The New Student's Reference Work/Bahamas

Baha'mas, a chain of islands belonging to Great Britain, stretching nearly 600 miles in a northwesterly direction from Hayti to Florida. There are twenty-nine islands, 661 islets and 2,387 reefs, occupying an area of 5,450 square miles. The population of the islands is about 58,175, of whom 6,500 are Europeans. Many woods and valuable fruits grow there, and the main trade is in oranges, pineapples, salt and sponges. The Bahamas were the first land discovered by Columbus (1492), but the exact spot of his landing is doubtful. Cat Island and Watling's Island or San Salvador each claim the honor. Nassau is the capital. The constitution calls for a governor, an executive council of nine and a representative assembly of twenty-nine.