OLD LAND: PUERTO RICO 247 



living within 50 miles on both the northern and southern coasts. Much 

 heavier use may be expected in the future. 4 



THE LA MINA RECREATIONAL AREA, 500 acres of breathing space in the 

 Caribbean National Forest, is in a setting to be found nowhere else in the 

 American Tropics. A combination of breath-taking panoramic views of 

 palm-covered mountain slopes, timbered ravines, rocky gorges, cliffs, and 

 waterfalls; giant tree ferns and flowering tree giants with tangled tropical 

 undergrowth ablaze with flaming air plants and wild orchids; teeming with 

 chameleons and tiny but vociferous tree frogs; all at 2,000 feet above the hot 

 lowlands. Here, the air is always crisp and invigorating a truly air-con- 

 ditioned tropical forest. 



Conditions are ideal for the family group. Rainproof shelters are neces- 

 sarily provided as protection against the sudden, torrential downpours. The 

 rain comes down in bucketfuls for several minutes, the storm passes over the 

 mountain, and the sun comes out. Benches and tables, whipsawed from 

 native timber, were planned with the fiesta in mind. The favorite holiday 

 food is roast pig. Barbeque pits have therefore been made available and 

 charcoal is furnished free. 



There are two beautiful swimming pools fed by cool mountain streams. 

 Well-graded hiking trails lead from the parking areas to outstanding points 

 of interest and to mountain peaks. 5 Comfortable cottages, with nearby 

 dining-room facilities, are available for persons wanting overnight or week- 

 end accommodations. People who can afford a longer escape from the heat 

 of coastal towns can lease cottages from the Forest Service. 



Wildlife is sadly lacking throughout the island because of the density of 

 population, scarcity of forest cover, and the abundance of mongooses and 

 rats. Hurricanes have also exacted their toll. 



But on the public forests, under favorable natural conditions and 

 protection, game is coming back, especially birds. The Puerto Rican 



4 Within a radius of 25 miles are 592,000 people with 262,000 living in cities. Within 

 50 miles are 1,019,000, of whom 348,000 are urban dwellers. 



6 In 1938 more than 10 miles of hiking trails, with observatory towers and trail shelters, 

 were provided in the La Mina Area alone, and a total of 60 miles in all public forests. 



