PANAMA RAIL ROAD COMPANY. 33

Clearing: The total new clearing for the year amounted to 11,830
acres. The total area recleared amounted to 23,240 acres. Approximately
150,000 pounds of grass seed were planted. All new area was seeded and
considerable reseeding was done throughout the old pastures. 6414 miles
of new fence lines were run, including corrals.

‘All clearing gangs were abolished on May 20th, and only sufficient
men retained to complete the work of new fence lines. The total area
cleared and devoted to pastures amounts to 42,347 acres.

PLANTATIONS.

During the year seven plantations were discontinued or have ceased —
to be known as plantations, viz.:

Pena Guapa and Sweetwater were taken over by the Army. Manawa
was combined with Mount Hope Pasture and will be included in that
area. Gatun farm was abolished. Las Guacas is combined with Limon,
the joint plantations to be known as the Limon Hog Ranch. Flat Rock
and Chilibre were combined with Juan Mina and will be known as one
unit under the name of Juan Mina. Venado was combined with Farfan
pastures and will be included in that area.

PouLTRY FARM.

The conditions existing in the tropics are a great detriment to poultry
raising. The fact that 95 per cent of all feed has to be imported also adds
to the difficulty experienced. Our operations for the past year have not’
been very encouraging. To place the poultry farm on a paying basis a
number of things are necessary. The quantity of imported feed will have
to be reduced, as well as the labor; the mongrel stock dispensed with and
only thoroughbreds handled. Close supervision will have to be given to
all details.

During September a “ Blue Hen” Incubator was received and installed,
increasing the imceubator capacity to 10,800 eggs. This incubator has
given excellent results.

Twenty Harrisburgh Colony Brooder Stoves were received and installed
as required. They have proven very satisfactory.

Our egg production for the year amounted to 35,662 1-3 dozen hen
and 998 dozen duck eggs, of which 33,179 2-8 dozen hen and 830 10-12
dozen duck eggs were shipped to the commissary, 2,451 5-12 dozen hen
and 166 2-12 dozen duck eggs were placed in incubators and 31 3-12
dozen hen and one dozen duck eggs were sold to individuals.

Hoag Farm.

Marked improvement in breeding stock is seen at the Hog Farm.
From native sows bred to thoroughbred boars 200 gilts were selected.
These were bred to thoroughbred boars with excellent results. The first
cross produced a pig much superior to the native, both in color and con-
formation. ‘The second cross showed a still oreater improvement. From
these our future breeding stock will be selected. Of the two thoroughbred
gilts received, one died. These gilts were bred in the States and the one
remaining has farrowed with very satisfactory results. For stock produced
and disposed of see items under ‘‘Sales.”’ |