TOBAGO. 



57 



which in most of the islands the land has passed into the hands of the negroes, 

 Tobago continues to be divided into large domains, occupied chiefly with the pro- 

 duction of sugar. 



The whole island may be regarded as forming a single chain of heights with 

 a total area of less than 120 square miles. The highest eminence has a height of 

 not more than 2,130 feet, or, according to the marine charts, a little over 1,900 

 feet. 



In consequence of its oblique position to the meridian, Tobago lies well in 

 the track of the trade winds, so that both shores, running south-west and north- 

 east, enjoy the same purifying marine breezes. Both sides also have the advan- 

 tage of some well-sheltered natural havens. The heights of the central district 



Fig. 19. — Tobago. 

 Scale 1 : 470,000. 



60"50' 



West or Ijreen 



ecso- 



to -.'5 

 lathoms 



Depths. 



25 to 50 

 Fathoms. 



50 Fathoms 

 and upwards. 



6 Miles. 



rising above the sugar plantations and the palm-groves along the seashore are 

 still forest-clad. The more rocky escarpments are overgrown with thickets of the 

 " pimento " myrtle, which yields the so-called " allspice," a berry of a highly 

 agreeable aroma. The berry is eagerly devoured by swarms of parrokeets, who 

 form a sort of confederacy warding off all other birds from the thickets. 



Like that of Trinidad the rich native flora is essentially South American, 

 interspersed, however, with numerous plants from the West Indies. Its fauna 

 also includes a few birds not found in the neighbouring island. One of the inlets 

 on the coast was formerly known as the " Idlers' Cove," from the large number of 

 turtles that resorted to the place to deposit their eggs. The inhabitants had only 



