GtTPPY — SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IN TRINIDAD. 87 
The boundary line above indicated cuts the island of 
Trinidad into two divisions. In the north division we find 
Adamsiella aripensis and Cyclotus rugatus , species which re- 
mind us of the rich operculate fauna of Jamaica, Cuba and 
Haiti. In the southern division Simpulopsis calls to remem- 
brance the Brazilian province, and these indications seem 
borne out when we take the fauna of each division as a 
whole, although, of course, we are prepared to expect nu- 
merous exceptions owing to the migration of the molluska 
from one region to another. 
I have already devoted so much time to an examination 
of Dr. Leotaud’s book that I can scarcely ask you to go 
with me further into the work, but I would call your at- 
tention to his description of the birds called “Cacao-eaters.” 
One of these (Nasica susurransj is more particularly the sub- 
ject of Dr. Leotaud’s remarks, and he gives it as his opinion 
notwithstanding the vulgar idea that this bird destroys the 
coco a- trees, that it only frequents these trees for the pur- 
pose of eating the insects which bore into the trees, and 
which are the real enemies of the cacao-planter. In re- 
ference to this point you will not forget Mr. Law’s allusion 
to the destruction of the cacao-trees by the larva of a beetle. 
Dr. Leotaud supports his opinion by a reference to the ex- 
clusively insectivorous habits of the bird in question.* 1 
In his preface Dr. Leotaud alludes to the fine collection 
of Birds so liberally presented by him to the Colony. It is 
to be regretted that the names have not been attached to 
* It is perhaps unnecessary for me to allude to the typographical 
execution of Dr. Leotaud’s Book. But in order to avoid any supposi- 
tion of having overlooked so important a point, 1 here place on record 
my testimony that that part of the work has been most ably handled, 
and is equal to European work. It reflects great credit on the Chronicle 
Office. 
