Near Point la Braye, (Tar point,) the name assigned to it on account of
its characteristic feature, in the island of Trinidad, is a lake which
at the first view appears to be an expanse of still water, but which, on
a nearer approach, is found to be an extensive plain of mineral pitch,
with frequent crevices and chasms filled with water. On its being
visited in the autumnal season, the singularity of the scene was so
great, that it required some time for the spectators to recover
themselves from their surprise, so as to examine it minutely. The
surface of the lake was of an ash color, and not polished or smooth, so
as to be slippery, but of such a consistence as to bear any weight. It
was not adhesive, although it received in part the impression of the
foot, and could be trodden without any tremulous motion, several head of
cattle browsing on it in perfect security. In the summer season,
however, the surface is much more yielding, and in a state approaching
to fluidity, as is evidenced by pieces of wood and other substances,
thrown upon it, having been found enveloped in it. Even large branches
of trees, which were a foot above the level, had, in some way, become
enveloped in the bituminous matter. The interstices, or chasms, are very
numerous, ramifying and joining in every direction; and being filled
with water in the wet season, present the only obstacle to walking over
the surface. These cavities are in general deep in proportion to their
width, and many of them unfathomable: the water they contain is
uncontaminated by the pitch, and is the abode of a variety of fishes.
The arrangement of the chasms is very singular, the sides invariably
shelving from the surface, so as nearly to meet at the bottom, and then
bulging out toward each other with a considerable degree of convexity.
Several of them have been known to close up entirely, without leaving
any mark or seam.
The pitch lake of Trinidad contains many islets covered with grass and
shrubs, which are the haunts of birds of the most exquisite plumage. Its
precise extent can not, any more than its depth, be readily ascertained,
the line between it and the neighboring soil not being well defined; but
its main body may be estimated at three miles in circumference. It is
bounded on the north and west sides by the sea, on the south by a rocky
eminence, and on the east by the usual argillaceous soil of the country.