CAYMAN ISLANDS, three low-lying islands in the West Indies, Grand Cayman. Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, are situated between 44' and 8o° 26' W. and 19° 44' and 19° 46' N., forming a dependency of Jamaica, which lies 178m. E.S.E. Grand Cayman, a flat rock-bound island protected by coral reefs, is 17m. long, and varies from 4m. to 7m. in breadth. It has two towns, Georgetown and Boddentown. Little Cayman and Cay man Brac are both about Tom. E.N.E. of Grand Cayman. The soil is shallow but not infertile. Some small mahogany and other timber and dye-woods are grown. Large quantities of coconuts are produced in the two smaller islands. Phosphate deposits are worked, but the most lucrative occupation is catching turtles for export to Jamaica. The white people are of fine physique, are excellent shipwrights, and-do a trade in schooners built locally. The Government is administered by a commissioner, and the laws passed by the local legislature are subject to the assent of the governor of Jamaica. Population about 5,365. The islands were discovered by Columbus, who named them Tortugas, from the turtles with which the surrounding seas abound. They were never occupied by the Spaniards and were colonized from Jamaica by the British.