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

e consideration, but with very few g,
ceptions the quality of the Arabian
lacking in the present horse of the Ii
: land. Endurance certainly is shown i
1 marked degree, as well as well defin
: ed conformation. A crossing of tn
Morgan with the native horse of Port
3 Rico should produce very satisfactor,
results. The two marked characters
| tics of the Morgan blood-quality an,
endurance-added to the wonderful en-
durance ,of the Island horse, shoul,
make perfect, medium sized anima
and one admirably suited for park ant
lightwt light harness work. There is n,
reason why the native horse could no
be most successfully bred also for pur
poses of polo. The essential feature,
always sought for in the making OF
polo ponies are agility, endurance ant
size F.; the former two qualities the
Porto Rico horse already strongly pos
scsses, 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 warm climate of
Porto Rico on account of their heavy
wool. Goats, however, arc found to
be excellent substitutes. Their meat
is of 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 fattcst lamb and
many Americans in Porto Rico prefer
the goat meat. A "nanny is worth
So to "a and it is true that they lrive
on the proverbial tin cam"
SUGAR AND RICE.
A recent trip through the sugar belts
of the island showed 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 27 900 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
lana and Southeastern Texas, and
grades of an inferior quality, now con-
tlol 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 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 $l5O,000 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 can 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 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
one half Of 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 we'll
be SAID to bo 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 S5 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. The Island
is also blessed with plentiful painfalfs,
which greatly assist vegetation, and
add to the large water supply of the
rivers.
For 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 leland; 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 Porte
Rico, in his annual report of last year
to the Commissioner of the Interior
stated that as result of correspon
Il n ~