Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-04-26

terests, though the tobacco fields may be
found in all sections of the island, and the
crop is exported from every port from Ha-
vana to Santiago.
The average size of the Cuban tobacco
plantations, or vegas, as they are called, Is
only about 80 acres, and the average annual
production from a farm or vega of this size
is something like 5000 pounds of tobacco OF
varying qualities. OF this amount, however,
there will seldom be more than from $50 to
500 pounds of the finest quality from which
the higher priced cigars are made; 800
pounds of the second quality, and on
down to the cheapest grade, which is, of
course, the greatest in quantity.
In the wars of Cuba the tobacco interests
of the western portion of the island, in
which is grown the better qualities and the
greatest quantities, have been but little af-
fected until the last one. During the years
of 1867, however, these interests, like the
sugar interests OF Matanzas, suffered heav-
lily from the conflicts waged over the tobacco
territory, and the planters are but now fully;
recovering from the effects of the devasta-
ton which the revolution left in its path.
Among other agricultural products which
the island Is capable of producing. and from
which much may be expected in the future,
are coffees and fruits. The former is espe-
cially adapted TO the mountain-SideS and hill
L
time when considerable quantity of coffee
was exported from the island, but the po-
litical conditions rendered its cultivation
Improbable, as there was always an uncer-
tainty of getting the crop TO market. In
point OF quality Cuba can produce as good
coffee as is grown anywhere in the world,
and there is but little doubt that it viii soon
become leading industry.
Though the present value of the fruit crop
son with what it was few years ago it is
still of considerable Importance, and may be
expected to assume even greater Importance
in the industrial development of the island
under the new regime. In the eastern end of
the island there are now a large number of
beautiful banana plantations high up the
mountains that supply to the American mar
kets the best of this class of fruit that is sold
in this country. Oranges and pineapples of
unusual size and flavor are also grown
throughout the island.
But Cuba possesses more than agricultural
wealth. Her forests supply mahogany, log
wood and fustic in some quantities, though
the supply is limited, and great source of
wealth Is in her, yet, almost undeveloped
mines. Iron, manganese, copper and salt
are all mined in paying quantities, though
on a comparatively small scale. OF them all
iron Is the chief of the mineral product. The
iron mines are located a few miles east of
Santiago, and, while they have not as yet
been worked to any large extent, the Amer
lean company which controls them have ex-
pended large sums in preparatory develop
ment. That these iron mines will become of
considerable Importance in the develop
ment of the island cannot be doubted.
With such resources to draw upon Cuba,
under progressive and enlightened govern
ment that will encourage rather than an
tagonize development, should soon take
leading place among the smaller commercial
nations of the world.