44 
‘ IV.—TRINIDAD. 
126. Although less than one-half the size of Jamaica, Trinidad 
is a rich and productive isla anc It was for many years the most 
The north coast is eimai through its whole extent, the east 
t surf from the Atlantic as to be almost 
most northerly fringes the north coast, and rises in Tucuche to 
feet ; the central range runs obliquely across the island to 
San Fernando, while the southern runs para and near to the 
south coast. The country between these eek is hilly or 
undulating, and admirably adapted for purposes of cultivation. 
There are many small and somewhat sluggish rivers, all running 
either east or west. 
127. The soil is varied, extremely fertile, and capable of 
producing fete crops of sugar, cacao, and, indeed, all “ee 
n from its destructive influen The climate is anai i 
mp and en aa in the hot season, but in winter is usually 
esl and plea The mean maximum temperature is a 
a 69°, while the mean annual is 79°. The 
average seca rainfall for 30 years, published by Mr, ia is 
66 inches; the average for the last four, 1892-96, was 75 inches. 
In a very dry year, as in 1873, the rainfall may be as low as 
44 papri while in an exceptionally wet year it has been as high 
as 87 in 
e The capital of the island is Port of Spain, with a popula- 
tion, in 1891, of 33,273. This is situated on a gentle slope 
oat scat the Gulf of Paria. It is an important town, with 
me public buildings; it is lighted with electric light, and 
poaa seven miles of tramways and 450 miles of telephone 
Other incorporated towns are San Fernando, with a 
population is 230,000, or 131 to the rat mile. It is composed 
of English, German, French, Spanish, and a large proportion, 
more Ran two-fifths, of East Tn cae pë coolie immigrants. The 
number of i mmigrants introduced since immigration commenced 
in 1845 i is 105,226, and the number who have returned is 16,024. 
The estimated number now in the island is 83,000. 
129. The total area of the island is 1,120,000 acres, of which 
320,000 acres is estimated to be the area of swamps and of rocky 
and other useless land. The r epe area of cultivable land is 
800, oO r cent. of the total area. Of this area there 
were in private hands on the ae. cee 1895, 433,843 acres, 
