ASCENSION

ascension, an island in the atlantic ocean, between 7 deg. 53' and 8 deg. s., and 14 deg. 18' and 14 deg. 26' w., 800 m. n.w. of st helena, about 7-1/2 m. in length and 6 in breadth, with an area of 38 sq. m. and a circumference of about 22 m. the island lies within the immediate influence of the south-east trade-wind. the lee side of the island is subject to the visitation of "rollers," which break on the shore with very great violence. ascension is a volcanic mass erected on a submarine platform. numerous cones exist. green mountain, the principal elevation, is a huge elliptical crater, rising 2820 ft. above the sea, while the plains or table-lands surrounding it vary in height from 1200 to 2000 ft. on the north side they sweep gradually down towards the shore, but on the south they terminate in bold and lofty precipices. steep and rugged ravines intersect the plains, opening into small bays or coves on the shore, fenced with masses of compact and cellular lava; and all over the island are found products of volcanic action. ascension was originally destitute of vegetation save on the summit of green mountain, which owes its verdure to the mists which frequently enshroud it, but the lower hills have been planted with grasses and shrubs. the air is clear and light, and the climate remarkably healthy, notwithstanding the high temperature--the average day temperature on the shore being 85 deg.