The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1899-03-22
VOL. xxx.
corner. There are now perhaps
5000 skeletons on this pile.

corner. There are now perhaps
5000 skeletons on this pile.
The chain OF fonts beyond the city
are strangely constructed. There
are two fences beyond the deep en-
trenchments. The outside fence is a
thorn cactus hedge ten feet high, the
next fence is made of six rows OF
barbed wire. These six rows are
woven together, making it impossi-
bic to take such place.
This is quite different climate as
we'll as scenery from what we left.
We came away from snow and icicles
and in seventy-two hours were rest
ing under the shade of palm trees,
and on every hand were green fields
of growing crops.
Large areas here are covered with
sponge like volcanic rock.
Along the gulf are great heaps of
beautiful coral thrown out by the
waves, single specimens weigh SEQ
pounds.
This is the dry season, bat abun-
dance OF rain falls for the growing
crops. Most of the farm work is
done during winter. Fresh sugar
peas, tomatoes and beans are gath
cred from the gardens every day in
the year. It does not seem like
midwinter to be eating watermelons,
and fresh corn. Four crops OF corn
are made in one year on the same
land. The sugar cane farms of hun
dreds OF acres, are planted only
every three years. Much land is
planted in tobacco and pineapples.
One pineapple farm here, of 200
acres, has 10,5OO plants per acre, a
crop of tobacco is made every ten
weeks.
This is the home of the cactus.
One kind climbs fifty feet in trees,
another looks like a Is foot post.
The hedge cactus is the great fence
here. 1t makes spreading shade
tree twenty feet high.
Many Of the sheep have no wool
and the hogs and dogs no hair.
Gate posts and cross ties here are
made of rosewood and mahogany.
I saw some interesting things On
our recent march across the island.
When we struck camp on the crest
of the mountains We had on the
south of US broad valley, with sev-
eral villages in sight. Beyond the
tall palm groves, was the long blue
line of the Caribbean sea. The
great caves in these mountains look
like the habitations of giant demons.
Many miles of the mecademised road
we travelled, is shaded by royal
palms and ether beautiful trees
planted there by the government.
The effects Of the Spanish torch was
there seen. Many fine farms with
splendid store fences and cactus
hedges around them, are idle. Look
ing through the big iron gates be
side this road, We see long palm
avenue leading up to-only the stone
walls of what was once the home OF
some wealthy farmer.
Our first days march was on Sun
day. The farmers were plowing and
in every town all the stores were
open that day without regard for
the Sabbath.
The latest improvements in all
lines are in use, but not in general.
Many Of the plows have only one
handle, like those used in Egypt
5000 years ago.
The Cuban horses are very small,
but strong. Sometimes large man
rides a full grown horse no larger
than big calf,
Frequently among the lower
classes, we see whites, mulattoes, ne
groes, dogs, cats, COWS and horses
all inhabiting the same house.
The great blizzard reached US
here. The natives never experienced
such a low temperature before. Some
CT us put on overcoats and wanted to
see fire to warm by, but had none.
Frank n. Nunnamaker,
Hospital Corps,
2n1 s C.. Y.