The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1903-04-28
PORTO RIco's COFFEE.
Bean, Its Aid to the ISLANDS
Prosperity, Etc

PouhuH anu III Af!o rose 10 l,SSo,<Ss
pounds. During the Napoleonic wars
the financial situation in Porto Rice
felt their baneful influence and ex.
portation Of agricultural products les,
sened. The culture of coffee, however
took on anew impetus after the French
refugees came from Hayti. Fleeing
from revolution there they carried to
Porto Rico new methods for cultiva-
ton of the coffee crop.
From 1850 to 1897, inclusive, Porto
Rico produced 492, ,66s tons of coffee,
valued at $95.269.479, an average OF
more than 100000 pounds year,
worth nearly S3,500,000 annually. In
1898, 1899, 1900 and 1901 the crops were
respectively 1880 tons, 6,720 tons,
e,17o tons and 14,500 tons. This was
an average Of 1880 tons per annum,
valued at $2,916,000.
| So many inquiries are now being
made concerning Porto Rican coffee
and its prospects that some Of the facts
included in Gov. Hunts 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,
coo acres, with an annual average yield
of 26,3s0 tons of marketable coffee.
The present area, including all
groves that have been renoyatedto any
degree of bearing condition since the
hurricane of 1899, is estimated at 122,-
358 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 frst
because Of the financial distress of the
land owners, reducing the coffee crop
for the year 1900 to 0,200 tons; but the
planters have been greatly encouraged
by the heavy yield on restored planta-
tions during the last year. and it is
thought that the crop last harvested
amounted to two-thirds of the normal
yield
Many groves which have been prac-
tically abandoned since the cyclone are
Eow 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, well cul-
tiyated. 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 a very low price
for Porto Rican coffee, we have total
OF $40 an acre.
A quintal Of coffee car be laid down
at the seaport for expectation at a
total cost OF production. plus interior
transportation. Of 81. This sum may
be multiplied by the four quintals
which an acre produces. and makes a
total expense OF s2s an acre, which be-
ing deducted from the $40 gross yield,
leaves a minimum net gain of $12 an
acre. Four quintals an acre is loves
timste, II 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 s4s
TO s6s an acre.
1t is the genral opinion that a person
going into the business of cultivating
coffee. in order TO make il lucrative.
should own from 500 to 1000 acres of
suitable land. This, properly admins
tered, viii yield a good revenue and Sc
cure a permanent income.
The tree bears in FIVE yeas after
planting and is full bearing at seven.
and as yearly producer can be relied
on to last lifetime. Very little ma
chinery. and that OF most simple de-
scription, is required in preparing the
berries for shipment and sale.
Few properties in the island are used
solely for the cultivation of coffee.
This cropis combined with Others, such
as tobacco. fruits and vegetables.
Shade is indispensable tothe raisingof
coffee in Porto Rico, and other fruit
bearing trees can furnish the nsces-
sary protection.
The opening OF the markets of the
United States and the construction of
roads in the interior of the island have
given great impetus TO this as well
as other agricultural industries. The
coffee has not had the sale il deserves
in the American market. Travellers
who know its flavor commend its su-
and in time IL will command
the best price.
From July 1. 1901, to July /, 1902, Por-
TO Rico exported TO foreign countries
coffee valued at $3,16s,662. and during
the same period sent but 500. ISIS worth
to the United States. The increase in
the foreign expectation Of coffee in one
year was sl.e74.4e0. This shows the
healthy increase in coffee growing in
Porto rico.
Novel birth Announcements.