14 



THE CUBA REVIEW 



A Cuban Range. 



In both Havana and Matanzas Provinces, good lands command a price that renders 

 them rather prohibitive for stock raising purposes. But in Pinar del Rio there are still ex- 

 tensive tracts, both in the level sections and in the foot hills, which furnish ideal grazing lands, 

 and if not absorbed in the near future by the cane planters, this western province will become 

 eventually one of the most successful stock raising districts in the Republic. These lands 

 can be secured at the present tune, in large tracts, at prices varying from $20 to $40 per acre, 

 but if properly administered will easily yield an annual net return of from 20% to 40% on 

 the investment. 



At the beginning of the war of Independence in 1905, over three million head of native 

 cattle were registered in the Island. The four years continual struggle between Spain and the 

 people of Cuba, however, almost completely exterminated them. At the beginning of the 

 First Intervention cattle were rushed into Cuba from all nearby countries, including Texas, 

 Florida, Venezuela and Mexico. During the past few years, however, quite a number of 

 high grade animals have been introduced for breeding purposes and are rapidly improving 

 the present herds. Approximately 4,000,000 head of cattle are today registered in the De- 

 partment of Agriculture. 



Cuba is quite as well adapted for raising horses and mules successfully, as any part of 

 the Iliited States. This is owing, not only to the abundance of food found throughout the 

 year, but to the fact that we have neither sleet snow, or cold, wet rains that sometimes chill 

 and retard the growth of young colts. 



During the first Government of Intervention, a large number of American horses were 

 brought to Cuba by the Army of Occupation, but in spite of the abrupt change of climate 

 and conditions, American cavalry officers stated that never before had they found a place 

 where their mounts seemed to thrive so well, and to remain so free from disease. The native 

 Cuban horses are of Arabian stock, introduced here by the first Spanish conquerors who 

 brought them from the Old World. They are hardy, gentle, easily kept, and of marvelous 

 endurance, especially those bred in the mountainous districts. When crossed with good 



