14 



THE CUBA REVIEW 



r^laniey Culoiacio 



About 8,000 plants are considered sufficient for an acre of ground; the cost of same when pur- 

 chased averages about $30 per acre, while the preparation of the land for pineapple culture will 

 amount to somewhat more. The returns, under favorable cirumstances, will vary from $75 to 

 $100. The average net profit from pineapples grown near Artemisa and Campo Florido is said 

 to be about $50 per acre. The high price of sugar, since the beginning of the European war, 

 however, has caused much of the former pineapple acreage to be converted into cane fields. 



The profit derived from pineapple culture, as in all fruits or vegetables of a perishable 

 nature, depends very largely upon the shipping facilities of the locality selected. Pineapples 

 cannot long be held on the wharf waiting for either trains or steamers. 



In this connection it may be mentioned that the daily ferry line, recently established be- 

 tween Key West and Havana has been very beneficial to shippers. On? grower informed this 

 Bureau that his profits had increased forty per cent as a direct result of the opportunity to load 

 freight cars on his fields, whence they could be shipped to any city in the United States without 

 Ijrcaking bulk. 



The red Si)anish, owing to it excellent shipping qualities, is preferred to all others for export, 

 although many other varieties such as the "pina blanca" or sugar loaf , which will not stand 

 shipment abroad, are used for local consumption and bring an average price of ten cents retail 

 throughout the vear. 



MANGOS 



One of the most abundant and delicious fruits in Cuba, is the niango, which is found 

 growing wild in the forests, especially in the hills of Bahia Honda, as well as in almost every 

 yard or meadow of the Island. Both tree and fruit resemble the peach in some respects, although 

 the mango grows much larger, frequently attaining a height of 50 or CO ft., furnishing grateful 

 shade for stock. The leaves are long, dark green, and glossy. The fruit is slightly pear-shaped. 



