ECONOMIC CONDITION OF CUBA. 



879 



the central districts, its damp unhealthy climate, and the exposed position of 

 the channel giving access to its harbour. At present some trade is done in 

 bananas, cocoanuts, and other tropical fruits with the United States. One of 

 the most romantic roads in Cuba connects Baracoa with Santiago across the rugged 

 crests of the Cuchillas rano^e. 



Economic Conditiox of Cuba. 

 Despite revolutions, wars, and epidemics, the population of Cuba has increased 



Fig-. 181. — Poet of Gtiantanamo. 

 Scale 1 : 320,000. 



75'15 West oF. Greenwich 



75*5' 



Depths. 



0to5 



Fathoms. 



5 Fathoms 

 and upwards. 



6 Miles. 



at least sixfold since the beginning of the last century. Enforced immigration 

 of whites, negroes, Chinese, and Mayas has ceased, and free immigration is now 

 encouraged by grants of land. But independently of this movement, there is a 

 considerable natural increase by the excess of births over deaths. In time of 

 peace, the annual increase may be estimated at from 15,000 to 20,000, a rate 



