PARIA, THE GULF OF, extends between the Island of Trinidad and the continent of South America, and has received its name from the adjacent portion of the continent, which was once called Paris, a name afterwards superseded by that of Cumana. The gulf has nearly the form of a quadrangle, extends about 100 miles, from 61° 30' to 63* W. long., and is about 40 miles across. A hilly pro montory, projecting from the continent of South America more than 70 miles, separates the gulf from the Caribbean Sea, and terminates on the east with Cape Punta de la Pella, which is also called Cape Paris. Opposite this cape, and about 20 miles from it, is the most north-western point of the island of Trinidad. This opening contains four straita formed by three rocky intervening islands. The most western of these straits, called Boca de Dragon (Dragon's Mouth), is the widest, being about rim miles across to the rocky island called Chacachacares, and is that commonly used by large vessels. The Iski de Huevos (Isle of Eggs) forms the second strait, called Ship Channel, which is only two miles wide, and is used by vessels leaving the gulf. Between the Isla de Huevoe and the Isla de Monos (Isle of Apes) is the Havre Channel, which is somewhat wider than the preceding, and is more used by vessels entering the gulf. The Monos Channel,
between the Iola de Mono. and the north-western point of Trinidad, is the narrowest, and the current in it is the strongest. It is only navigated by small vessels. As the current runs through all these straits northward, tile gulf can only be entered with a strong breeze. The, tea also, which riles about six feet, run with great force. The southern entry of the gulf is between the rocky cape called Punta 16scos, in the island of Trinidad, and the low alluvial shores lying on both sides of the two most western of the mouths of the Orinoco, called Cano de Pedernales and Cano de Menem° Grande. From these low shores a shoal extends nearly across the strait, which is called the Serpent's Mouth. The narrow entry into the gulf can only be passed with a strong south-west wind. The gulf itself may be considered as one of the most extensive and best harbours on the globe. It offers nearly everywhere excellent anchorage, especially along the coasts of the island of Trinidad, in from 3 to 30 fathoms water, and the ground is everywhere free of rocks.