1904-5.] THE GROWTH OF TRINIDAD. 137 
THE GROWTH OF TRINIDAD. 
By R. J. LECHMERE GUPPY. 
(Read 25th March, 1905.) 
(PREFATORY NOTE.) 
(As there.are many places named Trinidad it may be well to ex- 
plain that the locality referred to in the following paper is an island off 
the north-eastern coast of Venezuela from which it is separated by the Gulf 
of Paria and the channels connecting that body of water with the main 
sea. It is situated between the parallels of 10° and 11° of north Latitude 
and mostly between the meridians of 61° and 62° west Longitude.) 
UNLIKE the volcanic islands which lie contiguous to it on the north, 
Trinidad is in no part formed of ejections from the interior of the earth. 
Volcanic rocks do not exist here, and the only volcanic material that I am 
acquainted with, is the volcanic dust found in our oceanic deposits. The 
island is wholly formed of materials derived from the degradation of other 
land. It is the object of this paper to trace the course of development of 
the island, from the time when the first rocks of which it is composed were 
laid down under water. 
Feg.1. Palecrocc 
Sea level 
The first foundations of the existing land were laid down as shore 
deposits and limestones, and these now form the hills of the northern or 
Parian Range; the oldest rocks of the island. These rocks therefore, are 
