New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-02-21

with an abundance OF the various fruits peculiar to
Tropical climates. Conversng with the most en-
lightesed men on the subject of Tropical culture
learn that great deal is lost in the bad manage
ment Of estates. The proper planting Of the cane
and the scientific or common practical knowledge
of manures are things unknown. The aversion
of improvement in cultivating, with labor-sav-
ing machinery is very apparent though engines
have been introduced lately to quite extent for
crushing the cane, and the manufacture OF sugar
and Molasses; but the cleansing of Coffee and
separation Of the bean from the husk, IS effected
by manual labor and the large mortar. You will
often see slave pound q whole day, that which
could be more completely sifted by one Of our
cheap machines in one half hour These things
appear strange TO one who has lived among the
latest improvements, bat not so much a wonder
to those acquainted with Slave Countries, esDe-
cially Colonies. The Island is unusually well
supplied with slaves, one reason, presume, for
their not practising the labor-saving system.
The natural scenery of Porto Rico, abounds in
picturesque beauty. and TO the Northerner, wears
sll that he had imagined of oriental cast.
The elegant and graceful palm trees everywhere
strike the eye. The plains and mountain sides,
are ever green with the broad spiral leataud lux
uriant fruit of the Banana tree; and the eye
traces with pleasure, from these and the towering
cocoa nuts a beautiful relief by occasional
elimpses of the Tamarind, Mango, and amboo
trees the rich green of Cane fields, the occa.
sional glimpse of a huge Cactus, beautiful
Orange or Lemon tree. Vast mountains are seen
in the distance; they form range OF some 90
miles the full length of the Island and are divided
by deep cavities gorges The cones or peaks
vary in height, from two to twenty-five hundred
feet above the level Of the Ocean. The highest
section OF this range is called san Juan and Occu-
pies the extreme of the north east end OF the
Island 1t produces gold, though not abundantly.
! have seen specimens which would compare well
with those of California.
Ire repors H. regard 70 General Lopez visiting
here is not without some foundation. | AN now
in the very spot where the alarm was given, aud
from the best authority gathered these partlcu-
laIs In the month of November a steamer was
seen passing the Bay OF Ponce, apparently re-
connoterirg. ~ least, the fact OF her being
whole DAY IN sight without explanation, caused
some suspicion however this in itself failed
10 produce much excitement. until late Ia the
evening q herald came 10 the authorities OF Ponce
DECLARING that at COamo Abago, few miles be
low the former place, armed men had landed 81
lently from the steamer, and that was Lopez
and hit followers This was speedily announced
at every door ia town, with the order that all cit
liens should be armed and equipped for the occa'
sion. IL was a busy night, and fearful one to
the quiet and suddenly arous ed citizens
The people, both mentally and hysicaly, were
up in arms. The report proved to be false In re
gard to the men landing aud | cannot 6etleDe that
the steamer mentioned was OF a hostile nature, or
that rufians even of the most daring stamp,
would so bndly venture such danger for TO
have the least prospect Of success, they must hrst
find TebelOus or dissatisfied spirit IN the place
they intend with such small numbers TO invade,
especially when that place is guarded by well
disciplined soldiers. Here such rebeous spirit
has not shown itself in the ghtest degree ia
any part OF the Island, while at the same tlme the
"a hole country il supplied with the best OF regular
troops and militia.
read in your paper of last December a notice
of q north or north west gale having done much
damage to the cane on the north aud west side OF
Porto Rico. | have learned, since my arrival
here, that not the slightest injury has been done
the crops on any part Of the Island, aud that, ia
ken as a whole, the harvest was never more Plen-
tiful than at this
A new Tariff was introduced here last o October,
which favors to a considerable extent, American
produce. Five per cent has been taken OIL Flour,
and still gre Rter reduction IN other mlscellane-
Gus articles provided they are OF American man
ufacture and show reciprocal trade-non-p roduc'
tive countries are charged 90 per cent more than
productive ones. For instance st. Thomas,
which is a Free Port, aud the deposit for all kinds
Of foreign goods, has long been the market Tor
merchants from here and other Islands, but Is not
an itself productive and of no benefit to this 81
and in the way of trade 1t will, therefore, under
the present Tariff be obliged to pay fifteen per
cent more than the old rates, making with the
change IN the mem, difference of twenty per
cent in favor Of American produce This will be
likely Vestab ishimportiDg houses IN 81 JONAS tue
Capital and tend to draw out more trading ln;er.
course with America, TO the great detriment OF
ST Thomas
The weather las been very warm here for the
last month the thermometer ranging from 81 70
20 in the shade; we have very cool evenings
The season for oranges is near at hand vegeta.
bles such as green peas, beans. lettuce tomatoes,
&c, we have every day in great abundance My
time obees me to end here, trusting that a
longer acquaintance with the country, language
and people, will tend to make my visit more in
terestlHg Yours, &c. p