314 TRINIDAD. 



Chinese from Asia ; Americans from the United States ; Spaniards 

 from Venezuela ; emigrants from the British and French colonies, 

 with a limited number of natives of Trinidad. Not many years 

 ago, the population of Oropuche was a pretty fair representation 

 of the worst class of squatters. Scattered far and wide, through- 

 out the vast extent of the district, removed from the influence 

 of civilising institutions, and left to the unfettered indulgence 

 of a half savage life, moral depravity and ignorance of all social 

 responsibility formed their chief characteristics. Bound together 

 by the ties of nationality, or tribeship, they generally banded in 

 distinct settlements, where nought was to be found beyond the 

 primary elements of social aggregation. Many were squatters? 

 regarding with suspicion and as intruders those who entered their 

 settlements. On more than one occasion they behaved riotously, 

 and even tried to resist the agents of the Government. Things, 

 however, are now very much altered ; the population of Oropuche 

 has become more steady and more industrious. The proportion 

 of Asiatics has very much increased — from 348 in 1871 to 560 

 in 1881. 



The Mission of Siparia is situated on a table-land, about 

 seven miles and a half eastward of St. Mary's village, with a 

 descending slope of about 200 feet on all sides. The village 

 is 235 feet above the level of the sea. The Mission of Siparia 

 had been established about the year 1758 by the Aragonese 

 Capuchin fathers, under the name or vocable of " La Divina 

 Pastora." The capabilities of the soil, the abundant natural 

 resources of the locality, the beauty of the scenery, had attracted 

 the attention of Sir Ralph Woodford, who attempted the re- 

 organisation of the Mission by locating therein royalist emigrants 

 from the Spanish colonies of South America. After the war of 

 independence, its population received new accessions, and finally 

 rose to nearly 500 souls. They had then a resident padre or 

 priest, a corregidor, and a schoolmaster. The present condition 

 of the Mission is far from affording the same pleasant aspect, its 

 population being reduced, cultivation neglected, houses in a 

 dilapidated state ; no school, no resident priest : Siparia is now 

 completely neglected. The retired position of Siparia and bad 

 roads are the great obstacles to the progress of this district. 

 Lately, however, the road to Oropuche has been improved ; but 

 it may be said to be still a mere bridle-path. Siparia, from its 



