896 



REPORT OF OFFICE OF EXPERIMENT STATIONS. 



is a dearth of skilled labor and an excess of the poorest and most igno- 

 rant kind. Improved implements of any sort are rarely used. The 

 roads for getting produce to the local markets and to the seaports are 

 so few that the cost of transportation often exceeds the market value. 

 The home market is limited and the facilities for export transportation 

 are not suitable for perishable produce. Better transportation is 

 imperative. There is need of the introduction of improved machinery 

 as well as of seeds, plants, and animals to take the place of those 

 that are now so deteriorated through lack of selection and proper care 

 that they are valueless. There is a good field for the development of 

 some of the tropical fruits by selection, breeding, and better methods 

 of management and their introduction into good markets. Last, but 

 not least, the people should be taught and encouraged to adopt improved 

 methods and fit themselves for a more intelligent management of 

 agricultural affairs. There is great need for capital for the proper 

 development of the island's resources and there is need for American 

 enterprise to push things. It must be borne in mind that the great 

 mass of the people are very poor and the island is therefore not a 

 desirable place for an American of small means to go unless he 

 knows beforehand that he will be profitably employed. There are 

 many more people there waiting for employment than places to be 

 filled. Capital, however, if judiciously invested and properly managed 

 should give sure returns at a good rate of interest. Under the descrip- 

 tions and conditions of crops brief suggestions of the possible oppor- 

 tunities for investments in each will be given. 



According to a recent estimate the agricultural lands are grouped 

 as follows: 



Acreage of cultivated and uncultivated lands in Porto Rico. 



The above figures are taken from the reports of Mr. Juan B. Rodri- 

 guez, in his reports to the secretary of the interior for Porto Rico. 

 The most striking change from 1900 to 1901 is the increase in acreage 

 of miscellaneous crops of nearly 100 per cent. The percentage of lands 

 under actual cultivation for the first year was only 18.9 and for the last 

 year 23.5. 



