26 THE CUBA REVIEW 



THE ISLE OF PINES OF THE PRESENT 



A MOST INTERESTING STORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF A BEAUTIFUL 

 ISLAND BY AMERICAN ENERGY 



The remarkable develoi)inent of the Isle of Pines, principally in citrus-fruit culture and 

 other agricultural effort, almost exclusively under Americans, who now own about 90 per cent, 

 of the area, warrants a present-day resume of the conditions obtaining. 



The Isle of Pines is supposed to have an area of 614.34 square marine miles, or about 521,381 

 acres, and is situated off the south coast of western Cuba. Its nearnest point to the larger 

 island being about 343^ statute miles distant. It is distant about 850 miles from Panama, 

 230 miles almost due east of Cape Cartuche, Zucatan, and 370 miles northwest of the Island of 

 Jamaica. 



The land in general is high and well drained, except in the southern part, where it is low 

 and marshy. The plateau which consists so much of the island, is marked by several ridges, 

 the highest altitude of which is attained in the so-called Sierra de Caballos, where one peak 

 reaches 1,674 feet. 



The important watershed of the island is to the north, this developing many small streams, 

 some of which are accessible to boats of light draft. In bays and harbors the island has 

 been and will be deficient until Siguenea Bay on the west coast, is made accessible by enlarging 

 the opening of the barrier reef. 



The shallowness of the Gulf of Batabano extends to nearly all parts of the north coast, and 

 at present only small vessels can approach the river mouth and enter to the reach upon which 

 Nueva Gerona is situated. The institution of dock facilities at Los Indios, at Siquenea Bay 

 has relieved the harbor condition to a great extent. 



The soil of the island is a loam containing a considerable amount of sand, is exceedingly 

 rich and permits the growing of nearly all kinds of tropical vegetables and fruit, it being 

 especially indicated for citrus fruits and pineapples. There is also a good gravel which is 

 adapted for road making, and in addition some of the stone of the island is admissible for 

 use in macadamizing highways. The marble deposits are remarkable for their colors and 

 fineness. LTp to the present time there has been found no great indication of mineral wealth, 

 although there is some manganese and iron ore. 



The climate is remarkable for its general excellence, the mean temperature being about 

 75 degrees in the habitable part of the island, with a maximum which is rarely over 90 degrees 

 and a minimimi of about 60 degrees. The trade winds blow steadily, and the nights, as in 

 Cuba, are nearly always cool and pleasant. The rainy season is the same as that of Cuba, 

 extending from about May 15 to October 15, but without excessive precipitation except 

 in hurricane periods, which happily, are very rare, the severe cyclonic storms of the Caribbean 

 Sea usually passing the Isle of Pines. The potable water supply of the island is also remarkable, 

 there being in addition to an ample quantity of good drinking water mineral springs, the product 

 of which is famous in Cuba. Finally, the Isle of Pines has always been free from the infectious 

 diseases which have oftentimes affected its neighbors. 



The resident population is estimated at about 5,000, of which perhaps, 1,000 are Americans, 

 who remain there for the whole or the greater part of the year. In the winter season the 

 population is increased by the advent of Americans who have property interests there or who 

 come to the Isle of Pines to investigate or reside during the winter months. It has always 

 been an exceedingly difficult matter to establish what might be called the normal population 

 of the island, but it is perhaps safe to say that the resident population is not above that given, 

 and that in the winter season there are 2,000 to 3,000 more there. 



Nueva Gerona is the seat of the government of the island, and lies on the left bank of the 

 Casas River, about 2 miles from its mouth, on the north coast. The town has several schools 

 and in the winter season there are private schools for the benefit of the children of visitors. 



The next most important town is Santa Fe, located on the banks of the river of that name 

 and about 11 miles southeast of Nueva Gerona. This being the center of an extensive citrus- 

 fruit planting district, it has always been regarded as one of the most important of the island's 

 places of residence. Jucaro is the port of Santa Fe and is also located upon the river of the 

 same name. Like other Isle of Pines' towns of the present day, it has its school system and 

 its stores and business houses adequate for the necessities. 



The ports of entry of the island accounted in revenue to the Cuban Government during 

 the calendar year of 1913 for $26,972.24. The bulk of the importation was, as is usual in 

 all Cuba, foodstuffs and articles of clothing and supplies of a general character. 



In the various towns and in the land development tracts connected therewith, there are 

 22 hotels. There are two banks, the National Bank and Trust Co., capital $60,000, and the 

 Isle of Pines Bank, capital, $25,000. The deposits of the first-named institution, on March 

 31, 1914, were $45,332.94; of the last, $141,809.85. 



The Isle of Pines Steamship Co., a corporation owned by Americans, controls two steamers 

 which ply between the ports of Batabano and Nueva Gerona, in about 15 hours, making 

 in the winter season tri-weekly trips, but in the summer season having a less frequent service. 



