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railway lines suggested the very abomination of desolation standing’ 
in the place where it ought not. 
As one walks in the forest near these oil wells, and also in the 
Morne L’Enfer Reserve, dome-like masses of pitch may be met 
with, and black oily matter may be seen oozing gently from small 
fissures among the shales in the heart of the forest. 
It is clear that Trinidad possesses a vast source of mineral wealth 
in this southern region, which, provided it can be economically 
worked, will prove of immense value to the Colony and to our other 
West Indian possessions whose fuel at present is imported coal. 
THE AGRICULTURAL SHow. 
At the conclusion of the Conference interest in agricultural 
affairs was maintained by the Agricultural Show held i 
Spain under the auspices of the Agricultural Society, which was 
opened by His Excellency the Governor. he Society generously 
presented all the Delegates with free passes and invite 
special private view of the show, a privilege of which they gladly 
availed themselves. I can only allude here to the remarkably fine 
exhibits of Cacao from Trinidad and Tobago, to the interesting 
collection of Citrus fruits of all varieties shown by the Agricultural 
Department, and to the numerous exhibits of native fruits and 
vegetables. Mr. Caracciolo had a stall of economic plants and 
showed methods of packing. There was also an exhibit of Silk- 
worms, and from the flourishing condition of the caterpillars and the 
excellence of the silk it would appear that there is no reason on 
cultural grounds why this industry should not successfully be 
established in the West Indies. 
he horticultural side of the show was disappointing and a fine 
plant of Coryanthes in flower was the most interesting exhibit. 
Tue Botanic GARDENS. 
The Botanic Gardens of Port of Spain are so well known and 
their beauties have been so often described that it is not necessary 
to refer to them in any detail. 
The collection. of trees and shrubs contains a great number of 
interesting specimens and is especially rich in plants of economic 
importance. There are also many trees and shrubs of purely botanical 
or horticultural interest and two trees of Amherstia and a very fine 
Camoensia, which were in full flower at the time of the Conference, 
deserve special mention, as do also the collections of Palms and 
amboos. 
The situation and natural features of the Gardens are delightful 
embracing as they do both hillside and valley with much 
uncultivated ground intersected by winding paths. A lack of | 
spaciousness and landscape effect is noticeable in certain parts 
which prevents many of the fine trees from being seen to their full 
advantage. Of these defects Mr. Freeman is fully cognisant and 
before long no doubt considerable improvement will be effected. 
The Experiment Station at St. Clair close by, which is also 
controlled. by the Department of Agriculture, is well stocked with 
