The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1902-04-30

Question of size alone been taken int
consideration, but with very few ez
ceptions the quality of the Arabian
lacking in the present horse of the Is
land. Endurance certainly is showni
1 a marked degree, as well as well defin
= ed conformation. A crossing of til
/. Morgan with the native horse of Port,
Rico should produce very s~atisfactor,
results. The two marked Characters
/ tics Of the Morgan blood-quality ant
endurance-added to the wonderful en-
durance of the Island horse, SHOULD
make a perfect, medium sized anima
and one admirably suited for park ant
lightweight harness work. There is NJ
reason why the native horse could no
be most successfully bred also for pur.
poses of polo. The essential features
always sought for in the making OF
polo ponies are agility, endurance and
size ; the former two qualities the
Porto Rico horse already strongly pos.
%sesses, the question of size is one to be
easily overcome.
There are some sheep on the Island,
but these need considerable care and
do not thrive in the warn climate of
Porto Rico on account of their heavy
wool. Goats, however, arc found to
be excellent substitutes. Their meat
is of a delicious flavor, they give an
almost incredible amount of rich, sweet
milk and it does not cost much to raise
them.
a young goat, properly roasted, is
fully as nice as the latest lamb and
many Americans in Porto Rico prefer
the goat meat. A "nanny I" is worth
81 to 81 and it is true that they thrive
on the %proverbial " tin can"
SUGAR AND RICE.
A recent trip through the sugar belts
of the island showed a very promising
state of affairs in the gathering in and
grinding of the cane. Particularly was
this noticeable at Manati, Dorado,
Vega Baja, Arecibo and Camuy. From
indications, the facilities for grinding
at these points were inadequate to
meet the present large crops of cane.
AS these crops will increase in volume
on the Island, it must, of necessity re-
suit In the early erection of larger Cen.
trales, and the consequent introduction
of improved machinery for grinding.
The importation of rice from the
United States to Porto Rico is an enor-
nous item, and it has been estimated
that upwards of 81 1000 tons are con-
sumed annually on the island, rice
being the staple food of the natives.
Due to exemption from duty, the Japan
Klushu rice, grown in Southern Louis
ANA and Southeastern Texas, and
grades of an inferior quality, now con.
tic the Porto Rico market and con-
sequently command high prices on the
island.
An industry we'll worth the con-
slderation of capitalists is the erection
of an %up-to-date plant in Porto Rico
for cleaning rice. The East India rice
in the husk, on which there is an I'M
port duty of rs cents per 100 pounds
in Porto Rico, could be shipped TO the
island, and allowing for all charges,
rice of a very superior quality could
be sold at a figure far below that now
ruling for the American product. The
revenue TO the island would amount to
more than $135, 900 annually from
duties, with a further direct benefit to
the natives of $3.50 900 per annum in
wages and the difference in retail prices
of the two articles.
VALUE OF CULTIVATION.
While it is true that the rich soil of
Porto Rico yields wonderfully large
crops, it is also true that much better
results car be attained and the land
made TO produce fifty per cent. more
than it does if the agriculturalists can
be induced to alter their time worn
customs of cultivation.
Old fashioned implements are used
almost exclusively in Porto Rico; the
crops are planted in such Il manner
that cultivation by modern methods IS
impossible; the cost is double the
amount it should be, the work is i'm.
perfect and the result is consequently
mt half of a crop. Nature has done
much for the Island, but she cannot do
it all and for the best results she must
have assistance.
CLIMATIC AND HEALTH CONDITIONS.
The climate of Porto Rico can well
be SAID to be remarkably equable. As
the mean temperature on the Island
does not vary more than 6 degrees
Fahrenheit throughout the year, with
a range of the thermometer of only 40
degrees Fahrenheit, Porto Rico enjoys
the distinction of having continual
summer. At midday, the temperature
rises to about So degrees Fahrenheit.
The coolest months of the year are
December, January and February,
whilst the hottest months are June,
July, August and September. Brac-
ing, cool weather predominates in the
mountains. Snow and hail are quite
unknown in Porto Rico. The5Island
is also blessed with plentiful n~aiafaifs,
which greatly assist vegetation, and
add to the large water supply of the
rivers.
For a tropical country, Porto Rico
is remarkably healthful, and compares
most favorably with the health resorts
of Europe and the United States. Due,
particularly, to the very efficient and
thorough sanitary measures which have
been adopted by the United States au-
thorlties, yellow fever and smallpox
have been completely stamped out of
the Island; an observance of the usual
dietary precautions generally taken in
all tropical countries by intending set
tiers, will ensure perfect and lasting
health.
DIR. r.. M. Hernandez, the president
of the superior board of health of Porto
Rico, in his annual report of last year,
to the Commissioner of the Interior,
stated that as a result of -.corrassp0nl
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