16 



THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE 



Photograph by American Photograph Company 



TRANSFERRING THE CANE FROM OX-CARTS INTO RAILROAD CARS ON A CUBAN 



SUGAR PLANTATION 



A modern sugar factory, or "central," as it is known in Cuba, may require 250 acres of 

 cane a day to keep it running at capacity. Consequently, great areas of sugar land are 

 tributary to each central, and a complete railroad system is necessary to supply the cane in 

 sufficient quantity. At these field-loading stations the cane is weighed in the loading process 

 (see text, page 27). 



cushions and under the ear in his wonder- 

 ment at the Cuban upholsterer's art. 



There are no speed laws in Havana, 

 but there is heavy accountability for those 

 who do not respect the rules of the road 

 and who take the right of way of either 

 pedestrian or motorist. The result is that 

 the cars rush hither and thither like mad. 

 but the reflex actions of the chauffeurs' 

 feet and hands are so highly developed 

 that they can start and stop more quickly. 

 and swerve this way and that more 

 adeptly than can be imagined by one who 

 has not seen them. There is certainly 

 much decision of character in a people 

 who can produce such chauffeurs. 



The real spirit of the Cuban Govern- 

 ment and people toward the Americans 

 who make pilgrimages to Havana is 



shown in the little booklet of taxi infor- 

 mation distributed gratis by the National 

 Police Department. 



"You, sir," says the booklet, "have 

 temporarily hired, or taken into your 

 service, the vehicle number — . A Bu- 

 reau of Information has been established, 

 . . . which will furnish you with any 

 information you need. ... In case 

 of doubt, call the first policeman you 

 meet, who will be glad to help you." 



LOTTERY TICKETS EVERYWHERE 



The masses of Cuba are lovers of 

 chance. Lotteries flourish like green bay 

 trees, and one has to run the gamut of 

 human types in refusing to buy lottery 

 tickets. Here is a wee bit of a girl, per- 

 haps not yet eight years old. who appeals 



