(52 LETTER III.

The Author makes a Commeixial 'Road do*wn the Mountain tofacilitate the Shipment of Goods,— The Energy and Liberality of the Natives, in working gratuitously at it,— Description of the Portuguese Tower at Tildie, —Arab Repast there,—Natural Stre?igth ofSanta Cruz, of the Town of Aguzem, and the Portuguese Spring and Tank there, — Attempt of the Danes to land and build a Fort, — Eligibility of the Situation of Santa Cruz,for a Commercial Depot to Supply the whole of the Interior of North Africa with East India and Eu ropean Manufactures.— Propensitij of the Natives to Commerce and Industry, if Opportunity offered, TO THE SAME.

Santa Cruz, 20th March, 1792.

1 HE road up the mountain of Santa Cruz was so dangerous and impassable, that I undertook to repair it ; accordingly, I agreed with a Shiiluh to make it safe and convenient for transporting goods for shipment ; and such was the eager desire of the people for the establishment of the port, that hundreds brought stones and assisted gratuitously in the construction of this road ; so that what would have cost in England thousands of pounds, was here completed for a few hundred dollars.

The natives of this long-neglected territory were too acute not to perceive the field of wealth that was thus opened to their industry j they were convinced, from the traditions of their 'm.