Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-09-09

ing and setting off tracts of twenty to fifty
acres, to suit emigrants of limited means
These lots will be sold, or leased on fair and
reasonable terms. The soil is excellent,
producing all kinds of fruits and vegetables
in profusion. The company have not yet
established land bureau, or land Office, but
very soon must, if they look to their own
interests in this matter. Hogs are raised
with little care in connection with, even a
very small farm. The large quantities of
plantains grown among the coffee and cocoa
trees, and superabundance of the mango
afford rich fattening food almost mex
haustible. Then, there are, without fail,
three crops Of corn a year, to say nothing
about the crops of yams, sweet potatoes,
roots and nuts that swine hunt for and grow
fat on. Cattle thrive well and are abundant.
Bulls take the place of the horse, and answer
better, over the rough roads and steep hills.
4 first-rate animal is worth not more than
thirty dollars. At the present time, no very
correct idea can be given of the price of
lands. The land subject is a very perplexed
one as TO titles, &C., and the SANTANA Bay
Company are struggling with all their might
to have. this matter Strengthened up. Lands
are leased at prices ranging from $40 to $40
for cavalleria, equal to about thirty three
acres) per aunum. Not more than one
yielding sugar, corn, cocoa, rice, yams, and
in fac. every species of vegetable and fruit
grown in the tropics. No doubt, by ascend
ing the hills so as to produce sort of semi
tropical temperature, apples. pears, plums,
and other fruits, could be successfully raised,
and for which Americans seemingly can
find no substitute. Here are no cold winters
to provide for, no frosts; for example, the
sugar cane, once planted, continues to grow
for thirty years. In this fact alone, might be
found inducement for the people of the cold
Eastern states, to flee from their snow clad
hills, for full four months of the year, to a
land of perpetual summer. word or two
about the health of the Peninsular and the
adjacent country; one simple fact under that
head will suffice. That at Savannah Mar, a
town of 1900 inhabitants, IL miles south from
SANTANA harbor, there is no apothecary shop,
no doctor, and what no town of like size in
the United States can boast Of, not having a
lawyer. The hills are covered with magnifi-
cent trees, valuable for cabinet purposes most
excellent ship timber, dyewoods and fustic.
Nature, in the forests, seems to run perfectly
wild, in the various fantastic shapes and forms
that the trees assume. Ships knees, all curves,
bends and angles, ever thought of in ship
yard, or required for shipbuilding, are found
here in great abundance.
The greatest novelty and curiosity, is the
vegetable cordage hanging down from the
topmost branches of the tallest trees, "well
set up and taut' like the shrouds and hal
yards of a gallant ship, and apparently as nu-
merous. In size from one-half to five inches
in diameter; their roots are in the soil, are
not parasitic, they run up the highest trees,
take turn and descend like plumb lines,
running along the ground for hundred feet
and more, ascend and drop again. These
cords straight are very strong, but cannot be
suddenly bent or twisted for useful purposes.
The sugar cane grows with rank luXuriance,
and invites the attention of farmers of more
extensive means. There is little or no sugar
made in this part of the Island, but every
where on the small farms, is made superior
syrup. Much more can be truthfully said in
favor of settling on this magnificent Island,
and deferred for another letter. S. A. Il.