Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1829 edition. Excerpt: ... We passed through an extensive savanna, near the beautiful hills of Camiraoca; and by a pcrtrero of rich land, which the proprietor is beginning to convert into a sugar estate, we passed into the richest soil I have seen on the island, belonging to Mr . The cane was twelve or fifteen feet high; the soil black and loose; the oxen without slits in their nostrils; the negroes decently dressed; and everything wore the aspect of ease and comfort. We ascended the mountain, which separates Sumidero from; on its cleared height, we enjoyed a charming prospect. An extensive valley of the richest soil, extended itself west, and north, and east, with six sugar estates in view. The passes of Camiraoca interposed between us and the ocean at one point; but its waters and breakers were in view on the right and left of them. A vessel was seen entering the bay of Matanzas; and the whole view of valley, mountain, and ocean, was truly enchanting. We descended the mountain, and found ourselves in Mr J.'s sugar estate in Sumidero, and soon arrived at my friend's, at La Carolina. . For almost a year, there has been little rain on this island. The brooks have dried up; the rivers have scarcely maintained water in the deepest parts of their channels; the tanks of many plantations have been exhausted, and wells of 300 feet deep have been sunk deeper to obtain water. The soil has chapped open with thirst, and crumbled under the feet of the traveller. Orange trees have been shrivelled in their foliage, and stinted in the size of their fruit. Coffee trees have worn the melancholy hue of yellow leaves, and the planters have been ready to despair of their crop for the coming season. In this extremity, heaven has visited this part of the island with abundant rains....
