THE STORY OF BERMUDA
By Hudson Strode
From their discovery by Juan de Bermudez in 1510 until the arrival Of the first boat-load of American tourists at the end of last century the BermudaS (there are 150 islands, to- getheiabOut 20 square miles in area) suffered many extreme changes of fortune. Admiral Somers, mteeked. there on his way to Virginia, took possession in the name of England in 1609. There followed three periods of great prosperity founded on, respectively, tobacco, ,_privateering, blockade- running, separated by three great depressions whenithe Bermudan seamen, possessing little ability or inclination for agriculture, grew onions and arrowroot and wove -.palmetto hats for export. Today, as "the American Riviera,", Ber- muda is enjoying its fourth -wave of prosperity: MiAtiode's book (Jarrolds, 18s.) is largely devoted to describing the island's attractions, though his historical summary is Unusually good for a book of this kind. The main attractions are the climate, the natural beauty and tranquillity of the island (cat's are not allowed), and tnexiost_exclusive American society. There are also literary associations, with Toni Xtoore'and Mark Twain, to complete the list of charms, which, incidentally, -attracted-70,000 visitors in 1931. This super souvenir-guide can- be recommended to all visitors and intending visitors.
Previous page
