THE ISLAND OF PORTO RICO 147 



miles. The coast-line is about 360 miles in length. Its 

 area is 300 square miles greater than that of Delaware, 

 Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia combined, and 

 300 less than that of Connecticut. 



The general aspect of the island is that of a picturesque, 

 hilly landscape. Its beautiful and fertile plains, the abun- 

 dance of gently flowing streams, the variety of vegetation, 

 including palms which elevate their fronds above the lower 

 stratum of evergreen, the bright patches of cultivated fields, 

 the clear skies, mild temperature, and invigorating winds, 

 give to the country a very engaging aspect. 



The configuration of the land is that of a low central 

 mountain range extending through its greatest length, 

 with low and broken slopes. These mountains, which are 

 a continuation of the Great Antillean uplifts previously 

 described, extend from the western cape, Cadena, near San 

 German, to the northeast corner of the island. Their cul- 

 mination is found toward the east end. Their highest 

 peak, 3609 feet in altitude, is the Yunque of the Sierra 

 Luquillo. The lateral extension of these mountains toward 

 the south coast is here known as the Sierra de Cayey. 

 The westward ramifications of the system have various 

 names. Near San German there are some notable summits 

 known as the Tetas de Montero. On the higher portions 

 of the sierras are remnants of the virgin forests which once 

 clad the entire island, and, no doubt, still constitute an 

 important factor in controlling the magnificent water- 

 courses which drain them. The slopes are gently rolling 

 divides until they approach the littoral, where they are 

 superseded by wide and beautiful plains, well drained and 

 void of extensive marshlands. 



Apart from the natural wealth of her soil, Porto Rico 

 has the additional advantage of being well supplied with 

 water, which is generally scarce in the islands to the east- 

 ward, many of which are destitute of springs. 



The northern district is moist, subject not only to the 

 periodical rains of the \Vest Indies, but also visited by OC- 



