PREFACE. XI 



been to give some short descriptive details of those animals which 

 do not exist in the other Antilles, or which deserve peculiar 

 notice (as I have elsewhere stated) either on account of their 

 prominent utility in the way of food, &c., their singular habits, or 

 their noxious qualities and destructive propensities. I hope, 

 therefore, the reader will make allowance for the little information 

 afforded under this head. The botanical part will be found much 

 more complete. 



My friend, Dr. Leotand, has contributed a very interesting 

 memoir on the ornithology of the island. To him also I am in- 

 debted for the catalogue of our fishes. The assistance of my 

 friend, Dr. Court, has enabled me to give a pretty complete 

 account of our most remarkable reptiles, and another friend, Mr. 

 H. Criiger, has kindly furnished a very talented and valuable 

 sketch of the flora of Trinidad. My thanks are also due to Rear- 

 Admiral Elliot for the perusal of the Blue-book of the colony for 

 the years 1852 and 1853. 



In the application of names, I have adopted those which I 

 consider as sanctioned by the common consent and usage of the 

 inhabitants, or which were originally given to certain localities. 

 Captain Columbine, in his report, had mistaken a few names : for 

 instance, he writes, Las Couvas and Patura instead of Las Cuevas* 

 and Matura. I have also given preference to Gruataro instead of 

 Ortoire, the former being more in accordance with the names of 

 the other rivers of the colony, which are, in general, of either 

 Indian or Spanish derivation. The northern point of the north- 

 western peninsula of Trinidad has, apparently, no known designa- 

 tion : I suggest for its distinction that of Point Mono, from its 

 proximity to the islet of the same name. 



As to the introduction, it contains my personal views and 

 opinions on the future prospects of the Columbian archipelago, 

 and the line of policy which might be adopted for effecting an 

 amelioration in the condition, and a security to the welfare of its 

 unfortunate colonies. I anticipate that both those views and 



* Las Cuevas is a Spanish name, which signifies The Caves. 



