New Granada; Its Internal Resources (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1863 Excerpt: ...able to work. It has a good port; and as soon as it becomes settled, and the lands are cleared and laid under cultivation, the Committee will find itself possessed, in addition to any senorial rights or estates it may reserve, of a property in mines adjacent to unlimited water-power, and town lots, which, by proper management, may be thrown into the hands of speculators in such enterprises, and become of incalculable value. Before the first settlers arrive, a piece of land must be cleared and sowed, and comfortable houses put up and gof ready for their reception. They must not be allowed to remain in "tierra caliente," but should be sent on instantly to their destination. The best site for a new town would probably be that of Pocigueyca, on the river Frio, the banks of which are said to be plains; in the vicinity of this city the country was densely populated. The situation of Taironaca, on the Don Diego, must also be good; but it is perhaps too far in the interior for immediate settlement. The Spaniards were enchanted with this place, and reluctantly abandoned it. No pains or expense ought to be spared to make a successful commencement; the settlers should be sent out in small parties, by degrees: they must be agriculturists, not too much prejudiced in favour of the system they may have been accustomed to follow, but sufficiently intelligent to study and improve the native methods of cultivation. Different soils require different treatment, and European farmers, however skilful they may be in the management of land in their own country, have a great deal to learn on establishing themselves abroad, and under the tropics, where the climates are uniform all the year round. They will act safely by attempting nothing new at first; their real knowledge...