770 
THE TROnCAL AGRICULTURIST, 
[April I, 189a. 
fignre Id the open market. 
The production of rice is entirely in the hands of 
the Chula Indians, who cultivate this product on the 
dry lands of the valley. Under similar c'raumsiauces 
in the East ledita this would be termed “ Hill Faddy,” 
or hill rice. 
Sowing commences with the rains in Novem- 
ber, and reaping takes place about May, only one 
crop per annum being raised. 
I can only speak in the highest terms regarding 
the rice grown, it being superior in niy opinion to 
that known in the Bengal market as “Muttn Samba.” 
The price obtained in the town of La Merced ia 
from $12 to $16 per quintal of HK) lb., a price I 
consider to bo very high. 
Kioe and maiso form the chief food stuff of the 
people. 'I'he exient of rice grown is scarcely suffici- 
ent to meet the local demand, and in time of defici- 
ency the grain is obtained from the Tarnia market, 
where it is received from the coast at slightly in- 
creased rales. 
To the oapabililies of the laud, and to the climatic 
and other oondilicns necessary to a very extensive 
and regular supply of thia invaluable grain, 1 have 
directed my most careful attention, and can report 
with the greatest confidence to the Corporation that 
this district and tho district of the Perenfi offer a 
field in everyway suited so the growth of first-class rice. 
In this important cultivation there is great room 
for improved methods of culture. The wet system 
of cultivation is apparently not understood, or at 
all events, is not adopted here. With a good supply 
of water such as now exists, with lands capable of 
being irrigated, with the introdnotion from India of 
such varieties of the plant as will bear two crops per 
annum, and with modern cleaning machinery, 1 see 
no obstacle to the production of a very extensive 
supply. This supply would not only meet local wants, 
but wonld act ss an indneemont to the bill Indians 
to remain in the valley, a result much to be desired. 
Even at considerably cheaper rates, I am of opinion 
that the cultivation of rice could be taken up by 
European capitalists as a very sound investment. 
Tho Coca plant, Erythroxylon Coca, is a native of 
this region, is found at elevations ranging from 2,000 
to 4,600 feet, and is cultivated throughout this and 
the VitQC Valleys chiefly for local demand. Its cul- 
tivation is chiefly in the hands of the natives, with 
whom it forms a considerable and indispensable 
article of trade. 
The plant is grown in situations fully exposed to the 
son’s rays and ia never found in a state of cultivation 
noder shade. E< r the convenience of plucking, the bnsb 
is kept at a height of two feet, and only tho fully de- 
veloped leaves are gathered, which are dried first in the 
shade with a free correct of air and finished off in 
thesun. It ia packed in hales of one quintal each, and 
isobiefly dispatobed to the bill regions. The market 
value in Tarma is from $22 to $28 por quintal. 
I cannot offer any saggestions on tho present mode of 
onltivatiun and preparation. These seem to be suffi- 
oient to the satisfactory production of a good growth of 
leaf. In view, however, of the large and increasing 
demand for cocaine, the active principle of tho plant, I 
would recommend the establishment of a central factory 
for the extraction of this valnable alkaloid. Were this 
adopted I am of opinion that tho cultivation would be 
coDsiderably extended and that a large business wonld 
opened up. , • , ^ 
I might here add that m the German colony in 
tbo locality of ibe Pozuzo river, a factory similar 
to tbe one now recooimoiideii is already in active 
operation. 
The extent of the cultivatiou ol Tobacco ia limited, 
and is entirely in ihe hand- of tbe natives. 
From tho appearance of the plant as presently 
grown, and from the nature of the soil and climate, 
it is evident that Ibis district is eminently suited toils 
growth. 
The variety grown is not productive of the best 
lesnlts, jndging tr. m tbe thick, coarse ribs of tbe leaf. 
Tbe prepared leaf ia di ficiont in colour, which can bo 
attributed to the indifferent curing, espeoielly in tlie 
process of fermentation. The tobacco, as cured here, 
finds a ready sa'c in Tarma and the hill legion, at 
prices ranging from $15 to $18 per quintal- 
It is evident that the curing of tbe leaf is not snffi- 
cien'tly understood, and to this cause and this only can 
till present limited cultivation be attributed. 
I would strongly recommend the introduction of tho 
best Uavaniia and Virginian varieties, as the land ia 
in every way so well adapted to a successful industry 
being established. 
Tbe onltivaliou of Indigo was entered upon a few years 
agobythemoro energetic planters, butowing to an inade- 
quste knowledge of the preparation of this vsluablo dye 
stuff, the industry is now almost entirely unknown. 
No reason exists, in my opinion, why a remnnerativo 
industry could not be established ; an opinion, verified 
by the fiie.t that, oven in a semi-wild slate, plants ate 
found growing to a heiehtof 2 feet. 
Previous attempts at the cultivation of cotlim have 
not proved very satisfactory j but this can, in a great 
mcisure bo attributed to a too heavy ra-iifall. .Prom 
specimens of tho plant found in tho neigliboiirbood of 
the houses, it is apparent that the soil is capable of 
raising a very healthy growth. The further cultiva- 
tion of this plant in the Obanchamayo Valley, however, 
is not recommended by mo. 
Maizo hero, as throughout tho hill region, occupies 
an important place as an article of h od of the people. 
Tbe natives cultivate the grain in small patches around 
their houses, nnd from the growth of the plant I am 
enabled to state that an extensive supply onnid be 
raised if required. 
This valley has at present only one outlet, namely, 
by way of Hnneapistaua and Tarma. 
The road now iu course of construction is expected 
to he completed io May, 1802, when it will afford 
better seenrity for the safe transmiBsion of tho pro- 
duce, thus supplying a great deaidcratnra of tho 
Obanchamayo planter. 
All produce is despiitclied by mule and donkey to 
merchants in Tarma, who in ictiirn send back other 
giods needed in the district. As indicative of the 
freight on articlos of eommoroo between this etistrict 
and Lima, 1 may here state that coffee is convoyed to 
that town at the ratei of iJS'40 cents per quintal. 
Judging by the numbe r of ostiites in the valley and 
from their several reqnirements, I estimate the uember 
ol labourers st about 6,000. Thess men are drafted 
from the bill regions around Tarma, and (as Inboiireta) 
are aniive, indnstriuns and persevering in their habits. 
Thn estato managers speak highly of their general 
ability and easy rasnsgement. 
Tbe women do not work on Ihe estates, as might be 
expected ; but I have no doubt they would bo available 
lor a certain eliias of work. The men receive as 
wages 30 to 45 cents (if a sol each per diem, with 
bleeping accommodation for themselves, their wires 
and families. 
The boys are engaged at the rate of 20 cents per 
diem, snd are found to be very iisetul. This important 
subject, in its more general aspecr, has received from 
me further treatment elsewhere. 
Having thus fully described tbs whole of the culti- 
vated part of the Ohanobamayo Valley, its products, its 
capabilities, and its probable future under better 
methods of cultivation and with other improvements, 
it may prove of interest to the Oorporation if some re- 
ference bo made to tlist portion of the valley lying 
bolw.en La Merced and San Lnis, nt the junction of 
tho Kiver Pancarlambo. 
This stretch of conntry, adialauco of 18 to 20 miles, 
I was informed was not availah'e for colonisation by 
tho Corporation, and in view of this fact, 1 did not de- 
vote the same attention to tbe land (beyond noting its 
outslandiug featnrts) that would otherwise have re- 
ceived careful explanation. I am in a position, how- 
ever,ja,fler giving duecunsiderafion to tbe intercs'seftbe 
Corporation with special reference to the Peren6 district 
to advise thatshould opportunities present themselves the 
Corporation should not besifate lo extend their terri- 
tory by accjiiiringthe land referred to. 
That a direct couneclicu with La Merced will beof 
great value to tbe Oorporation is in my opinion an 
