"times northward and some- times southward" under the influence of the easterly trade winds [N.B. find out whether this current is variable in direction and how variable in strength] The mangrove swamps look to be impassable, but shallow; tortuous natural canals give boat access to most parts of them. They are a great resort for ducks and other migratory water birds during the winter months and hunters' huts are perched on piles in some of the lagoons in their northern part. The high-way from Pointe à Pitre, the commercial center to Basse-Terre the political capital of the Colony crosses the Rivière