An uninterrupted 80-mile stretch of contrasting coastlines gives Long Island its name and a distinct landscape. Numerous Loyalist families settled on Long Island, some setting up cotton plantations and others raising cattle and sheep. The plantations flourished for only a few years and by the time of the abolition of slavery in 1834, most of them had collapsed and been abandoned. Today, there are many ruins from this era, the majority of which are overgrown by weeds. There are also remains of some of the houses built after slavery, which are usually small and made of stone. Originally they had thatched roofs; now most are shingled. Today, Long Island is the leading livestock-rearing island in The Bahamas for sheep, goats and pigs. Its farmers also cultivate corn, peas, bananas, pineapples and other crops through pothole farming – utilizing the fertile topsoil that gathers within holes in the limestone. From world-class scuba diving to bonefishing to quiet villages and beaches, Long Island offers the duality of thrilling encounters and peaceful isolation.