Relative to the towns in the West Indies, I shall offer but a few remarks; and, I regret to think that these can seldom be laudatory,—no just principle having been acted on either in the selection of their sites, or in their construction,—expediency, or immediate profit in the way of business, having been in all respects more considered than the sanitary circumstances, every where so important, and more especially so in a tropical climate.

Most of the towns, with the objects just mentioned in view, are situated on the leeward coast, close to the sea, and mostly in low situations equally unfavorably for ventilation and drainage, for coolness consequently, and the absence of malaria or noxious effluvia. Not one of them that I am acquainted with, is provided with sewers, or is efficiently drained, or is well supplied with water,—great and fatal omissions in regard to the health, comfort, and welfare of their inhabitants.

In their general appearance and aspect, with one or two exceptions, there is little that is attractive;—even the best of them have few pretensions to beauty; they are mostly inferior in this respect to second rate country towns in England.