MOSQUITO COAST, Mosgurro TERRITORY, or 3TosurrIA, formerly fl native king dom, under the protectorate of Britain, lies on the e. coast of Central America, having Honduras on the n., Nicaragua on the w., and Costa Rica on the south. The area is estimated at 15,000 English sq.m., but as 20,000 m. of contested territory lie between it, and Honduras and Nicaragua, its extent would be more correctly given at 25,000 sq. miles. The coast is low, with many bays and lag,unes, and possesses a number of good Larbors. The two principal rivers are the Rio de Segovia (which rises within 35 m. of the Pacific ocean). and the Rio Escondido, both of which flow into the Caribbean sea. The climate is rainy, and the temperature, considering the latitude, is cool and equal, the thermometer seldom rising above 82° or falling below 71°. On the whole, this territory is one of the most healthy parts of Central America. Ague is not unusually emit:On. epidemics Are ktceediugly rare. and white -peoplewho clo expose themselves enjoy'the best health. The swampy grounds are generally covered with dense forests, in which dye-woods and timber-trees of great value abound. Rice, maize, manioc, and other tropical plants, are cultivated. The country abounds in deer of various kinds, half-wild horses and oxen roam in the savannas, which are covered with tall grass, and alligators and serpents are common. The chief exports are mahogany, cocoa, ginger, sarsaparilla, and tortoise-shell, but the whole trade is inconsiderable. The inhabitants are of various races, the greater portion being aboriginal, but many are a cross between. the native Indians and runaway negroes; they do not number more
than from 10,000 to 15,000 in all. Their chief occupations are hunting and fishing, but a little trriculture and cattle breeding are also practiced.
The Mosquito Coast was discovered in 1502 by Columbus, and though never con quered, was claimed by Spain till about 1660, when the king, with consent of his people, placed himself under the protection of Britain. British colonists at different times attempted to found settlements in various parts of the country, but from various causes were soon after compelled to withdraw. Of late years they have met with more success. The foothold Britain thus obtained in Central America was viewed with great jealousy by the United States, who left no means untried to effect her expulsion. During the British protectorate a sort of constitutional government was established, consisting of a legi hotly, and regular jury courts. In July, 1850, the United States and Great Britain hound themselves by the Clayton-Bulwer treaty " not to occupy, fortify, colonise, or exercise dominion over the Mosquito Coast, or any part of Central America;" and in November, 1859, Britain ceded the protectorate of Mosquito Coast along with the Bay islands to Honduras. a proceeding which gave rise to much discon tent among the natives of the coast, and a complete rebellion of the islanders. How ever, by a subsequent treaty, concluded Jan. 26, 1860, the whole territory was finally handed over to Nicaragua.