DISCOVERY OF COALS. 



" EXCEPTING Mr. Charles Deville, who made but a short stay 

 in Trinidad, no professional geologist has ever visited the island." 

 This I was writing in the beginning of 1856. Since making this 

 statement, two geologists, Messrs. Wall and Sawkins, have been 

 sent to the West Indies by the home government, with a view to 

 surveying such of the islands as would like to contribute to the 

 expenses of these gentlemen. The offer was eagerly accepted by 

 the governor, Sir Charles Elliot, the money readily voted by the 

 legislative council, and Messrs. Wall and Sawkins were invited to 

 begin their geological tour with Trinidad, and they there arrived 

 in October, 1856. 



As far as mineral riches are concerned, the opinion of these 

 gentlemen is not favourable to the colony ; but, what is perhaps 

 more important, they have lately discovered seams of coal, which 

 is reported to be of the best quality; and experiments made on 

 the spot, prognosticate very favourable results. Some coke pre- 

 pared from the Trinidad coals is said to be equal to the best 

 that can be procured from England. The results, though so far 

 promising, nevertheless need to be confirmed by further and com- 

 parative experiments ; consequently, quantities of the precious 

 substance have been sent to England for the purpose. The 

 matter is, at present, in the hands of the " Society of Geolo- 

 gists," and the colonists are waiting with anxiety, but also with 

 some degree of confidence, the verdict of that learned body. In 

 case the expectations formed on a first examination are confirmed, 



