THE ISLAND OF CUBA 49 



the caverns of our own country, such as those of Kentucky 

 and Virginia, by the fact that, while the latter impress us 

 with their magnitude, the Cuban caves overwhelm us with 

 the beauty, snow-like whiteness, and delicacy of the stalac- 

 tite and stalagmite forms ; in fact, these have the whiteness 

 and purity of Parian marble. 



There are also some waterfalls, natural bridges, and 

 many mineral springs and baths. Among the latter may 

 be mentioned the springs of San Diego in the province of 

 Piiiar del Rio, which have long been a favorite resort of the 

 Cubans. Their waters are reputed to be unusually salu- 

 brious and efficacious for many diseases, especially those 

 of a rheumatic character. 



Madruga, formerly known as the Cuban Saratoga, about 

 two hours' ride by rail to the southwest of Matanzas, is 

 also celebrated for its mineral springs. Its high situation 

 renders its air much more cool and pleasant than that of 

 the plain during the spring, when the southwest winds are 

 annoying. The baths are more or less impregnated with 

 sulphur, iron, magnesia, and potassa, and are recom- 

 mended for rheumatism, paralysis, weakness of the stom- 

 ach, scrofula, etc. There are several of these, such as La 

 Pila, El Templada, etc. The water is rather cool. Invalids 

 from all parts of the island formerly came here and found 

 amusement in bathing, riding, and walking to the tops of 

 the neighboring hills, from which fine views may be had. 

 From the top of one of these, Cupey, the view of the valley 

 of Clara is very fine. As far as the eye can reach one can 

 see the waving cane-fields, with occasional patches of woods 

 or clumps of palms, and lightened by the tall white chim- 

 neys of the sugar-mills, while in the distance there is just 

 the faintest glimpse of mountains and hills fading into the 

 li;izy sea. Limonar, one of the most pleasant places on 

 the island, is not far from Matanzas. Its air is very in- 

 vigorating. From there one can drive to the San Miguel 

 sulphur-baths. 



