Part IV 
A TRIP TO THE CAVES OF GASPAR 
GRANDE 
‘‘ Through caverns measureless to man, 
Down to a sunless sea.”’ 
Kusira Kuan—Coleridge. 
Amongst the natural beauties of Trinidad, abounding as 
it is in scenes of tropical loveliness, the caves of Gaspar 
Grande, commonly called Gasparil, should surely hold a 
prominent place. They are situated at Pointe Baleine, the 
western extremity of Gasparil, immediately facing the First 
Boca or Boca del Mono, on lands belonging to Mr. J. B. 
Todd, which have been tunnelled through by Dame Nature 
in a most wonderful manner, and offer to the eye a marvel- 
lous exposition of stalactite and stalagmite, basaltic pillar 
and crystal column. With the exception of some families 
who periodically visit the Bocas Islands for a holiday, on 
sea-bathing and fresh air intent, these picturesque phenomena 
are unknown to both Trinidad inhabitants and foreign 
visitors. The few American and English tourists whom I 
have met, after braving the descent, have expressed them- 
selves as being both surprised and delighted, one lady going 
so far as to say that she had seen nothing in Europe to com- 
pare with them, not even at the far-famed Capri; and much 
wonderment has been expressed that a scene at once so 
unique and beautiful should have been practically unknown 
for so longa period. They can be reached very easily, as the 
Gulf steamer from Port of Spain comes to St. Mary’s, the 
bay-house immediately below Pointe Baleine, four times 
a week, and drops passengers for the neighbouring residences; 
so all the would-be explorer has to do is to hail a boat (there 
are always two or three plying for hire at this station) and 
