A FLYING TRIP TO JAMAICA 269 



western central portion has a large area that runs from seventy- 

 five to ninety-five inches, while all along the coast and a strip through 

 the middle of the island, there is only from forty to fifty inches, and in 

 places thirty to thirty-five. It will thus be seen that the planter can 

 get almost any rainfall his crops may need. The island is of volcanic 

 origin and indeed, has been, within the memory of man, visited by 

 severe earthquakes. The formation is coral, white and yellow lime- 

 stone, and in some places, trap rock. In the river valleys there are 

 some quite rich alluvial areas where excellent crops are produced. 

 There are many thousands of acres of crown lands not yet taken up, 

 which are disposed of to settlers under exceedingly favorable terms. 



SUGAR CANE FIELD. 



Very early in the morning we passed the old Spanish fort at 

 Port Royal, entered the harbor, and at seven o'clock were tied up at 

 the pier in Kingston. The wharf was crowded with ebony-colored 

 ''Englishmen/' who bore themselves with much dignity. Pushing 

 through them we made our way to the Myrtle Bank Hotel, where a 

 good breakfast was discussed, and then we did the town; that is, until 

 the sun got a bit too hot for walking. As I wanted to get all the 

 official information possible, we looked up the Department of Agri- 

 culture. In a short time we were furnished by the very capable secre- 

 tary with maps, rain charts, reports and practical information that told 

 pretty nearly all we wished to know. The officials were most prompt 



