30 Geography of Hayti. 
To these philosophic considerations, we may add the equally 
important observation which is naturally impressed upon the 
mind on viewing the mountains of Hayti, that these wild soli¬ 
tudes have been, and will ever be, the bulwarks of liberty and 
national independence. 
PLAINS. 
The most extensive plain in the Island, according to the 
same author, is that of Vega Real, situated in the depart¬ 
ment of the North-East. It extends over the arrondissements 
of Vega, San Yago, and Monte Christo. Its length is about 
194 miles. It is remarkable for its fertility, and is watered by 
numerous rivers. Its principal production consists in tobacco, 
which is of excellent quality. Sugarcanes, cocoa, etc., are cul¬ 
tivated, and cattle are raised .there, but its small population, 
scattered over so vast an. extent of territory, is able to draw 
from this fruitful land only a small portion of these valued 
products. The river Grand Taque, which discharges itself 
into the bays of Monte Christi, Mancenilla, and the Touna, 
which empties itself into the beautiful bay of Samana, will 
greatly facilitate the raising of these products, and will give to 
this superb plain a real importance when it possesses a larger 
and more active population. 
From the left hand of the Ozama to the Cape Engano, there 
stretches an extent of land about 145 miles long, measuring 
4096 square miles, of which more than 3,500 are plains; this is 
also watered by several rivers. The produce raised comprises 
sugar, coffee, tobacco, mahogany, horned cattle, and other 
animals. Its soil is very fertile. 
The plain of Azua, which includes the space between the 
river Neybe and the bay of Caldera, covers a surface of 879 
square miles. It has a soil of astonishing fertility, notwith¬ 
standing the drought which usually prevails. Here very fine 
sugar is made, and the rearing of cattle and the cutting of 
mahogany form also branches of industry, as throughout the 
whole of the Eastern part of the Island. 
