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TRINIDAD : THEN AND NOW. 



allegations as to the distances are found to be correct 

 the cost of the survey and the correct replacing of 

 the posts must be done at the overseer's expense ; if 

 on the other hand the corporal is found to be wrong 

 he must pay for the survey." On a survey being 

 made it was found that the corporal was right. What 

 the upshot of the matter was history sayeth not 



Between Arima and Valencia there were three 

 rivers coming down from the northern hills which 

 crossed the road. Two, shortly after crossing, 

 joined as one before entering the Caroni, of 

 which I believe they form the head. These three 

 rivers crossing a short but much frequented road of 

 only six miles, when not in flood, looked very inno- 

 cent, and there was consequently a considerable 

 amount of traffic through them, particularly by the 

 small shop keepers and peasant proprietors. But 

 when they became mountain torrents and swept 

 down from the hills with terrific force they were 

 very dangerous — probably the most dangerous in the 

 colony. As they were not bridged they had to be 

 got over in some way or other and people became 

 venturesome ; hence many unfortunate East and 

 West Indians with their donkeys, mules, produce and 

 shop goods were swept away only to be heard of 

 again when their dead bodies were, days afterwards, 

 found a considerable way down the bank of the same 

 or some other river into which it flowed. I believe 

 that I am right in stating that Mr. Wallen, late 

 Mayor of Arima, lost three fine mules at one fell 

 swoop in one of these rivers. All this danger has 



