SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT. 337 



skilful pilots, through its many channels. To remove or even 

 permanently to remedy those obstacles cannot be regarded as an 

 easy undertaking. On the other hand, the Gulf of Paria is not 

 only one of the safest harbours known, but is fully capable of 

 sheltering the united fleets of the world ; hurricanes are unknown 

 here, and ground swells are felt but very seldom, and that, 

 within a line drawn from the first Boca to Point la Brea ; in 

 fact, the navigation of the Gulf is, at all times, safe and easy; 

 whilst dangers, if there be any, attending the passage of the 

 smaller Bocas, or entrance mouths, can easily be avoided by 

 passing through the largest, or Grand Boca. 



The Gulf is considered healthy, and even the yellow fever, in 

 its occasional and rare visitations, has made but a few victims 

 among the shipping. There is a never-failing and plentiful 

 supply of excellent spring and river water in the island, and fresh 

 meat can be procured from the provinces of Guiana and 

 Barcelona; dry docks might also be constructed at the Gasparil 

 Islet, and warehouses erected there for ship stores. 



The Gulf communicates with the Orinoco by means of 

 the Cafios, or channels, of Pedernaies, Manamo, and Macareo. 

 Small crafts bound to Trinidad from Bolivar pass generally 

 through Cafio Pedernaies ; the steamers, at present, take in pre- 

 ference Cano Macareo. These, or at least one of these natural 

 | channels might be rendered navigable for large steamers and 

 J other vessels, which would carry the produce of the immense and 

 i fertile basin into the Gulf, for the lading of vessels awaiting 

 their cargo ; or they might be tugged to Barrancas. The atten- 

 tion of his Excellency Lord Harris had been attracted to the 

 subject, as proved by the following extract : " I have already, on 

 several occasions, pointed out to your lordship the very great 

 benefits which would accrue to this island if a more liberal policy 

 could be adopted respecting the trade with other countries, more 

 | especially with France and Spain ; a still greater one would be 

 (gained if the neighbouring republic of Venezuela could be 

 induced to modify its Customs'' duties. 



" Should the steam communication between Port-of-Spain and 



Maturin — which I have shown every inclination to support — be 



| established, it would prove very beneficial; but I am more 



! anxious to see a similar one, only on a larger scale, set on foot 



' between this and the City of Bolivar. There are many reasons 



w 



