CEDROS. 329 



Again, though any parties may be supplied at pleasure with 

 wrought lumber from the mill, there are individuals purchasing 

 American lumber in town (pitch or white pine) who would, of 

 course, arrange for its being rapidly wrought up by machinery 

 planed, grooved, and tongued, or morticed to an exact scale, 

 rather than wait the tedious process of manual preparation by 

 tradesmen, but who could not avail themselves of the facilities 

 afforded by the saw-mill if it were at Irois. 



To the above reasons in favour of its location in Port-of- Spain 

 may be added the facilities afforded to European and American 

 vessels in the harbour, for procuring timber, hard-wood planking, 

 or boards, on needful occasions and at the shortest notice. These 

 may enter the gulf in partial disrepair from rough weather out- 

 side, or, in fitting out for their homeward voyage, may require 

 some extra wood- work ; and where could they be more speedily 

 or cheaply supplied than at the government saw-mill ? A case 

 in point has recently shown the pertinence of my observation. 

 An American vessel was lately delayed in sailing, through the 

 almost indispensable want of a four-inch hard- wood plank. Some 

 months previous, this could only have been procured from the 

 interior, after much loss of time, and at an exorbitant charge. 

 But, in this instance, application being made at the mill, a plank 

 was prepared to order and ready for delivery in a few hours. 

 But the question is this, Will the undertaking pay, or even be 

 self-supporting ? I should regard it as a practical step in the 

 right direction, and as a triumph to the colony, should it prove 

 the latter and be able to supply hard- wood lumber at a moderate 

 price ; not only because it would relieve the colony from an annual 

 tribute paid to the United States, but the materials would be far 

 more durable. This ward is watered by several small streams, 

 and amongst them the Capdeville, which is the largest, the 

 Irois, and Cimetierre, all taking their rise in the high lands, and 

 pursuing a northerly course. 



Ward of Cedros. This ward is bounded on the N., S., 

 and W. by the sea ; on the E., by the ward of Irois, and may be 

 said to occupy the whole of the south-western peninsula of the 

 island. It comprises the three quarters of Cedros to the north, 

 Quemada to the south, and Icacos to the west. In general features 

 and disposition this ward is nearly similar to the preceding, 

 except in possessing the advantage of greater fertility. The land 



