PHYSICAL A.SPECT. 141 



ous texture of the limestone formations which I have 

 just described, the great inclination of its strata, the 

 small width of the island, the frequent absence of 

 trees in the plains, and the proximity of the moun 

 tains, where they form an elevated chain near the 

 southern coast, may be considered as the principal 

 causes of the want of rivers, and of the absence of 

 moisture which are experienced, particularly in the 

 western part of Cuba. In this respect Haiti, Jamaica, 

 and many other of the Lesser Antilles which have 

 volcanic peaks covered with woods, are much more 

 gifted by nature. 



The lands most celebrated for their fertility are 

 those of the districts of Jagua, Trinidad, and Mariel. 

 The valley of Guines owes its reputation in this 

 respect entirely to its artificial irrigation by means 

 of canals. Notwithstanding the absence of deep 

 rivers and the unequal fertility of the soil, the island 

 of Cuba presents on every hand a most varied and 

 agreeable country from its undulating character, its 

 ever-springing verdure, and the variety of its vegeta- 

 ble formations. Two kinds of trees with large flexible 

 and shining leaves, five species of palms (the Royal 

 palm, or Oreodoxia regia, the Coco comun, the Coco 

 crispa, the Coripha miraguama, and the C. mari- 

 tima), and small bushes, ever laden with flowers, 

 adorn the hills and vales. The Cecropia peltata 



