(the forested slopes), The beans referred to are called habas and are the sa^iae 
as tlB broad bean of Europe (Yicia faba, Paba vxilgaris), v^ith large flat dark- 
colored seeds. I visited Cochabamba vTliich lies in one of the fertile agricul- 
tural valleys on the eastern slope of the Gordillera. La I^az, the capital, 
lies in a bowl 1500 feet below the level of the alto i 135000 f t» ) . At the 
higher altitudes are foimd the native crops quinoa, oca and papa lisa mentioned 
under Peru* 
An important crop in the Yimgas region is coca. The industry represents 
large aauounts of invested capital as coca far^ning is a special branch and 
requires technical skill. The nillsidee are carefully terraced and much attention 
is given to the bushes. Th.: seedlings are raised in seed,bedSf protected when 
Ifoving as with tobacco and transplanted to the terraces. The picking is also 
f;. 
a process requiring skill as in tne case of tea. The coca leaves are shipped 
in bales or sacks to the alto vAiere they are extensively used by the Indians. 
The leaves are .mixed with specially prepared ashes ana chewed, learly every 
male Indian has a quid of -this distending one of his cheeks. 
Bolivia is f ai rly well provided with trunk-line railroads. Railroads 
ran from La Fb.z to Mollendo in Peru and to iirica and Antcfagasta in Ohile.. 
A branch from the latter goes south and ultimately will connect with tho main line 
at La 4uiaca in Argentina for Buenos Aires. At present there is a break. in 
the region of Tupi za in the south over which the road is now under construction. 
Through the courtesy of the Ulen Contracting Gorpomtion I was able to go 
over this break from Atocha. to La ^uiaca. A branch line goes to Cochabamba and 
« 
another to Potosi. 
