COUNTY OF ST. DAVID. 289 



this county, one in the north and the other in the southern divi- 

 sion ; the district itself is but imperfectly known, as the greater 

 part of it is still covered with high virgin forests. It is in general 

 hilly, and the high-lands would appear to be very fertile, whilst 

 the level are of the worst description ; but a tract of undulating 

 land, near the river Oropuche, is of the best quality. The ward 

 of Toco, in the northern division, extends along the sea-shore ; 

 this ward is entirely hilly and uneven, some of the hills being 

 500, 850, and 1,230 feet high, the depressions between being 

 well sheltered and cool. This ward is particularly well adapted 

 to the cultivation of cacao, coffee, and provisions. The cultiva- 

 tion of coco-nuts should be tried along the shore, and on those 

 localities most exposed to the sea-breeze. The soil near Rio 

 Grande and along Tumpire is of the best quality. There was 

 formerly at Toco bay a sugar estate, which was abandoned soon 

 after emancipation. The want of proper harbours and the diffi- 

 culties of communication with the bay and Port-of-Spain will 

 be felt for a long time as a serious obstacle to the progress of this 

 ward, which otherwise would soon rise in importance as a cacao and 

 provision-growing district. Great progress, however, has been 

 made within the last few years, and the crops are larger than they 

 were. Governor Gordon, always alive to the best interests of the 

 colony, had encouraged steam communication around the island. 

 I must say, however, that he failed in his endeavour to benefit this 

 remote district. The inhabitants would not improve the oppor- 

 tunity afforded under very frivolous pretexts. They would not 

 make any previous arrangements, but would complain that the 

 steamer would not wait for their convenience. I think that they 

 are sensible of their mistake, and would now prove wiser and 

 more discreet. Means of communication, however, should be im- 

 proved by the formation of good roads in the district, one 

 especially from Rio Grande to Sans Souci, and another one to the, 

 bay of Cumana. A contract for steam communication between 

 Port-of-Spain and the eastern coast has been advertised, touching 

 at Toco, Manzanilla, Mayaro, &c. I hope that the contract will 

 be taken up by some enterprising person, and I have no doubt 

 that it will prove remunerative. I would suggest the necessity 

 of touching at Cumana, Balandra Bay, or Salibia. There exists 

 at present a land communication between Toco and Port-of-Spain 

 along the sea-shore, and across Tumpire, Matura, and Oropuche ; 



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