"the flats more extensive. [24] deposits of red clay are abundant. The mountain axis of Basse Terre lies west of the middle of the island. The western slopes of mountains receive much less moisture and rain than the eastern. They are much steeper than the eastern, the valleys are more profound, the lowlands are narrower or lacking entirely. West of Trois Rivières the road rises rapidly to gain the top of the high ridge or col connecting the mountains of Vieux Fort with the main mountain range of the island. On this ridge there is an area of lava blocks and other debris apparently issued from the Soufrière and which (trade)