AZUCAR TO THE COAST 107 



The actual output of the mine and profits accru- 

 ing, for obvious reasons, are withheld, but it is no 

 breach of confidence to say that the mine has paid 

 handsomely and has already netted its owners a 

 substantial fortune. 



The area of mineral deposits is within a strip 

 extending from the Havana province line west 

 about one hundred miles — and in width from the 

 north face of the sierra to the coast — an average 

 of ten miles. Throughout this area of high sand- 

 stone hills, copper intrusions as at Matahambre, 

 are more or less in evidence and no doubt other 

 rich discoveries will be made. Transportation to 

 the cost and harbor facilities are serious considera- 

 tions in this region. 



The return trip to the coast was made in an ore 

 wagon and without incident. As we neared the 

 coastal strip of swamp we encountered almost our 

 entire ship's company who were enjoying a ramble 

 ashore. They had collected many lizards and 

 with their guns looked like a lot of pirates on mis- 

 chief bent. To this accusation they replied with 

 equal force that we gave an excellent imitation of a 

 company of bandits, so honors were even. They 

 climbed into our ore wagon and all sang and 



