St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1903-05-16
PORTO R1Co's COFFEE.
Varied and Interesting History of the
Bean, Its Aid to the Islands
Prosperity, Etc.

and interesting history. The bean Was
introduce IN 1898 from Guadaloupe.
In 1870 The production was 72S,O25
pounds and in 1875 rose to- 1,226,225
pounds. During the Napoleonic wars
the financial situation in Porto Rico
felt their baneful influence and eA-
portation of agricultural products les
sened. The culture of coffee, however,
took on new impetus after the French
refugees came from Hayti. Fleeing
from revolution there they carried to
Porto Rico new methods for cultlva-
ton of the coffee crop.
From 1850 to 1897, inclusive, Porto
Rico produced 492,66s tons of coffee,
valued at $9s,269,479, an average of
more than 20,00O,0O0 pounds a year,
worth nearly $3,5o0,O0o annually. In
1898, 1899, 1900 and 1901 the crops were
respectively 1880 tons, $3.50 tons,
9,17O tons and 1850 tons. This was
an average of 1850 tons per annum:
valued. al $2,916,0O0.
So many inquiries are now being
made concerning Porto Rican coffee
and it's prospects that some of the facts
included in Gov. Hunt recent report to
President Roosevelt are especially
timely, states the Washington Star.
The governor shows that the area OF
coffee lands planted just prior to the
American occupation was about $780,
600 acres, with an annual average yield
of 26 $50 tons of marketable coffee.
The present area, including all
groves that have been renovated to any
degree of bearing condition since the
hurricane of 1899, is estimated at 1922
35S acres, of which the annual average
yield should amount to 1925 tons.
The work of clearing the plantations
and repairing the injuries inflicted by
the tempest progressed slowly at first
because of the financial distress of the
land owners, reducing the coffee croE
for the year 1900 to 5000 tons; but the
planters have been greatly encouraged
by the heavy yield on restored planta'
lions during the last year, and it is
thought that the crop last harvested
amounted to two-t thirds of the normal
yield.
Many groves which have been prac'
tically abandoned since the cyclone are
now being renovated and completely
restored, and even some entirely new
groves are being planted, notwith'
standing the present low price OF the
berry. The trees are full of we'll
formed healthy fruit, and promise an
abundant yield this season.
A good grade of coffee land, we'll cul
tivated, produces at least four quintals
of coffee annually an acre, and gener
ally more. Considering the minimum
production OF four quintals an acre
at $40 each, that being very low price
for Porto Rican coffee, we have tota
of $40 an acre.
A quintal of coffee can be laid dowr
at the seaport for expectation at q
total cost of production. plus interior
transportation, of 81. This sum may
be multiplied by the four quintals
which an acre produces, and makes {
total expense of $2S an acre, which be
ing deducted from the $40 gross yield
leaves a minimum net gain of SIP ar
acre. Four quintals an acre is low e s
innate, it being possible to produce
from $50 to 500 gross revenue from
each acre planted in coffee when in full
bearing, giving net profit of from $4t
to SOS an acre.
It is the genral opinion that person
going into the business of cultivatins
coffee. in order to make it lucrative
should own from 500 to 1000 acres o:
suitable land. This, properly admins
tered, will yield a good revenue and Sc
cure a permanent income.
The tree bears in five years after
planting and is full bearing at seven
and as yearly producer can be rehet
on to last a lifetime. Very little ma
chinery, and that Of most simple de
scription, is required in preparing tn
berries for shipment and sale.
Few properties in the island are uset
solely for the cultivation Of coffee
This cropis combined with others, suc1
as tobacco, fruits and vegetables
Shade is indispensable to the raising o
coffee in Porto Rico. and other fruit
| bearing trees can furnish the neces
sary protection.
The opening of the markets of-th
United States and the construction o
roads in the interior of the island hav'
given a great impetus to this as wei
as other agricultural industries. TIL
coffee has not had the sale it deserve
| in the American market. Traveller
who know it's flavor commend it's su
periority. and in time it will command
the best price.
From July 1, 1901, to July 1, 1902. Por
to Rico exported to foreign countrie
tcoffee valued at 50, 16S,662 and durin.
the same period sent but $29,1Ss WORT
to the United States. The increase j
the foreign expectation of coffee in on
| wear was $1,674,46O. This shows tn
healthy increase in coffee growing il
Porto Rico.
School with Baths and Meals.
Stockholm claims the largest school
house in the world, which has accom-
modation fer 2,s70 children. In tn
basement are 100 bathrooms, wher
the children are required to battle i
their teachers think they are no
taught habits of cleanliness at home
Soap and towels are furnished fire.
by the city. A wholesome dinner i
furnished to poor children at noon il
all the public schools if they need it
as in Norway, which insures ever.
child at least one warm meal each day
London Tit-Bits.
Nothing Against Them.