per 100. 2 Casava Wood, each $1, in Nassau at 4c. per foot. 2 Black Torch, each $1 25, in Nassau at $12 per 100 2 Lignum Vitae, each 75c., in Nassau at $12 per ton. 2 Cocoanut Wood, each $1. 2 Mahogany, each $1, in Nassau at 4c. per foot. 2 Sabicu, each $1, in Nassau at 4c. per foot. 2 Satin Wood, each 75c., in Nassau at 4c. per foot. 2 Iron Wood, each $1 25, in Nassau at $12 per 100. 2 Green Ebony, each $1 25. 2 Red Stopper, each $1, in Nassau at 4c. per foot. 3 White do., each 50c., in Nassau at 4c. per foot. 2 Mastic Wood, each 75c., in Nassau at 4c. per foot. 2 Saffron do., each 50c., in Nassau at $12 per 100. 2 Cascarilla, with Bark, each 50c., in Nassau at $12 per 100. 2 Crab Wood do., each 50c., in Nassau at $12 per 100. 1 Prince do., do., each 25c., in Nassau at $12 per 100. 3 Red Stopper do., each 25c., in Nassau at $12 per 100. 1 White Stopper do., each 25c., in Nassau at $12 per 100. 6 Hercules Club do., set $4, in Nassau at $10 per 100. 4 Wild Lemon do., each 25c., in Nassau at $12 per 100. 2 Tamarind do., 25c., in Nassau at $8 per 100. 2 White Torch do., 50c., in Nassau at $12 per 100. 2 Black Torch do., 50c., in Nassau at $12 per 100. 2 Guava do., 25c., in Nassau at $12 per 100. 2 Wild Coffee do., 25c., in Nassau at $12 per 100. 3 Wild Cane do., 25c., in Nassau at $4 per 100. 2 Lemon do., 25c., in Nassau at $15 per 100. letters A to Z, AA to AC. C. No. 23, Walking Wallace, Alexander Canes, viz.:-4 Crab Wood, with heads, $2 50. 2 do., without heads, $1 50. 2 Green Ebony, $2 50. No. 24, letters BC to BE. Armbrister, James A. 18 Walking Canes, viz.:-12 Green Ebony, $1 25. 6 Satin Wood, $1 25. Manufactured at Long Island, Bahamas. No. 25, letters CD, CE. SPONGES. Sawyer, R. H. & Co. 1 string Sheep Wool Sponge, 1 Velvet do., 1 Yellow do., 1 Grass do., 1 Reef do. To be sold to the highest bidder. Largely exported to London and the United States. Nos. 29 to 33. SHELLS AND SHELL WORK. Sawyer, R. H. & Co. 6 King Conch Shells, 6 Queen Conch do., 6 Common Pink Conch do., 3 Lamp Conch do. To be sold to the highest bidder. Largely exported to London. Nos. 34 to 37. George, John S. 7 Queen Conch Shells. No. 38. Saunders, Samuel P. 1 case containing about 100 varieties small shells, $100. The shells in this case were all collected in the Bahamas. No. 39. Treco, P. A. 1 case containing Bahama Shells, $100. The shells were collected and arranged by J. R. Saunders. No. 40. Cases containing Evans, Ellen G. E. 1 Shell Cross, $100; 1 Shell Basket, $60; 1 Bridal Wreath, $30. Manufactured out of Bahama Shells. Nos. 41 to 43. Symonett, Mrs. Mathew. Cases containing 1 Palm Tree, $12; 1 Watch Stand, $25. Nos. 44 to 45. Eldon, Mrs. James. Case containing 1 Orange Tree, $25. No. 46. Garner, Mrs. Maria E. Cases containing 1 Basket, $60; 1 Fruit Basket, $60; 1 Bridal Wreath, $20; 1 Spray, $4; 1 do., $3; 1 do., $3. Nos. 47 to 49, letters A to D. Robertson, Mrs. S. E. Case containing Epergne, $500. No. 50. Atwell, Misses. Cases containing Memorial Wreath, $140; Cornucopia, $45; 1 doz. sets Brooches and Earrings, $3 each or $35 the lot. Nos. 51 to 53. All manufactured out of Shells and Fish TORTOISE SHELL AND SHELL WORK. George, John S. 6 pieces Tortoise Shell; obtained from Hawksbill Turtle, largely exported to London. 1 lot Loggerhead Shell; U Cl. 650. Cl. 645, 254. Cl. 645, 254. Cl. 645, 254. Cl. 645, 254. Cl. 645, 254. Cl. 645, Cl. 645, 254. Cl. 645, 254. Cl. 645, 254. Cl. 645, 254. Cl. 645, 254. Cl. 645, 254. Cl. 645, 845. Cl. 605, 254. Cl. 605, 254. Cl. 600, 666, Cl. 600, 666, 287. obtained from Loggerhead Turtle, largely exported to London. Nos. 54, 55. Centennial Exhibition Committee, Nassau. 1 Tortoise Back, cleaned and polished entire, $75. Cleaned and polished by J. R. Saunders, Nassau. No. 56. Minns, Albert C. J. 1 case containing tortoise shell ornaments, viz., Lady's set consisting of Necklace, Pin and Earrings, Bracelets, Solitaires and Studs, $ 140; Gentleman's set consisting of Albert Chain and Charms, Scarf Ring, Solitaires and Studs, and Vest Button, $50; Lady's Necklace and Locket, $30; 1 Spoon 1, Paper Knife $ 10. All the tortoise shell work is manufactured by hand and is warranted genuine. No. 57, letters A to D. MIMOSA BEAN WORK. Grant, Misses Julia & Mary. 1 case containing Mimosa Bean Work, viz., Set of Lady's Ornaments $5, 1 Card Tray $4 50, 1 pair Watch Cases $2 50, 1 pair Mats $1, 1 case containing Cross $12. Nos. 58 and 59, letters A to D. Centennial Exhibition Committee, Nassau. 1 case Mimosa Bean ornaments, viz., 1 Card Basket $4 50, 2 Bags $4, 2 pairs Bracelets, each $1 50. Manufactured by Messrs. Jarrett, Nassau. No. 60, letters A to C. The Mimosa grows wild in the Bahamas. FIBRES, ROPES, AND PALMETTO WORK. Committee, Centennial Exhibition Nassau.* 1 case containing specimens of Fibres, viz., Fibres of the Pita Plant, Plaintain Tree, Banana do., Pine Apple Plant, Aloe, Esparto Grass; 1 case containing specimens of Fibres viz., Wool made from Leaf of Forest Pine, Pita Plant, Banana Tree, and Plaintain. None of the Bahama Fibres are at present utilized; could, however, be obtained and exported in large quantities. No. 61, letters A to F; No. 62, letters G to J. Knowles, Joseph A., Long Island. Specimens of wild Fig Tree (Bark), very durable when manufactured into rope; Rope & Net made out of above; Palmetto Rope. Nos. 63 to 65. Centennial Exhibition Committee, Nassau.* Specimens of Palmetto Rope, 3 sizes. Nos. 66. Knowles, Joseph A.,* L.I. Specimens of Palmetto Baskets (3), ditto Mat. Nos. 67, 68. Carroll, Richard E.,* L. I. Specimens of Rope made out of Fibre of Aloe. Not exported but extensively used in the George, Jno. S.* Specimen of Palmetto Leaves. Indigenous to the Bahamas can be extensively exported. * For presentation to the Smithsonian Institution, Washington. No. 70. Centennial Exhibition Committee, Nassau. 1 case containing Palmetto Work, viz., 6 Fans each $1 50, 3 Pearl Edge Hats, $3, 3 Edging Hats, $2. Manufactured by Mrs. Jno. Taylor, Inagua. No. 71, letters A to C. SUNDRIES. Meadows, Jno. G., Inagua, Sargent, D., Inagua, 1 case containing, viz., specimens of Salt and jar of Table Salt. This salt is largely exported to U. S. and Brit. N. America. No. 72. Sawyer, R. H., & Co.,* Saunders, S. P., Brice, D. A.* Specimens of Cotton, produced principally at Long Island and exported to London. No. 73. Saunders, Saml. P.* Specimen of Cave Earth (Fertilizer), exported to United States. No. 74. * For presentation to the Smithsonian Institution, Washington. Sawyer & Co., R. H. Specimens of Bark (Canella Alba and Cascarilla), to be sold to highest bidder. Exported to United States, and London. Nos. 75, 76. George, Jno. S. Specimens of Bark (Cascarilla and Canella Alba, exported to United States and London; Arrow Root and Casava Starch, Bahama manufacture; Bees Wax; Wax made from Myrtle Berry, exported to London. Nos. 77 to 82. Sawyer & Co., R. H. Wax made from Myrtle Berry, to be sold to highest bidder, exported to London. No. 83. Saunders, Saml. P. Specimen of Mammee Sapota or Vegetable Sponge, excellent for bathing purposes; cost about 3c. each. No. 84. CL 287. Cl. 289. CL. 287. CL. 600. CL 254. CL. 200 CL 665. CL 681 CL 600. Cl. 600. 654. 658. Cl. 654 CL. 60% |