Vlll CONTENTS 



PAGE 



The Aptilleaii mormtaiii system, Variety o resources. Total 

 population. Diversity <>t' social conditions presented in the four 



chief islands 27 



CHAPTER V 



THE ISLAND OF CUBA 



Physical features. Situation, commercial and strategic position. 

 Outlines, dimensions, area. The configuration. The coast and 

 littoral. Abundance of harbors. The bordering keys. The in- 

 terior mountain ranges. The plains of Cuba. The cuchillas of 

 the east. The terraces of Q-uantanamo. Valleys and depressions. 

 Rivers, lakes, and swamps. Caves and scenic features .... 33 



CHAPTER VI 



CLIMATE, FLORA, AND FAUNA 



Temperature and precipitation. Native trees and flowers. The royal 

 palm. Scarcity of mammals. Birds, reptiles, and insect life . . 50 



CHAPTER VII 



HEALTH AND SANITATION 



Natural healthf ulness of the island. Ordinary diseases due to tropical 

 situation. Epidemics and yellow fever. Hygienic precautions 

 and suggestions 57 



CHAPTER VIII 



GEOGRAPHIC SUBDIVISIONS 



Administrative departments. Numerical population. Resume of pre- 

 vious history leading to present conditions. Administration and 

 government. Absolutism of authority. Its effects and influ- 

 ences. Religion and education G2 



CHAPTER IX 



THE RESOURCES OF THE ISLAND 



Agricultural supremacy. The cultivation of sugar. The superior 

 advantages of Cuba for sugar-culture. The plantations de- 

 scribed. Tobacco-culture. The vegas of the Vuelta Abajo. Skill 

 of Cuban tobacco-planters. Coffee, fruits, and minor agricultural 

 products. Cattle and live stock. Minerals 76 



