This, next to Jamaica the largest of the British West India islands, and considering its position and great capabilities, hardly second to Jamaica in importance, is about ninety miles in length, fifty in width, and contains not less than 2,400 square miles, or 1,536,000 acres.

Its interesting position in relation to the continent of America and the Gulph of Paria, is best understood by consulting the map, shewing how it is separated from the former only by two narrow straits, the celebrated Dragon's and Serpent's mouths, and how it acts towards the latter, intervening between this inland sea and the ocean, as a great barrier or natural breakwater.

In its geological structure, Trinidad displays much variety, in accordance with which are its surface and scenery. Great is the contrast between the northern and southern portions of the island, and more especially between its extreme parts, the north western and the south western, by which on one hand it approaches the bold lofty coast of Venezuela, and on the other the low delta of the Orinoco; the former, the northern and north western, completely mountainous in character, not unlike Wales or the Lake district of England, composed of clay, siliceous and mica slate, rising to the height of two and three thousand feet above the level of the sea; the latter, the southern and south western, almost level, or rising only into low hills, and formed chiefly of alluvial matter, sands and clays, and even mud.