PANAMA RAIL ROAD COMPANY. : Si

(19) A representative of the department was recently sent to South
America to investigate the possibility of purchasing supplies on the West
Coast. Purchases amounting to $31,581.52 were made. Under normal
conditions there 1s apparently an abundant supply of peas and beans in
these countries at reasonable prices, also great quantities of rice and fresh
vegetables. Since the above-mentioned purchases were made, most of
the countries have prohibited the exportation of food stuffs, and we can,
therefore, secure no effective relief from this source under present con-
ditions.

(20) Plantations: The following data and comments are submitted in
connection with the plantation operations for the last fiscal year:

We have spent, and are now spending, a large amount of money in
plantation developments. ‘This expenditure is justified and made neces-
sary at this time on account of the high prices and scarcity of food supplies
in the United States. It was also necessary to determine definitely
whether or not food supplies could be grown successfully on the Isthmus.
There are a number of features which tend to increase the cost of farming
on the Isthmus. One of the greatest drawbacks is the inefficiency of West
Indian labor. ‘There is nothing more discouraging than to attempt to
teach West Indian labor the use of labor saving machinery. This class of
labor also requires a large amount of supervision. This difficulty will be
overcome wherever possible by having the work performed by Chinese.
The principal item of expense is the high cost of cleaning the land. It is
no exaggeration to state that there are almost as many roots below the
surface of the soil as there is jungle above it, which have to be grubbed out
by hand before the land can be plowed and properly cultivated. The
cost of this grubbing ranges from $75.00 to $150.00 per acre. It has to
be done only once, however, and after the ground is once put in condition,
it can then be cultivated economically for all time. That certain crops can
be grown on the Isthmus has been demonstrated, and although the initial
cost. will be high and discouragements and failures many, the prospects
of the plantations eventually becoming self-supporting commercially

are good.

Up to the end of the last fiscal year, twelve plantations and farms had
been turnéd over to the Supply Department, which were named and

numbered as follows:
No. 1—Pena Guapa
No. 2—Enmiliani
No. 3—Manawa
No. 4—Mindi
No. 5—Sweetwater
No. 6—Bracho
No. 7—Frijoles
No. 8—Davis Place
No. 9—Las Guacas
No. 10—Juan Mina
No. 11—Las Cascadas
No. 12—Venado

During the same year the following plantations have been started by

the Commissary Division:
No. 13—Chilibre
No. 14—Limon
No. 15—New Culebra.
No. 1—Pena Guapa: This place has been continued on the contract
basis as outlined in previous report.
No. 2—Emiliani: This grove is being operated. by the department and
1S furnishing enough cocoanuts to justify its continuance.