mm % mm 
to us constantly. Vegetables were mainly starchy forms. 
Tomatoes, green peppers and occasionally cabbage were 
offered for sale around the larger places. We ordinarily had 
oranges, bananas and papaya at need, and in March had very 
fine watermelons of large size, equal in flavor to any grown in 
the United States. These were raised from seed imported from 
the United States, and I was told that this seed had to be renewed 
each year since the planting from the native grown melons never 
equaled the original. 
Dry Season. - The rainfall here is decidedly less 
than in Balho. The precipitation is extremely little in the dry 
season from the end of December to May, and I was told that 
ordinarily little rain might fall until July. The region is primarily 
a cattle country, which is run by fairly large holdings, and of 
small farms ownedJ^y people living in the villages. The pastures 
in most cases are grazed and the cattle become thin and a good 
many die toward tike end of the dry season. There is no under¬ 
standing of soil conservation, and the clearing of brush and forest 
cover to make new pastures was proceeding steadily back toward 
the heads of the streams. This naturally will decrease the water 
supply so that unless some conservation is undertaken soon the 
land resources will become badly depleted. TMs unfortunately 
is the common story throughout wide areas of Latin America. 
Travel. - There is one main highway extending 
through the coastal plain from Divisa through Farita and Chitre 
to Pedasf, surfaced to about Focri and surfaced in part beyond. 
This is in need of repair but is not in as bad condition as is 
ordinarily reported. There are branches leading from this to 
Pese and Las Minas, and also to Macaracas and other branches 
off at Santa Maria to La Concepcion and beyond. From these 
main highways frequent oxcart roads lead off to farming 
communities and small settlements. One third or more of these 
have been plowed out with bulldozers so that trucks can get 
through. Most of the others can be traversed in a jeep. 
I may add that we lived on the most amicable terms 
with our Panamanian neighbors who were all much interested 
in our work. The general sentiment throughout was favorable to 
Americans. 
I may say that I consider this last trip as one of the 
most successful among the four that I have made in various parts 
of Panama in the last few years. The results have been enhanced 
greatly by your own friendly assistance and that of members of 
your staff. 
