299 x 240 mm. A view showing the town and harbour of St Pierre, the chief commercial centre (rather than the capital) of Martinique. The picture shows the curve of the town along the bay and a harbour crowded with sailing ships at anchor (and one steamer flying the French flag, in the background). In the distance the volcanic peak of Mount Pelé looms over the town. The picture is of added interest and importance following the complete destruction of the town in May 1902. On the shoreline there seems to be evidence of a severe storm, with the hulks of two wrecked boats lying near the beach. Photograph taken in the 1880s.