The “Challenger” Expedition*

Abstract

IV. AMONGST the places in the Atlantic marked out by the Circumnavigation Committee as being of especial interest, the small island of Trinidad is noted with those whose vegetation is absolutely unknown, or all but so. From this fact Trinidad became a point of attraction which Mr. Moseley was most anxious to reach. Owing, however, to unfavourable winds and other causes, as well as to a desire of those in command of the ship to proceed south, the visit to this little island was abandoned, with the hope of calling there on the return voyage. After a narrow escape, also, of missing Tristan d'Acunha. the vessel anchored on the north side of the island, and the morning was spent in searching the low lands under the cliffs, 500 feet being the greatest height that was attained during the stay. On this side the island rises in a range of perpendicular cliffs of black volcanic rock, in appearance somewhat similar in structure to that exposed in section in the Grande Cural in Madeira. At the base of the cliffs here are débris slopes, and a narrow strip of low shore land of an irregular rocky and sandy nature. The settlement lies on a stretch of low land, broader and more even, and extends westward. The ascent to the plateau above the cliffs is comparatively easy, owing to the deep gullies by which the cliffs are broken.