44 PRODUCE OF SOIL. 



A superior system is, however, under the 

 consideration of the legislature ; viz. to open 

 the cultivation of this article to free com- 

 petition, subject to a duty which would 

 more than compensate the deficiency in the 

 revenue. 



Sugar may be produced in much greater 

 abundance, and better state, than it now 

 is, and may also be refined in the country. 



Coffee and cocoa of the finest quality 

 may be grown in immense quantities. The 

 cultivation is at present checked by the 

 war, as well as by the heavy expense of 

 carriage to La Guayra, amounting to two 

 dollars per mule-load of these bulky ar- 

 ticles ; but upon the completion of the new 

 road now making, which is to follow the 

 windings of the valleys, at a gentle ascent, 

 allowing the introduction of wheel carriages, 

 these articles will materially undersell the 



