190 CRUISE OF THE BARRERA 



all the chubascos are made." One series of these 

 lively little tornadoes came out of the east sweep- 

 ing along the north coast of the peninsula. An- 

 other company came sailing along the south coast, 

 the two groups converging to the cape where they 

 met to join forces. Then another corps came 

 booming out of the southwest across the sea from 

 Yucatan and headed also for the cape. When 

 all met there was a lively half-hour. We ran in 

 close under the beach and received our soaking 

 of rain with the usual thankful spirit that that 

 was all. 



Just in front of the light there is a rickety dock 

 somewhat protected by reefs just without. This 

 is the shipping point for a vast quantity of char- 

 coal. At the time of our visit, the wharf was 

 piled high with coarse bags of the fuel awaiting 

 shipment. 



For cooking purposes throughout Cuba charcoal 

 is the only fuel used, and the resulting demand for 

 it is constant. There are various qualities offered, 

 by far the best being that obtained from certain 

 hardwood scrub trees growing in the swampy 

 coastal lowlands, particularly the Cuban "bast" 

 (Poiretia sp.). Charcoal-burning is the only in- 



