Section IV., 1907. its] Trans. R. S. C. 
VIL.— Notes on the Geology of the Islands of Trinidad and Barbados, 
British West Indies. 
By R. W. Exus, LL.D. 
Read May 14, 1907. 
The islands of Trinidad and Barbados are among the most southerly 
of the windward group of the West Indies. The former is situated a 
few miles north of the coast of South America, opposite the mouths of 
the Orinoco river. In outline it is nearly square except for two long 
extensions on either side of the Gulf of Paria on the west coast. It has 
an area of about 1,750 square miles, and a population of about 255,000. 
The island of ‘Barbados lies about 200 miles to the north-east. 
While it has a limited area of only 166 square miles, its population 
nearly equals that of the large island of Trinidad to the south, having 
nearly 200,000 inhabitants or about 1,200 persons to the square mile. It 
is thus the mostly densely populated country in the world. 
For many years the chief industries of both islands have been con- 
fined to the products of the soil. Large portions of the surface are 
devoted to the cultivation of sugar cane, cocoa, cotton, cocoa-nuts, 
bananas and other tropical fruits. Till quite recently but little atten- 
tion was given to their possible mineral wealth. 
A geological examination of Trinidad was made by Messrs. Wall 
and Sawkins and a report was issued in 1860 which has long been out of 
print and can be obtained with difficulty. In this report the general 
distribution of the several rock formations was indicated, probably as 
accurately as the jungly nature of the island would permit at that date. 
Later or about three years ago, an English geologist, Mr. E. H. 
Cunningham-Craig was sent out by the English Government and a some- 
what detailed study of the island has been made, more especially of the 
southern portion, in order to ascertain if possible the conditions favour- 
able or otherwise, to the occurrence of petroleum in economic quantities. 
Though the detailed report of this examination has not yet been pub- 
lished, sufficient has been made known to warrant the expression of the 
opinion on the part of the geologist in charge that large deposits of oil 
of excellent quality exist at different points. 
A geological examination of the island of Barbados was also made 
some years ago by Messrs. J. B. Harrison and A. J. Jukes-Brown, the 
latter of the Geological Survey of Great Britain, with an accompanying 
map. The report and map were issued in 1890, and the occurrence of 
