PREFACE. 
Tiie Scientific Association of Trinidad was founded in 
•January, 1863, “ for the cultivation of Scientific Knowledge 
in the West Indies.” How far the Association has fulfilled 
its object, may, in some measure, be judged of by its pub- 
lished papers, of which the present volume forms the 
second instalment. From 1863 to 1866. the papers read at 
the mootings were only in part printed, and at irregular 
intervals, in a somewhat unconnected form. In 1866 the 
Association determined upon issuing its proceedings in the 
form of a half-yearly journal, eight numbers of which have 
now appeared, formiug the first volume of the “ Proceed- 
ings,” the previous publications having been issued under 
tho title of “ Transactions.” 
The somewhat mixed character of the papers included in 
the “Proceedings” has arisen from the desire of the Asso- 
ciation to give an equal place to original communications 
of every kind which may tend to advance the object of its 
foundation. . 
Having now existed for upwards of seven years, and 
achieved an amount of success fully equal to the anticipa- 
tions of its founders, and to tho circumstances of a West- 
Indian Colony, it may be hoped that the Association will 
not fail of further support, and that it has yet a future 
before it, if not of glory, yet of very considerable useful- 
ness. It is earnestly to bo desired, therefore, that all who 
wish well to the objects of the Association will lend their 
help towards its continuance and improvement. 
It. J. L. G. 
June, 1871. 
