TRINIDAD : THEN AND NOW. 



135 



better state. It might have been still further im- 

 proved by planting ornamental shrubs and flower 

 beds ; cutting down the wounded trees, which will 

 never recover from the effects of the fires — the result 

 of either cupidity or accident, whichever it may have 

 been. We must, however, be satisfied that some- 

 thing is being done which tends to make it better 

 Now than it was Then. 



At the eastern end of this fine open-space stands 

 the Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Concep- 

 tion ; a description of which I take the liberty of 

 copying from Collens' Year Book, as follows : 



" The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 

 a Gothic edifice in Marine Square, was finished in 

 1832, and like the Anglican one, owes its existence to 

 Sir Ralph Woodford. In it are four chapels dedi- 

 cated to the Sacred Heart, the Blessed Virgin, St. 

 Joseph and St. Dominic. There are several fine 

 statues and pictures, as also a mural tablet by 

 Chantrey in memory of the founder, Sir Ralph 

 Woodford. Spacious sanctuary. The altar, Com- 

 munion Rails and Font are of Florentine statutary 

 marble." The two towers originally built of stone, 

 were on the 20th September, 1825 injured by a shock 

 of earthquake and rebuilt, as they are at present, of 

 wood. 



During Archbishop Flood's life it was enclosed 

 by a fine iron railing, and the ground thus enclosed 

 was transformed by the planting of flowers and 

 ornamental shrubs, adding much to its imposing 

 appearance. 



