The History of Cuba, vol. 5Johnson, Willis Fletcher
History
The History of Cuba, vol. 5
Johnson, Willis Fletcher
Cuba -- Economic conditions; Cuba -- History
It is the desire of the Government of Cuba to encourage immigration, and
to invite especially agriculturists and farmers from all countries, and
to use every legitimate means of inducing the better class of immigrants
to make permanent homes in the agricultural districts of the Island. But
in order to guard against misleading information, and possible failure
on the part of settlers from foreign countries in Cuba, one of the main
objects of the Bureau of Information of the Department of Agriculture is
not only to promulgate the exact truth, as far as possible, in regard to
conditions, but also to protect the homeseeker against the machinations
of irresponsible real estate agents, and the disappointment that would
result from the purchase or cultivation of lands that could not give
satisfactory returns.
The Government wants every homeseeker or investor of capital in Cuba to
make a success of his undertaking, since only success redounds to the
credit and reputation of the Republic. Hence every effort is being made
to advise prospective settlers and investors, in regard to any
legitimate undertaking that may be contemplated. This advice is
invariably gratis and correspondents are requested not to enclose stamps
for replies to their communications, since these are official and do not
require postage. Personal interviews are invited at all times under the
same conditions.
During the first Government of Intervention, under the direction of
General Leonard Wood, an agricultural experimental station was
inaugurated on the outskirts of the little town of Santiago de las
Vegas, some ten miles from the City of Havana. One hundred and sixty-six
acres were purchased for the use of the station and Mr. Earle, formerly
connected with the Department of Agriculture in Washington, was
installed as Director.
The grounds were well located, with a fine automobile drive passing
along its eastern boundary and the Havana Central Railroad close by on
the west. A large quadrangular edifice occupied by Spanish military
forces, was transformed into the main building of the station. Other
houses for the protection of stock, machinery, etc., were soon added,
while resident homes were built for the officers of the station.
An abundant source of good water was found at a depth of one hundred
feet and large steel tanks were erected so irrigation could be utilized
where needed.
Choice fruit and shade trees were brought, not only from the different
provinces of Cuba, but also from other parts of the tropical world and
planted for experimental purposes. Of the latter the Australian
eucalyptus has made a wonderful growth.
A splendid staff of botanists, horticulturists, bacteriologists and men
versed in animal industry were installed to assist the Director.
Considerable valuable pioneer work was done by these men and much useful
knowledge was imparted to the farmers of Cuba.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account