the west coast is Aguadilla, whose harbour is sheltered
from the trade-winds, and which has a thriving
trade. From it are shipped the sugar and coffee
of the plantations of Moca, El Pepino, and Lares
in the rich Colubrinas valley. Mayaguez, farther
to the south, is the most important shipping point on
the west coast, and y et it stands some distance back
and a considerable stream crossed by an iron bridge
intervenes between the town and the roadstead for
vessels. Transportation to and fro is conducted in
a primitive fashion, and y et from Mayaguez is shipped
a large share of the products of Aftaso, Cabo Rojo,
San German, and the adjacent region. Oranges,
bananas, and other fruits figure conspicuously in the
exports from this point.
Guanica on the southern coast has one of the best
natural harbours on the whole island, but the adjacent
country is marshy. Here, nevertheless, is the
outlet of a productive district farther inland, which
includes, besides the southern precincts of San German,
Sabana Grande and Yauco. Ponce, the largest
and commercially the most important city on the
island, is three miles inland from the wharves and
warehouses of L a Playa. Its public buildings are of
stone and brick, and the most important of them
front on a large public square. There are fine gardens
and plantations in the neighbouring country,
and the considerable towns of Juana Diaz and Coamo
are near by. Mineral and thermal springs add their
attractions to this part of the island, and there are
some famous baths at Coamo. T h e place of most
consequence east of Ponce is Guayama, near the port