THE CUBA REVIEW 



15 



A country home on the Manati River, near Trinidad, south coast of Santa Clara Pro\dnce. 



TRINIDAD ON THE SOUTH COAST 



The City of Trinidad is situated on the Southern coast of Santa Clara Province and about 

 60 miles southeast of Cienfuegos. Thi-ee miles separate it from the Port of Casilda, a macadam 

 road connecting the two. 



It is an old and historic town and was founded by Diego Velazquez in 1514, being the third 

 oldest city on the island; Baracoa occupying fii-st place and Bayamo second. 



It was from Trinidad that Hernando Cortes started for the conquest of Mexico and from 

 this city he recruited some of his best officers. 



When the famous pirate Morgan lorded it over the Southern Seas, Trinidad was attacked 

 more than once by bands of these blood-thirsty treasure-seekers. In every instance the 

 inhabitants made a heroic defence. 



Four centuries have elapsed since the foundation of Trinidad and still, few persons outside 

 of the island know of her existence. 



Today a great change is taking place in the old city. Very soon a railroad will unite Trinidad 

 with the rest of the island; it will put her in direct communication with Havana and other 

 important cities and the northern ports. 



Two railroad companies, one the Cuba Railroad, represented by Sir William Van Home; 

 the other, the Cuban Central, will present propositions to the government for the construction 

 of the road. The contract will be given to the company making the best offer. 



The railroad will open a territory practically virgin and fertile beyond expression; to say 

 nothing of its natural beauty. California and Colorado present no finer scenery. 



As regards the climate, the thermometer does not rise above 89 , 



This summer, up to date, Trinidad has not had a temperature above 89°; and it is a known 

 fact that in several northern and southern cities in the United States, temperatures of 96° 

 and even 100° have been common. 



Opportunities are many for the enterprising man of capital. In the mountains that surround 

 Trinidad, coffee reigns supreme. Oranges and grapefruit also do well and as the climate is 

 cool, even cold, possibly fruits of the Temperate Zone might be cultivated successfully. 



In the San Luis Valley sugar cane and cattle occupy first place. 



On the coast-land, the pineapple, the \Ticca (from which fine starch is extracted), and all 

 kinds of textile or fibrous plants do exceedingly well. — Otta A. Fisher, Trinidad, Cuba. 



