Barbadoes

Barbadoes, an island in the E. portion of the Windward group of the West Indian Archipelago. It was occupied by the English in 1624-5, and since the restoration has been in the hands of the Crown, serving as the administrative centre of the group. It is rather larger than the Isle of Wight, has a rich soil and a fairly healthy climate; and is almost encircled by coral reefs. Owing to its position it is peculiarly liable to hurricanes. Bridgetown is the capital. James Town, Speight's Town, and Oistins are places of importance. The chief products are sugar, arrowroot, ginger, and aloes.