THE CUBA I{ F-: V I i: \v 



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American Colonists' Home. 



SUGGESTIONS TO THE HOMESEEKER 



(D^paiimeut of Agricu'iun, Commerce and labor, Havcnta.) 



Mistakes in the selection of the locaUty, chosen as the place in which to make ones home 

 in a foreign country may easily render years of labor fruitless even if they do not end in absolute 

 disaster. It is to avoid these errors as far as possible that the following suggestions are tendered : 



Healthfulness of the locaUty, of course, is paramount to everything else, especiaUj- where 

 a man has assumed the responsibility of tt:king liis family with hum. Proximity to some local 

 market and facHities for transportation of products to m.ark.ets outside of the country must also 

 be seriously considered. Next in importance probably com.es the natural fertility and physical 

 condition of the soil which it is proposed to cultivate. 



^^'here possible it is decidedly advisable to visit the coiuitry first with sufficient time and 

 means to go carefully over the ground and not make a choice of location too hurriedly. As- 

 certain the line of industry to which you are best adapted, or which gives the greatest promise 

 of success and select land with reference to your requirements. 



Do not attempt to enter any field unless reasonably sure of having a sufficient amount of 

 funds to see you through the first two years without counting upon returns that may ulti- 

 mately com.e from, your investment. No m.atter what is selected as the chief course of revenue 

 it is well to have in addition a few side lines that may give quick returns on the capital invested 

 and thus keep ''the pot boiling" untU the enterprise is fairly underway. 



In purchasing land do not depend entirely on your own judgm.ent,or the appearance of the 

 soil, but consult, if possible, some native in whose judgment and intelligence you have absolute 

 confidence. Pay out no m.oney under any cii'cumstances for the purchase of land until con- 

 vinced that you have found what you want and that the titles to the property are good. 



Unless you are investing your money in some of the larger industries such as sugar, hene- 

 quen, cattle raising or tobacco, it is well to secure a location convenient to some large city where 

 you can depend on a local m.arket for your products throughout the j-ear. If desirable colonies 



