TRINIDAD : THEN AND NOW. 



171 



said. Years afterwards Valsayn, New Works and St. 

 Augustine were purchased by the government, and 

 the stock farm was transferred to the new property 

 and St. Clair became what it is. The removal of the 

 stock farm naturally opened up the remainder of St. 

 Clair for sale ; it was laid out in building lots and at 

 present is occupied by the stately residences of clergy 

 doctors, lawyers, and merchants and forms a fine 

 suburb to the town.* 



A fine road used as a popular drive by the inha- 

 bitants of Port-of-Spain, called " the Serpentine, ' y 

 has also been added. It makes a pleasant extension 

 to the one around the Queen's Park and lends a con- 

 siderable amount of additional charm to the drive. 



There is still a large tract available for building 

 purposes, which when utilized will add considerable 

 charm to Port-of-Spain and make it what it is fast 

 becoming, a delightful residence for tourists and in- 

 valids who do not wish to face the rigours of a north- 

 ern climate. I may be asked what has this to do with 

 the progress of Trinidad ? It has a great deal to do 

 with it, for although I do not deny that Trinidad 

 together with other West Indian colonies, was at one 

 time a hot bed of disease, yet such has been the pro- 

 gress in hygiene and improved sanitary arrange- 

 ments that I am justified in calling it progress, and 

 thus recording the fact that the West Indies ought to 

 become during the European and American winter 

 seasons not only a health resort, but also a delightful 

 climate to reside in for at least that portion of the 



* See Casual Wanderings, No. 1 



