Nevis

Nevis, an island of the West Indies, belonging to Great Britain, forms one of the Leeward Islands, and lies 2 miles SE. of St Christopher, with which it has been since 1882 administratively connected, sending three (unofficial) members to the common legislative council. It is circular in form, rises in the centre to a wooded ancient crater (3200 feet), and has an area of 50 sq. m. The lower slopes are cultivated, the sugar-cane being the principal crop, though limes and oranges are grown to a small extent. Statistics are given under St Christopher (q.v.). Pop. (1891) 13,087. The capital is the port of Charlestown (pop. 1500). Nevis was discovered by Columbus in 1498 and colonised by England in 1628. As long as the slave-trade lasted it was one of the principal marts for slaves in the West Indies. The island has suffered much at various times from hurricanes and earthquakes.