New-York tribune., 1902-01-12
WINTER TRIPS TO PORTO RICO.
FACILITIES AFFORDED FOR DELIGHTFUL
EXCURSIONS TO ONE OF OUR
NEW POSSESSIONS.

No longer need the seekers after change OF
climate and relief from harsh Northern winters
who desire TO unite with short ocean trip a visit
TO some new country, go to foreign land for this
With the acquisition OF Porto Rico a new Pearl
OF the Antilles" almost perfect winter resort
has been added to the United States. Porto Rico
Is one OF the most picturesque OF the West Indies
and possesses nsnv marked tropical features
which are continuous charm TO the eyes OF
Northern visitors. In the West Indies is found the
perfection OF winter resort qualities for this
side OF the Atlantic that is found the Mediter-
ranean resorts OF Europe. The winter tenpera-
ture is mild and agreeable. while the short dis
tance one has to travel to reach them makes 1T
easy for the OF business OF the invalid TO take
the trip.
To reach Porto Rico and make a tour around this
attractive island ths New-York and Porto Rico
Steamship Company has provided delightful trip
OF twenty-five days, ave days being devoted to
the outward trip, and the same time 10 the return
and the remaining twelve days 10 the trip around
the island, with stops at the principal ports The
entire distance Is about three thousand miles The
company is operating the fast and comfortable
steamers Ponce. San Juan and Porto Rico all
fresh from the hands OF the builders. equipped
with all modern devices for safety. and with ap-
pointments that make them as comfortable as any
vessels afoat. The first two named can steam
twelve knots an hour and arrive at San Juan on
the fifth day out. The Porto Rico is used in the
coastwise service carrying passengers TO all ports
The vessels have all their staterooms on the out
side on the main decks They of large size,
and comfortably furnished. all being lighted with
electricity and provided with electric bells The
decks broad and afford ample space for exer-
else and comfortable enjoyment OF the sea In
less than two days from this port one reaches the
Gulf Stream, with its moderate temperature. and
the traveller realizes that he is in the sub
tropics. AS Porto Rico is approached the hills Of
the island appear above the horizon and soon the
land locked harbor Of San Juan. guarded by It's
castle. FL Moro. is seen, Porto Rico is swept by
soft and cool trade winds. its temperature knows
little variation, averaging about IS degrees. The
nights are COOL and among mountain resorts
blankets comfortable.
The island is accessible without let or hfndrance
on every side. The long chain OF mountains run
ming crosswtse through its length furnishes variety
in crops possible to be grown, conceals minerals
of comparatively untried richness in its midst and
acts natural watershed. from which innu-
merabie little streams and rivers. fed by heavy
dews and frequent swift tropic showers, in a man
ner both thorough and natural irrigate the land
These mountains make the rivers. and the rivers
10 the growth OF which and conversion into its va
rious final forms they are Indispensable
Besides San Juan the places the coast OF Porto
Rico include Arecibo, Aguadtlla. Mayaguez. Ponce
HumaCao and Farjado. Porto Rico mas many
possibilities for the future in the fertility of its soil
the profuson of wild fruits. the fine crops Of coffee
the culture of tobacco and other industries To
all that the island affords in conjunction with a
delightful voyage the facilities offered by the
New-York and Porto Rico Company's trips leave
nothing 70 be desired.