T II E C U B A R B \' I i: W 



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"Fordson" tractor hauling Oliver two-disc plow at Campo Florido, Cuba. 

 (Courtesy of Mr. Martial Facio, Havana.) 



The operation of seed bed preparation, the plowing, harrowing, cultivating, drag- 

 ging, and furrow opening, should be done by the companies. It is scientific work 

 that should not be left to the judgment of the colonos. The cost should be charged 

 to them and they will be found willing to accept it once they see the greater profit to 

 themselves. This work is mechanical, hence it involves no question of human labor. 

 As under the old system, the cultivation and harvest work falls to the colono; in fact 

 ho is not disturbed in any way in Ins normal processes of life. 



A field department should he organized by the larger companies whose duties 

 Should he confined to the yearly soil preparation for new planting. That work would 

 continue throughout the year. Included in its equipment should he a road grader 

 and a small rock crusher mounted on a heavy wagon for road repair at dangerous 

 places, railway embankment construction, drainage, and similar work. The man in 

 charge of this work would become one of the most valuable members of the organi- 

 zation. 



Careful choice of tractors and tools is most important. An extensive experience 

 in tractor farming leads me to choose the caterpillar type of tractor for Cuba. It 

 should be large, preferably of about 75 horse power, and a complete set of farming 

 implements suitable for use with it should be included in the outfit. 



It is a mistake to believe that the small fields require the small tractors for best 

 farming results. Of course, the man farming but a small area is not justified in 

 choosing the larger outfit, but with the Cuban sugar companies it would be better, 

 where practicable, to adjust the fields to the tractor rather than fit the tractor to the 

 fields. I saw many roads poorly located and fence lines that should lie gradually 

 changed for more economical operation. In fa«t a judicious reforming of numerous 

 fields would follow this new era of operation. 



HEAVY TKACTOR PREFERRED 

 Ordinary tractor tools, suitable for use in the States, are not apt to stand up 

 under the heavy Cuban work. I would judge a 75 horse power tractor as capable 

 <»f handling to the ultimate, deep-plowing depth a mouldboard gang of not to exceed 

 six fourteen-inch bottoms. The disc harrow should he of the close-coupled, rigid type. 

 The drag may be home made of a size perhaps 14 by 30 feet, made of clear pine 

 4 by 12 inches. 



