SA.N FERNANDO. 303 



ductive as the marl soil of S. Naparima and Savanna Grande. 

 In some spots, the soil seems to be superposed by layers, and 

 after heavy showers or continued rain, it is not rare to see 

 patches of the upper layer, from two to three feet in thickness, 

 and several yards in extent, slide down the flanks of the undula- 

 tions with the canes they support. These are the land-slips so 

 detrimental to roads and cultivations. The Guaracara river and 

 several ravines drain the northern division of this section, and 

 the Cipero the southern portion. Very little or no cacao is 

 cultivated in this district, and but few ground provisions raised ; 

 it may be said that cane only is cultivated. 



The Naparima mountain or hill is nearly insulated, sloping 

 down towards the E.N.E., and, though only 600 feet high, 

 remarkably conspicuous. It is entirely formed, according to all 

 probabilities, of silicate of alumina, covered with a fine vegetable 

 mould. At its foot stands San Fernando, the chief town of the 

 southern division of the island. It is partly built in a sort of 

 small recess, formed by two spurs stretching from the hill 

 towards the sea, and partly round the basis of the hill. Houses, 

 generally poor and miserable, are scattered over this site of* the 

 town, except, however, along the principal street, which leads 

 from the wharf to the foot of the hill ; it has a rather winding 

 direction. To the southward is a high ground, upon which 

 stand the Roman Catholic church, the hospital, the town-hall, 

 and the court-house. An alley planted with trees forms a 

 promenade ; the promenade was projected by Lord Harris, and 

 bears his name. This part is the most pleasant section of the 

 town, as it commands an extensive view of the harbour and 

 adjacent country. A pier of 300 feet, built of hard-wood, with 

 a flooring of carapa and cedar planks, had been erected by a 

 private company, for the convenience of passengers by the 

 steamer ; it has become public property, the Government having 

 paid money compensation to the said company. Though the 

 soil is of a retentive nature, San Fernando is, nevertheless, easily 

 drained, on account of the peculiar disposition of the ground ; 

 the ravines which traverse the town may, by proper precautions 

 and gradual improvements, be made useful sewers; whereas if 

 due attention be not pau to their banking and cleansing, they 

 must be to San Fernando what the Dry river is to Port-of- 

 Spain — an intolerable nuisance. 



