INCORPORATED UNDER i HI 
 LAWS OF INDIANA 
 
 Mexican 
 
 Coffee and 
 Rubber 
 
 Company 
 
 HOME OFFICE: 29 FITZGERALD BUILDING 
 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
 
 MEXICAN COFFEE AND 
 RUBBER COMPANY 
 
 Incorporated under the Laws 
 of Indiana 
 
 HOME OFFICE: 29 FITZGERALD BUILDING 
 INDIANAPOLIS, IND. 
 
 INDIANAPOLIS 
 WM. B, BURFORD, PRINTER AND BINDER
 
 ..fficers... 
 
 W. D. OWEN, President, O. W. BUTT, Vice-President, 
 
 Secretary of State of Indiana. Capitalist, Kansas City. Mo. 
 
 HENRY A. LUCE, Secretary and Treasurer. 
 
 ...Directors... 
 
 J. YORBA, W. D. OWEN. 
 
 City of Mexico. Q 
 
 A. B. INGALSBEE, TORRFS 
 
 City of Mexico. F - L ' T ES< 
 
 MANUEL L. DE GUEVARA, CHARLES F. LUCE, 
 
 Coatzacoalcos. Logan. Iowa. 
 
 FRANK L. TORRES, Manager of Plantation. 
 
 ..Boaro of Control.. 
 
 HON. THOMAS TAGGART, Chairman. 
 HON. A. C. DAILY. WM. B. BURFORD. 
 
 HON. U. Z. WILEY. HON. JESSE OVERSTREET. 
 
 H. E. ROSE, General Agent, 
 29 FITZGERALD BUILDING, INDIANAPOLIS. IND.
 
 Stack 
 
 Anne* 
 
 Go 
 
 JSoavb of Control.. 
 
 The by-la \vs of the Mexican Coffee and Rubber Company 
 provide for a Board of Control, whose duty shall be to 
 have a committee of its members visit I'bero annually, and 
 at any time on the request of the majority of the investors, 
 and make examination into the management of the planta- 
 tion, comparing its development and general husbandry 
 with that of like plantations on the Isthmus. This exam- 
 ination is to extend into the plantation of each investor, 
 covering the number of trees planted, coffee, rubber, ba- 
 nana and pineapple, and the particular condition of each 
 plantation, and report the same to the full Board. This 
 report will then be printed and a copy mailed to each 
 investor. 
 
 .Many of our investors will visit their holdings from time 
 to time. Others will probably not visit their plantation until 
 the end of the contract term. From the reports made by 
 the visitin.tr investors and also by the Board of Control, 
 every investor will be constantly in touch with his holding 
 ami will be almost as fully posted in it as if it were con- 
 tinually under his own observation. 
 
 The interest of the Board of Control is a common one 
 with the investors, and no member of that Board own> a 
 
 3 
 
 '
 
 dollar of stock in the Company. It is our experience that 
 investors on the development plan, on the Isthmus, often 
 increase their holdings after a visit to the plantation. 
 
 36oarE> flPembersbtp... 
 
 Hon. Thomas Tag.irart is a business man of wide experi- 
 ence and one of the best known citizens of Indiana. 
 A. C. Daily is Auditor of State. 
 
 Win. B. Burford is the well-known printer and publisher. 
 T. 'A. Wiley is the Chief Justice of the State Appellate 
 
 Opart 
 
 Mr. Overstreet is the member of Congress from the In- 
 dianapolis district.
 
 6u/f of Mexico 
 
 i5 
 
 Te/itiwrepec 
 
 fiac/f/c Ocean
 
 Hwakening 
 of a Baticm,,,, 
 
 Tin* Republic of Mexico lies south of the United States 
 like ;i golden wedge between the Gulf and the Pacific 
 Ocean, dowered by a measureless value of soil and cli- 
 mate and precious stones. When the victorious soldiers 
 of Corte/ swept and pillaged through the halls of ilie Mon- 
 te/umas' they found a magnificence of luxury and a gor- 
 geousness of wealth unknown to Castile and Leon. Two 
 hundred miles north of the City of Mexico, the territory 
 spreads over three thousand square leagues, an arid waste, 
 but its broken mountain sides and rugged gorges for centu- 
 ries yielded precious metals with a hand so lavish that the 
 cities and homes of the Aztecs rivaled Solomon in his 
 glory. 
 
 South of the City of Mexico begins the sub-tropics. A 
 series of rolling hills and valleys irrigated by streams of 
 water pure as crystal sweeping through a soil fertile as 
 the plains of the Jordan three thousand years ago. and the 
 richest and most productive soil on the globe to-day. Three 
 hundred miles down this tapering waste of the continent is 
 found the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. where the extremes of 
 the thermometer are ."it; and 98, where fever has never been 
 known to enter, where the water is sweet as a mountain 
 spring, where the soil is five to fifteen feet deep, where 
 rain descends like refreshing dews from heaven and each 
 
 9
 
 succeeding season brings bloom and bud and crop. But 
 Nature, so prodigal in gifts to this country, had a limit to 
 her generosity and narrowed this Nile of America to one 
 hundred and seventy miles width. As the salt brei-x.es of 
 the (iulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean play back and 
 forth over this wristlet of the hemisphere, they keep the 
 air ] ure by their salt breath, while waving mahogany and 
 cedar and pine and rosewood and the perfume of oranuv 
 and pineapple blossom, and the delicate aroma of budding 
 coffee and ripening vanilla and chocolate, make the air 
 odoriferous as the famous spicelands of the Orient. 
 
 Nature's richest gifts are always bound in narrow pack- 
 ages; so Mexico's arid plains are two thousand miles broad, 
 but the land which Cortex found, the garden of the world, 
 is only one hundred and seventy miles wide. 
 
 It is related by the historians of Mexico that when their 
 ancient people wandered, homeless and oppressed by invad- 
 ing tribes, their prophet said: "When an eagle shall 
 rest on a cactus in the midst of the camp, there 
 shall you build your city, and it shall be set for 
 the defense of the Nation." Their priest and leader, 
 rising early one morning, beheld an eagle with out- 
 stretched wings, facing the rising sun, with a snake grasped 
 in its talons and held aloft in death struggle. The priestly 
 leader quickly trumpeted his camp, and. pointing to the 
 imposing emblem, declared the words xpoken by their 
 prophet had found answer. At nightfall, the tirst stakes of 
 the City of Mexico had been planted, and thereon was built 
 a city destined to change the current of human history. 
 An eagle standing on a cactus and grasping a snake with 
 talons and beak remains to this day the emblem of the 
 Nation. 
 
 10
 
 Early in The sixteenth century its rule was overthrown 
 by a Spanish invasion and the people wore held in sub- 
 ject ion for three hundred years. At. last their sleeping 
 prowess was awakened, under the leadership of a priest, 
 who. barefooted, had traveled the nation over and knit her 
 people together by a secret oath which had never been di- 
 vulged, and on the appointed night signal tires (lashed from 
 valley and hill-to]) over the whole land, and the Mexicans 
 fell on the descendants of their Spanish invaders and slew 
 and drove the oppressors from out of the land. 
 
 The nation has been half a century in coining to peace 
 and finding stability, but with it the twelve millions of her 
 people wake to find themselves at the doorstep of the 
 Tinted States, the most advanced and prosperous country 
 on the globe, while they are wearing sandals, plowing with 
 crooked sticks and living in shacks. 
 
 Fifteen years ago. with pence and stable government, 
 there came to Mexico the dream of wealth and power. With 
 a. wisdom that out reached many of the older nations, her 
 people asknowledged their inability to cope with the prog- 
 ress of the nineteenth century, and threw open the portals 
 of the nation and invited industries and commercial activ- 
 ity to come freely and build a home with them. English 
 and German capitalists availed themselves of this invita- 
 tion. They constructed a gridiron of railroads throughout 
 the country. They then established a chain of banks, with 
 the parent bank at the City of Mexico. This was followed 
 by the construction of street railways and electric light 
 plants in all the cities having over 1.~>.<HK> inhabitants. The 
 government was fashioned after the model of the United 
 Stales, having twenty-seveji States, with a Congress and 
 President, and generally all the institutions of our country. 
 
 11
 
 They proceeded to follow still further the American ideals 
 by establishing a free school system, furnishing tuition Mini 
 school-lxmks free to the pupils. While the great nations of 
 the world have been barely holding their own during this 
 pericxl. the Republic of Mexico lias enjoyed unparalleled 
 prosperity. 
 
 Three years since. President l>iax. whose wisdom and pa- 
 triotic statesmanship will rank him in history with Wash- 
 ington and Cromwell, completed the Tehuantepec Railroad, 
 crossing the Isthmus from the Gulf of Mexico at the port 
 of Coat/.acoalcos to the Pacific Ocean at the port of Salina 
 Cruz. Because of the rich, dense tropical undergrowth, 
 the Isthmus was an almost unexplored land, settlements 
 being confined along the rivers whence natives could con- 
 vey their coffee and rubber and pineapples to the sea- 
 coast by the primitive transportation of a canoe. The 
 opening of this railway, putting the most fertile lands on 
 the continent in electric touch and steam connection with 
 the great march of the world, was like weaving a strand of 
 pearls on a cloth of gold. 
 
 Before the railroad was completed Mexico begun to at- 
 tract the attention of the I'nited States. A people usually 
 of quick perception, we had been laggards in this vineyard 
 and had allowed the Englishman and German to come from 
 across the sea and possess the earliest developments of 
 the country. But the Americans now began to pour into 
 the Republic, securing concessions for manufactories and 
 selecting the most profitable agricultural fields. Two 
 years before the Isthmus road was completed a company 
 of Americans opened up a large tract of land twenty miles 
 from the road by river transportation. They sold out much 
 Of this land on what is known as the development plan: 
 
 12
 
 that is. the purchaser paid ;i certain sum per acre for five 
 years, at which time he received ,-i deed for the one hun- 
 dred-acre trad purchased, and then executed a mortgage 
 for two equal annual payments for the remainder of his 
 indebtedness, reserving the option to pay in cash or permit 
 the company to accept the crops for the TWO years for the 
 indebtedness, the company having contracted to plant and 
 cultivate a certain number of thousands of coffee and rub- 
 ber trees and turn the plantation over to the purchaser at 
 the end of live years in good bearing condition. 
 
 This proposition solved the difficulty of many Americans 
 having limited means, who sought to have a profitable in- 
 vestment in that country, and yet preferred not. to go there 
 and remain the tive years necessary to develop a coffee ami 
 rubber plantation. These development contracts are now 
 Hearing completion. Every investor, without exception, is 
 satisfied with his investment, many of them writing that 
 till' promises made of enormous returns will be more than 
 fulfilled. We have therefore decided to offer a specially 
 advantageous investment by opening up our T'bero planta- 
 tion on the development plan. This plantation is situated 
 on the Isthmus Railroad and at its very center, where every 
 advantage that civilization offers in railroad connections, 
 telegraph, postoffice and all the accompaniments of the in- 
 dustrial life of our own country may be had. 
 
 We present this pamphlet for your consideration, for 
 every statement herein made can be verified. The practi- 
 cal man in the planting and development of the plantation 
 above referred to is in charge at I'bero plantation, and the 
 estimates on the products of the soil will be fully realixed 
 by our investors. 
 
 The opening up of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec offers the 
 
 13
 
 last opportunity for great agricultural investment on our 
 continent. This strip of territory, which is only some 
 t \vcnty miles wide in the section that Nature has adapted 
 for coffee and rubber culture, and which does not alto- 
 gether contain as much land as four average counties in 
 Indiana, will soon l>e taken up. Out of its remarkable soil, 
 with its matchless climate, great fortunes are now being 
 reaped and still greater ones lie in its bosom awaiting 
 only the touch of the planter to come forth. The native 
 coll'ec. and rubber, and pineapple, and orange, that have 
 bloomed and ripened and fallen ungathered. are passing 
 into the control of far-sighted Americans. The Isthmus of 
 Panama, seven hundred miles farther south, with its tin- 
 fortunate Be Lessep's canal and its deadly miasmas, will, 
 in time, be forsaken, and the Isthmus of Tehnantepec. so 
 much in touch with American life and peopled by Ameri- 
 cans, will become the highway between the Atlantic and 
 the Pact lie. 
 
 14
 
 Tfstbmus of 
 Zlebuantepec... 
 
 The part of Mexico thnt offers the most :illr;iction to 
 the intending investor by reason of its soil, climate, loca- 
 tiou and ireneral desirability, is the Isthmus of Tehuan- 
 tepee. 
 
 It is a strip of land only about 17<> miles in width, which 
 separates the (Jnlf of Mexico from the Pacific Ocean, and 
 comprises the southern portions of the States of Oaxaca 
 and Yera Crux, and the northern portion of the State of 
 Chiapas. 
 
 The delightful climatic conditions that are found on the 
 Isthmus of Telmantepec are due mainly to its peculiar lo- 
 cation and topography. It lies a narrow strip of land be- 
 tween two irreat iicrans. mid the mountain chain that 
 extends the lensrth of the American continents is here de- 
 pressed to its lowest altitude, thus itermittin.tr a free cir- 
 culation of the ocean breezes of the Atlantic and Pacific, 
 which ln-intf a pure healthful atmosphere and an abundance 
 of moisture which is condensed and falls in well distributed 
 rains ami copious dews. 
 
 As the Rocky Mountain rantre that forms the backbone 
 of the Isthmus lies very near to the Pacific Ocean, that 
 water-shed is narrow and steep and its rivers are short 
 and rapid. 
 
 The (Julf water-shed beirins about half way between the 
 center of the Isthmus and the Pacific Ocean, at the stim- 
 
 15
 
 mit of the mountain range where innumerable little streams 
 find their source, and flow down through rock-walled 
 canons, out around the foothills of the central section 
 where they unite and form the river Coatzacoalcos. that 
 rolls, a great majestic waterway, through the plains of the 
 Gulf section and pours its waters into the Gulf of Mexico 
 at the port of Coatzacoalcos. 
 
 Of this special section, Prescott, in his "Conquest of 
 Mexico," says: 
 
 "During the first day, Cortez's road lay through the 
 'Tierra Caliente,' the land that had been so long waiting 
 the hand of the tiller; the land of the vanilla, cochineal, 
 cacao, then afterwards of the orange, the sugar cane, and 
 coffee products which, indigenous to .Mexico, have now 
 become the luxuries of Europe; the land where the fruits 
 and the flowers chase one another in unbroken circle 
 through the year; where the gales are loaded with perfume 
 till the senses ache at their sweetness, and the groves 
 are tilled with many colored birds and insects, whose en- 
 ameled wings glisten like diamonds in the bright sun of 
 the tropics. Such are the magical splendors of this para- 
 dise of the senses." 
 
 Eighty-five miles from the Gulf port of Coat/acoalcos. 
 and the same distance from the Pacific Ocean port of Sa- 
 lina Cruz, is located the "La Puerta Estate," of which our 
 property is a part. 
 
 "La Puerta" idoorway). being situated at the base of the 
 Oaxaca branch of the Sierra. Madre range, comprises the 
 foothills, which by their undulations form a series of small 
 slopes separated here and there by numerous streams. 
 among them the Quince Millas. Doce Millas and I'bero. t In- 
 most fertile region at the head of the Nile of Mexico. 
 
 16
 
 From the river .Tumuapa. the country ascends on a grad 
 ual rise to the northwest, thereby affording excellent drain 
 a .ire and rendering every inch of the tract suitable for cul- 
 
 t i vat ion. 
 
 IRailroafc... 
 
 in is.'iii n scientific c(iininission under the direction of Maj. 
 .1. <;. llarnard. U. S. Engineer, surveyed the Isthmus to 
 inquire into the feasibility of a ship railway to connect 
 tlu- <iulf and Pacific Ocean, as proposed by lOads. Later 
 the .Mexican government, realizing the importance of such 
 a route, built the National Tehuantepec Railroad, a stand- 
 ard gauge railroad which crosses the Isthmus on this lino, 
 connecting the port of Coat/.acoalcos on the Gulf of Mexico 
 with the port of Salina Cruz on the Pacific Ocean. 
 
 The road passes directly through our tract, thus afford- 
 ing direct communication with the ports of the Atlantic 
 and I'acitic seaboards, and placing the products of our 
 plantations at the very doors of the great markets of the 
 world. 
 
 Another means of transportation is furnished by the 
 Jumna pa river, that skirts the sides of the tract and 
 empties into the Coatzacoalcos at the northeast corner of 
 the land. This river is an important tributary of the 
 ( 'oat/.acoalcos. that magnificent waterway that flows into 
 the <Julf of Mexico at the port of ( 'oat/.acoalcos. where it 
 forms the harbor of that enterprising seaport. River 
 steamboats can ascend this river and lie along the banks. 
 
 IBERO STATION, located on the Company's laud, is another 
 important feature. It is the end of the Gulf division.
 
 where the railroad has just completed some forty houses 
 for its employes. All passenger and freight trains stop 
 at this station. 
 
 TELEGRAPH SERVICE. The Federal Telegraph and Central 
 and South America cable from Galveston run their wires 
 directly through our lands, thus affording direct communi- 
 cation with the whole world. 
 
 POST Off ICE and EXPRESS OFFICE are already established at 
 
 the Company's Station. 
 
 FREIGHT"RATES are established by the government, and are 
 much lower than in the States, the through rate from our 
 plantations to New York being 50 cents per one hundred 
 pounds. 
 
 Before purchasing our lands a thorough inspection was 
 made of all the tropical districts, our Messrs. <>\\ni .-md 
 Torres having spent considerable time in the Republic look- 
 ing for a suitable tract, one that would combine all the 
 necessary requirements of Soil, Climate. Uainfall. Trans- 
 portation and Labor simply. 
 
 All these were found at Ubero, the northern section of 
 the La Puerta estate, which we purchased. 
 
 This tract is easily accessible from any part of the world 
 by means of the port of Coatzacoalcos on the Culf. and 
 Salina Cruz on the Pacific side, and thence by the Tehuan- 
 tepcc Railway to the Station of Ubero; also by boat from 
 Coat/acoalcos up the river of the same name, ;md the 
 .Tumuapa. 
 
 18
 
 Climate... 
 
 Of The climate, what shall we say? Or. rather, what may 
 we not say? Not in our own fair California; not in tropi- 
 cal Florida; not in sunny Italy, so noted for ils bright skies 
 and mellow atmosphere; not in the wide world has it a 
 rival to fear by any just method of comparison. So slight 
 and so gradual are its changes, so conducive to good health 
 and a ripe old age are its controlling characteristics, so 
 tempting and gratifying are its smiles, that to enter its 
 presence is to become a slave to its charms, ti> wish that 
 its domains might embrace the broad universe. 
 
 From the mountains, which are always clothed in the 
 freshest ;ind greenest verdure, and which are never beyond 
 the easy range of human vision, there descend into the 
 warmer plains and valleys reclining at their feet as if pa- 
 tiently awaiting anticipated favors, the softest, most grate- 
 ful breezes and most refreshing rains. 
 
 Soil 
 
 The soil along the bottoms is composed of alluvial de- 
 posits and on other sections of the tract, of a yellow loam, 
 which has been enriched by decayed vegetable matter until 
 it has become dark, intermixed with a little linie and small 
 stone, friable, containing much organic matter in combina- 
 tion with other fertilizing substances. The general depth 
 is from five to fifteen feet: the hillsides having a gentle 
 slope and covered with rich undergrowth, obviate all possi- 
 bility of wash or land slips, a most important consideration 
 in profitable tropical cultivation. 
 
 19
 
 temperature .. 
 
 Owing to the peculiar configuration of tin- country and 
 the depression of the Sierra .M:nlre range at this point. 
 forming a gap, the temperature is nnicli lower here than 
 is generally supposed. This is caused by the cold air cur- 
 rents, principally from the Gulf, and at times from the 
 Pacific Ocean, which blow the greater part of the day 
 and night. The temperature averages from 74 to 7S de- 
 grees, the maximum is rarely 98 degrees, and the minimum 
 .""'.. Frost has never been known on the Isthmus, nor have 
 the surrounding mountain peaks ever had any snow upon 
 them; even the nights are cool and bracing, and while it is 
 hot in the sun, it is always cool in the shade. The tem- 
 perature here is as agreeable as in other localities at eleva- 
 tions of two to three thousand feet above sea level. 
 
 IKealtb... 
 
 It may be presumed that from the geographical i>osition 
 of the country, the climate must be unhealthful; but princi- 
 pally on account of its peculiar topography, its climatic 
 conditions are salubrious. Yellow fever, black vomit and 
 other endemic diseases are entirely unknown. The robust 
 and healthy condition of both foreigners and natives, even 
 on the coast, attest the salubrity of this wonderful region. 
 
 TRatnfall,.,. 
 
 The position of the Isthmus, catching as it docs the 
 moisture-laden breezes from both the Pacific and Atlantic 
 Oceans, and the mountainous character of the middle and 
 
 20
 
 southern section of it, insure an abundant and steady 
 supply of rain. From May until the beginning of July 
 there are light rains; from July until the latter part of 
 October, very heavy rains: beginning of November to Feb- 
 ruary, light showers; March. April and part of May being 
 warm, dry weather. The rainy season on this section of 
 the Isthmus can always be relied upon with great regu- 
 larity, which, with the rivers and their tributaries and the 
 heavy dews in the dry season, furnish an abundance of 
 moisture, rendering irrigation entirely unnecessary. The 
 average rainfall is 100 inches and the prevailing wind is 
 from the north. 
 
 Taxes are exceedingly light, very much lower than they 
 are in the United States, and are only upon improved 
 property. 
 
 In the Arena, volume 1(5. page 49 (the monthly issue of 
 June, 189<j), is an ably written article by Jiistice "Walter 
 Clark. LL. D.. entitled "The Land of the Noon-Day Sun." 
 Concerning land taxes in .Mexico, Mr. Clark says: 
 
 "Another bad feature in the Mexican economic system is, 
 that land pays a very light tax. In some States perhaps 
 none, and in all, very much less than its fair share. As a 
 rule unimproved land pays no tax whatever, with a result 
 that land is held in large tracts." 
 
 TTitle 
 
 The title to our property is perfect, having passed direct 
 from an old estate and been ratified by the Mexican gov- 
 ernment. The examinations were conducted and reported 
 
 21
 
 perfect by the best authorities in Mexico. Lie. Y. Sepul- 
 vetla. lirst secretary of the American Legation under Presi- 
 dent Cleveland, and a lawyer of in-oniiuence; Lie. Luis 
 Mendez. president of the Bar Association of Mexico, one of 
 Mexico's ablest attorneys, and Lie. Joaquln De Cassasus. 
 an attorney of note in land titles in Mexico. 
 
 Ifurtber Considerations.,.. 
 
 In considering the purchase of a plantation for the culti- 
 vation of rubber, coffee, tobacco and other tropical fruits. 
 the question which sooner or later arises is: 
 
 Where can we get a suitable man to care for our planta- 
 tion, who thoroughly understands his occupation? 
 
 It is essential that a plantation be cared for by a thor- 
 ough agriculturist, who understands his work and thor- 
 oughly understands the labor in the localtity of the planta- 
 tion in which he is located, and how to manage this labor 
 with the least friction and at the least cost, and so n-- t,> 
 bring the greatest returns to tin- planter. This is just as 
 necessary as the selection of fertile soil, healthful climate. 
 perfect title and quick transportation facilities. 
 
 In this the company is exceptionally well titled, as all out- 
 work will be under the personal supervision of our Mr. 
 F. L. Torres, who for the past five vent's lias been in charge 
 of some of the largest rubber and coffee plantations on the 
 Isthmus, working several hundred lalvorers. He is ihor- 
 oughly conversant with tropical agriculture, having de- 
 voted the past nine years to its study in Mexico: is a 
 thorough Spanish scholar, as well as speaking in the old 
 Aztec tongues still retained by the Indian laborers. 
 
 22
 
 F. L.TORRES INSPECTING RUBBER TREE ONE YEAR FROM NURSERY.
 
 tlropic's 
 
 Best (3ifts.... 
 
 tRubber ..... 
 
 The rubber tree (Castillo;! elasiica of Cervantes, olqua- 
 (|uitl of the Aztecs, liule of the Spaniards) is indigenous to 
 Mexico, and is found growing wild principally by the river 
 meadows. The tree is a hardy one and noihin.tr affects 
 it. not even parasites or animals. 
 
 Scarcely has any article of commerce so rapidly increased 
 in demand in the past few years as has this staple. 
 
 So universal has become the list' of rubber-tired bicycles, 
 electrical appliances, motor cars. etc.. thai factories have 
 sprung up in large numbers in Kngland and in the United 
 Stales, and the fields of the Ama/on and the forests of 
 Africa have been drained to their utmost in vain in search 
 for an adequate supply of rubber to meet tli'e ever-growing 
 demand of the new uses to which it has been put. 
 
 Mo<t of the rubber for years has been obtained from the 
 fields of the A ma/on by cutting down the tree, thus ruin- 
 ing forever the possibility of more than one crop from the 
 tree tapped. So great has been this destruction thai it now 
 takes from live to six months to transport the remaining 
 rubber from the Amazon forests to the seaports. These 
 South American rubber forests are unhealthy, and while 
 planters have never been able to successfully withstand 
 the climate. 
 
 The Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Mexico, lias a healthful cli- 
 mate. and Americans and Englishmen enjoy living there:
 
 at the same time the decaying mould of centuries of vege- 
 tation, the regular rainfall, and continual warm sun have 
 brought about the conditions of a veritable greenhouse, and 
 here the rubber tree grows wild in great luxuriance, and 
 here for many years by chopping down the trees or tapping 
 them in their crude way. Indians have furnished consid- 
 erable rubber for the New York markets. Energetic Amer- 
 icans and Englishmen have found that, as in all other wild 
 fruits, a better quality can be obtained by cultivation, until 
 at present there are several very large, highly cultivated 
 rubber plantations in the Isthmus. 
 
 Coffee 
 
 The history of coffee, while not generally known, is very 
 interesting. Its original home is supposed to have been in 
 I'pper Ethiopia, from whence it was introduced into Abys- 
 sinia as early as A. I). 875. Its cultivation was imroduced 
 by the Dutch into Java, in lii'.Ht, and as a. rare plant into 
 the Botanical (Jardens of Amsterdam, which in time bore 
 fruit. The French King, Louis XIV, having been pre- 
 sented by the magistrates of Amsterdam with a line coffee 
 plant, caused some sprouts of it to be sent to Martinique, 
 committing its care to De Clieux, a French naval otlicer. 
 The voyage proving long, the supply of water became low. 
 and all of the plants except one died from lack of moisture. 
 With this one the zealous officer divided his scant allow- 
 ance, bringing it safely to port, where it afterwards nour- 
 ished. From this one tree, it is said, the American tropical 
 colonies obtained their seed, and from it was produced 
 the numerous varieties now to be found on the American 
 continent. 
 
 26
 
 u 
 
 COFFEE TREE, FIRST BEARING.
 
 Of the few countries where it grows, the ninny advan- 
 tages \vliicli tlie Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico, has over 
 the others in the \vn.v of climate, nearness to market, niul 
 cheapness of labor and great fertility of soil are making her 
 rapidly become the greatest coffee-producing country in the 
 world. Consequently many line plantations are coming into 
 bearing in tropical Mexico, and the stranger, viewing for 
 the first time her large and thrifty plantations, is struck 
 with wonder at the amount of her production: yet it must 
 be remembered that coffee trees do not live forever. The 
 average life of a tree is only twenty-five years. The plan- 
 tations of other old coffee-producing countries are becoming 
 fewer and fewer, as their trees die out from old age or 
 worn-out soil. Each year the multiplication of the inhabi- 
 tants far exceeds the small number of coffee trees planted 
 on new plantations. So. as the inhabitants of Europe and 
 the I'nited States, Mexico and other civilized portions of 
 the world increase, in nearly the same proportion the con 
 sumption of coffee increases, a careful view of the situation 
 Avill show that it is impossible to produce enough coffee to 
 equal the demand. 
 
 There is still upon the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Mexico. 
 a wonderful opportunity for conservative, enterprising men 
 to make fortunes in coffee, as great as the fortunes which 
 have been made in Guatemala. Java and Ceylon, whose 
 tields are so fast becoming useless with old age and over- 
 work. 
 
 "When coffee is in its normal condition the Mexican berry 
 brings between IT and 20 cents per pound. The average 
 cost of producing it is less than 5 cents per pound, leaving 
 a profit of 12 or 15 cents per pound. 
 
 A medium grade of washed Isthmus Mexican coffee 
 
 29
 
 brings in tin- New York markets to-day 16 cents per pound. 
 Deducting the cost of production, gathering, washing, etc., 
 of 5 cents each, the planter for his profit receives 11 onus 
 per pound. In other words, at the present condition of 
 things, a profit of nearly 220 per cent, on the cost of pro- 
 duction goes to the planter. 
 
 There are very few investments in the States which can 
 equal an investment in coffee culture in Mexico. 
 
 The average individual in the United Stairs consumes 
 about nine pounds of coffee a year, while in parts of Europe 
 and Holland as high as twenty pounds per year are con- 
 sumed each. When \ve take into consideration the rapid 
 yearly increase of the human race in civilized coffee-con- 
 suming countries, and the rapid extension of civili/.ation 
 into uncivilized countries, and the fact that for every tree 
 planted one tree dies in an older plantation, and that while 
 we reasonably expect to produce from six to seven pounds 
 of coffee per tree, owing to our rich soil, favorable climatic 
 conditions and careful management of our plantations ivet 
 in many parts of the mountainous districts, not more than 
 from one to three pounds per tree are produced i, and the 
 consumption being from nine to twenty pounds to the in- 
 dividual per annum, we can readily see that there is ,-ipt 
 to be a scarcity of coffee-producing lands in the near future. 
 consequently an increase of price, rather than overproduc- 
 tion of coffee. 
 
 30
 
 pineapples ... 
 
 The Toltecs and Aztecs knew how to cultivate the pine- 
 apple, and when the Spaniards conquered Mexico they 
 found the fruit in the markets of the towns on their way 
 from Vera Cruz to the great' Tenochtitlan. 
 
 From time immemorial the pineapple has been cultivated 
 in Mexico. 
 
 Besides the fruit being very delicious and wholesome, a 
 fine wine and vinegar are made of the juice. The leaf fur- 
 nishes a fiber of extraordinary strength and fineness, mak- 
 ing it even more valuable than the fruit. The fiber is made 
 into ropes, cables, binding twine, thread, mats, bagging, 
 hammocks and paper. A pineapple rope 3% inches thick 
 can support nearly three tons. A textile fabric as fine and 
 beautiful as silk is made of this fiber, too. It is believed 
 that, the fine cloth of various colors used by the upper 
 classes among the Aztecs was made of the pineapple fiber. 
 
 The "Esmeralda" and "Verde Madura 1 ' pineapples grown 
 on the Isthmus are the finest known to the world, averaging 
 seven pounds, with a small core and no fiber, and as they 
 will come into market in the United States two months 
 earlier than the Florida product, we feel that we are fully 
 justified in expecting a net profit from them of 5 cents 
 each. 
 
 31
 
 Bananas... 
 
 The first l>;in;in:i was brought into America by a Domin- 
 ican, in l">Ki, from the Canaries to Haiti, from whence it 
 was transplanted to the Continent, but the plantain is in- 
 digenous to tropical America, and was cultivated by the 
 aboriginal inhabitants long before the coming of Columbus. 
 Before the Spanish conquest, the latter, besides corn. Chili 
 pepper and potatoes, formed the Mexican staple article of 
 diet. 
 
 Some fifteen varieties grow in this region and yield enor- 
 mous crops. 
 
 During the past few years large quantities of this fruit 
 have been brought by manufacturers and ground into flour, 
 which for pastry is far superior to that made from wheat. 
 
 Planters of Honduras and Nicaragua have in past years 
 made immense fortunes in bananas. With a quality of 
 fruit in every way equal, if not superior, we are more than 
 able to compete with them, due to our exceptional trans- 
 portation facilities. 
 
 ranges.... 
 
 It is generally supposed that the Spaniards introduced 
 several varieties of fruit trees into this country, among 
 them, perhaps, the sweet orange. Yet, if one has trav- 
 eled much in Mexico, after seeing the numerous forests 
 of wild oranges, he inclines to the theory that the "an- 
 cients" knew of this fruit and that perhaps it was culti- 
 vated before the time of Cortez. However, works treating 
 on the history of old or ancient Mexico do not describe 
 oranges. 
 
 32
 
 Owing 1o the injury to the orange trees in the I'niied 
 States from frost, the supply has been greatly diminished, 
 and has proven .Mexico's golden opportunity. The orange 
 season of .Mexico is from the latter part of September to 
 the first of December, thus lining in between Florida and 
 California, and making .Mexico absolute in its season, and 
 with practically no competition in its market. 
 
 The .Mexican orange is juicy and very sweet, especially 
 those grown on the gulf side. A tree, well cared for. will 
 produce 1,000 oranges to the tree. The orange shipment 
 to the I'nited States from the Republic last year was C_T. 
 carloads, and experts report that this year it will increase 
 at least one-third. 
 
 Xemons.... 
 
 Lemons are a sure crop. The Isthmus is their natural 
 home. The lemon was known to the Aztecs long before 
 Columbus discovered America. They are found growing 
 "wild" on our land. 
 
 tlobacco.... 
 
 Tobacco is indigenous to Mexico, the product rivaling that 
 of Cuba. Regions have long been celebrated for their to- 
 bacco, and have yielded large revenues to the viceroys and 
 rulers of Mexico for centuries past. Mexican tobacco has 
 a flavor and body that is appreciated by experienced 
 smokers, and is noted for its extremely fine quality, and is 
 much sought after by foreigners. Tobacco can be har- 
 vested six months after planting. 
 
 33
 
 Experts differ widely as to the net profits of tobacco cul- 
 ture, their estimates ranging from $400 to $1.000 per acre. 
 The best grade of Mexican tobacco is rapidly taking the 
 place of the best Cuban, and large quantities are sold annu- 
 ally in the United Stales and Europe as Havana tobacco. 
 On the Isthmus it is harvested six months after planting. 
 and yields 1,500 to 2,000 pounds per acre. In the "Cultiva- 
 tion of Tobacco in Mexico," by Lewis Le June. :i work pub- 
 lished by the Department of Fomento. the author says: 
 
 "The chemical analysis made by Mr. Eugene Schivt/.. 
 engineer of the French Government, has proved that in the 
 States of Vera Cruz and Oaxaca. especially in the Isthmus 
 of Tehuantepec. there exists alluvial lands similar to those 
 of Sumidero, San Louis, San Juan and Martinez: that is to 
 say. the best tobacco lands in the world." 
 
 Danilla.... 
 
 At the time of the conquest of Mexico the Aztecs used 
 vanilla to flavor their chocolate, and from them the Span- 
 iards learned its use and introduced it into Europe. 
 
 The plant is a native of Southern Mexico, where the 
 finest and most perfect pods are produced. It belongs to 
 the orchid family, has a pulpy stem which grows several 
 yards in length, attaches itself to trees, and appears to be 
 but little dependent on the soil for nourishment. 
 
 Finest Quality. The fruit pod is from six to twelve 
 inches long and about half an inch in diameter at its thick- 
 est part, dark green in its earliest stages and yellow when 
 finally ripe. When prepared for market it becomes re- 
 duced to a quarter of Its original thickness, is black in 
 
 34
 
 color, and emits a very agreeable perfume. It begins to 
 bear about the end of the third year, and will yield on an 
 average seven thousand pods to the acre. 
 
 Cacao 
 
 The tree that produces the "food of the gods" (chocolate), 
 "cacao"' of the Spaniards, is a native of Mexico. 
 
 Long before the Conquest the Aztecs and other ancient 
 Mexican tribes used the fruit as one of their alimentary 
 beverages. They prepared a drink called chocolatl by mix- 
 ing the seeds after having crushed them on the metatl, to- 
 gether with fine corn meal, vanilla ("tlilxochitl") and a 
 species of spices called "mecaxochitl," and those that drank 
 it were a picture of health, preserving handsome and vivid 
 features even to old age. All nations subjugated under the 
 Aztec eagle had to bring, among other valuables, a certain 
 number of bags of cacao to the palace in the great Ten- 
 ochtitlan as an annual tribute to the Emperor. It was 
 so highly prized among the ancient natives that in trade 
 it was utilized as currency among the lower classes. 
 
 Chocolate was first introduced into Europe (Spain) by the 
 Spaniards from Mexico. Portugal followed in the use of 
 it: France and England did not appreciate its full qualities 
 until the latter part of the seventeenth century. After 
 the year 1778 it came into vogue in all the cities of Europe. 
 Its alimentary virtues became more generally known, and 
 Doret, a Frenchman, invented a hydraulic machine to 
 manufacture it on a large scale. Since then all civilized 
 nations have consumed this rich American product of Mex- 
 ican origin, which up to date is not produced in sufficient 
 quantities to meet the world's consumption. 
 
 35
 
 This tree is found growing wild on our lands. In culti- 
 vating. 400 trees can be planted TO the a. -re. which produce 
 two pounds per tree, and is worth about :.'<> cents per pound 
 at the plantation. 
 
 Suoar 
 
 The cultivation of sugar cane is an important industry 
 in the Republic of Mexico, and no part of that country is 
 probably better adapted to its growth and development 
 than the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The crop is extremely 
 profitable on account of the large yield and the comparative 
 cheapness of its production. The cane is planted only 
 once in ten to twelve years and requires no irrigation. 
 Some of the Company's land is especially suited to its cul- 
 tivation. The cane is very rich in saccharine, and does well 
 from sea level to an elevation of 4,000 feet. 
 
 The yield of sugar is enormous, reaching as high as 7" 
 tons to the acre, and the extraction therefrom furnishing as 
 high as 220 jwunds of sugar to the ton of cane, ai a <-<>st for 
 the best grade of about 2'._. cents per pound the entire <-.>i 
 of production and manufacture. 
 
 jfruit 
 
 Mexico is probably, all things considered, better adapted 
 to the growth of a greater variety of fruits than any 
 other country on the globe. On the high table lands are 
 found most fruits grown in a temperate /one. while in tin- 
 coast country nearly all the fruits known to the tropics 
 grow wild in the forest. Of these, oranges, lemons, limes. 
 
 36
 
 b;ui;in;is. pineapples, gttavas. mangoes, cocoauuts, graundas, 
 /apote. dates and ligs. can be grown on The Company's 
 lands. 
 
 The cultivation of these fruits yields a return which will 
 compare favorably \vitli That of the best fruit districts of 
 California and Florida, with the advantage of cheaper la- 
 bor, cheaper lands and immunity from frosts and drouths. 
 
 Corn 
 
 Corn is a staple diet of the classes in the republic. The 
 supply has never equaled the demand, and every year sees 
 increasing imports to make up the deficiency. On the gulf 
 slope a crop of corn can be raised every four months, and 
 brings from 50 to 80 cents per bushel. But the dry table 
 lands and mountainous regions of the interior produce but 
 little corn, and there the crop is very uncertain, owing to 
 the hot winds and lack of moisture. 
 
 It commonly attains a height of ten to fifteen feet, and 
 grows with such luxuriance that among the natives it sel- 
 dom receives the attention of cultivation. A stick stuck 
 in the ground, a grain or two dropped in and the earth 
 pushed over it with the foot constitutes the common 
 method of planting: and yet such primitive efforts yield 
 from forty to fifty bushels to the acre. 
 
 Uepetables... 
 
 All varieties thrive here, and tomatoes, radishes, lettuce, 
 etc.. can be secured from the garden every day in the 
 
 year. 
 
 37
 
 Game 
 
 At the present time a large number of wild animals are 
 found on this land deer. tapir, wild hogs, wild turkey, the 
 royal pheasant, parrots, as well as monkeys, and a great 
 many kinds of rare birds of brilliant plumage, while the 
 river and streams abound in fish. Just now. this is the 
 hunter's paradise; but the game will soon disappear before 
 the encroachments of civilization. 
 
 timber 
 
 Chicle (chewing gum), mahogany, cedar, rosewood, iron- 
 wood, lignum-vitae, Brazil wood, logwood and many other 
 valuable woods are found on our lauds. 
 
 38
 
 WHY? 
 
 After reading our statements Ihus far you will probably 
 ask: Why? It' this is such a wonderful country and so 
 much money can be made there \\'liii, then, does not all the 
 world rush into the production of coffee on the Isthmus of 
 Tehuaiitepec? WhyV l-'nr tin 1 rcri/ *UIH<' ITHXHII Unit 11011 
 yoitrxi'lf fin IT nut ilmic w. Either it has not been called to 
 your attention, or you would prefer to make less money and 
 live in the I'nited States, or you have not the necessary 
 capital to wait five years for a return ami support your- 
 self meanwhile. 
 
 But if you could secure some of the immense profits that 
 coffee culture on the Isthmus is bound to yield, and could 
 continue to live in the United States while the plantation 
 was being cared for and brought into a perfect bearing 
 condition, when you could migrate to the land of the 
 A/tecs and there enjoy the easy life and munificent income 
 of a coffee planter: if you could do this without, being com- 
 pelled immediately to invest the large amount of ready cash 
 required to accomplish these results, but instead could pay 
 for it gradually out of your income and at the same time 
 avoid the great risk taken by the iii<'.r/><Ticii<T<l planter, the 
 ixolutinii from society and the toil and itrirntioii incident to 
 the life of a pioneer, what then? 
 
 The .Mexican Coffee and Rubber Company make it possi- 
 ble for you to own a plantation on the most reasonable 
 terms: 
 
 First. Because it will not in any way interfere with the 
 working of our own plantation. 
 
 39
 
 Second. Because, without materially increasing the cost 
 or lessening tin- efficiency of our management, we can 
 properly care for these other properties and thereby reduce 
 the expense of maintaining our o\vu. 
 
 Third. Because it enables us to contract at a smaller 
 cost a larger amount of lalor. 
 
 Fourth. Because it will enable us to get a better price 
 for our crops: the larger the production in any particular 
 district, the more numerous the buyers, who. as direct rep- 
 resentatives of big ini]K>rters in New York. Liverpool and 
 Hamburg, are brought together at our very d<Krs in keen 
 competition. 
 
 Fifth. Because the cost of hulling, cleaning and milling 
 our own crops can be reduced by utilizing our plant to 
 handle the output of other properties. 
 
 Sixth. Because the Company can make a large and legiti- 
 mate profit out of the transaction. 
 
 Thus it can readily be seen that we derive many direct 
 and indirect advantages, and can at the same time give 
 the investor a better plantation at less cost than lie could 
 possibly secure in any other manner. 
 
 We state the above facts in order that our iositiou may 
 be clearly understood and the proposition we offer not 
 looked ni)on as an experiment for which others are asked 
 to furnish the funds. 
 
 We believe any sound-reasoning person can readily see 
 the mutual advantages to all parties concerned and that tin- 
 interests of the Company and its investors are identical. 
 
 40
 
 ur proposition 
 
 Is to make it possible for one of moderate means to obtain 
 a rubber, coffee or tropical-fruit plantation of from twenty- 
 live ii!.">i. fifty .")Hi or one hundred iluni .-H-IVS for $105 per 
 acre, on the following terms: Seven dollars per acre pay- 
 able at the time of purchasing. Seven dollars per acre pay- 
 able cadi succeeding year for a term of four years, when 
 the plantation is to be turned over to the purchaser, subject 
 to a mortgage () f jfTo per acre. This mortgage will be paya- 
 ble in two annual payments, without interest, and due at 
 the end of the sixth and seventh years after date of making 
 the contract. The Company agrees to accept the products 
 of the land for these two years in payment of the mortgage, 
 if the owner so desires. 
 
 When the land is turned over to the purchaser at the end 
 of the fifth year, every hundred acres shall have upon it 
 nil iber trees. ."> years old. 
 coffee trees, ."i years old, 
 10,<XMi pineapple plants. 
 
 H. ."><)<! banana plants, all in a healthy, bearing condi- 
 tion. 
 
 Hach tract of twenty-five or fifty acres will have upon it, 
 respectively, one-fourth and one-half of the improvements 
 of the luo-acre tract. 
 
 From a conservative basis, the annual income from a 
 100-acre plantation can be estimated as follows: 
 
 10,000 rubber trees, 2 pounds each, & 50c $10,000 00 
 
 15,000 coffee trees, 30,000 pounds, @ lOc 3,000 00 
 
 10,000 pineapples, <s 5c 500 00 
 
 2,500 bunches bananas, @ lOc 250 00 
 
 Net total $13,750 00 
 
 41
 
 Again we repeat that the above estimates as to the in- 
 come from these tracts is in every way a conservative one. 
 While we have figured on a yield of two pounds of coffee 
 from each tree, we confidently expect live pounds or more. 
 for the reason that they will receive from the very start the 
 liest of care and lx> given every advantage in the way of 
 proper soil and high cultivation, such as weed in;:, shading. 
 pruning, topping and other important and essential fea- 
 tures. It must be borne in mind that you are not getting 
 an ordinary .Mexican coffee plantation, but one laid out and 
 cared for from the start in the best i>ossible manner by 
 men who have had years of experience in the business. 
 
 The lowest cash valuation at this time for such a planta- 
 tion would be $30,000, and it could readily be sold at that 
 price, and yet costing the purchaser on our plan a cash out- 
 put of only s:!.."iiKi. running through a period of five years. 
 
 During which time the purchaser is free from the annoy- 
 ance and worry of an inexperienced planter in attempting 
 to properly start his plantation, and he is also the gainer 
 of the cost of living, which would otherwise be a loss while 
 he is waiting for his plantation to bear. 
 
 If the purchaser so desires, lie can largely increase his 
 income by making arrangements with the Company, so 
 that an additional number of acres of rubber, coffee trees. 
 pineapples, bananas, vanilla, cacao or oranges can be 
 planted and brought to bearing, whichever seems to him to 
 be of the most profit. After the fifth year, if the owner 
 does not care to give his personal supervision to his plan- 
 tation, the Company will care for it and harvest and mar- 
 ket his crops for 1<> per cent, of the net profit. 
 
 The experience of coffee growers on the Isthmus has been 
 that good, clean coffee has never sold for less than Hi cents 
 
 42
 
 per pound, and that the total cost of caring for. leathering, 
 cleaning, sa.okin.n-. freighting and other charges is within 5 
 cents, so \ve liave a handsome margin for any contingency 
 which could arise. 
 
 Only two pounds of coffee have 1 11 counted upon to 
 
 the tree, but with our trees started in a nursery and at- 
 tended to from small plants up. with watchful care and 
 proper weeding, shade and cultivation, planted at least 
 nine feet apart in virgin soil of great richness, we have 
 every reason to anticipate six pounds instead of two pounds 
 to the tree. 
 
 Rubber usually brings (iO and 7."> cents, instead of 50 
 cents, and from two and a half to four and a half pounds, 
 instead of two pounds. 
 
 The estimated profit of the growers of bananas on the 
 Isthmus is 2O cents per bunch net. We have conservatively 
 placed our estimate at 10 cents a bunch. 
 
 The bananas grown on the Isthmus are tine, equal in 
 every way to those of Honduras. Nicaragua and the Ber- 
 mudas, where the profit averages i>.~> cents, gold, a bunch. 
 With their use becoming more common in the United 
 States, and we being so much nearer market, and with so 
 much quicker transportation, it will not be amiss to count 
 on as much profit per bunch from ours as is made in those 
 countries farther away. 
 
 We have estimated ."> cents for our pineapples. Almost 
 this price is obtained in Florida by the growers for their 
 product. There is a difference of nearly 2."> cents in the 
 New York markets in the price of their pineapples and 
 ours. The Esmeralda and Verde Madura pineapples are 
 grown to perfection in this locality, ana nowhere are they 
 excelled for size and flavor. 
 
 43
 
 One thing must not be forgotten. The investor will not 
 be situated in some mountainous wilderness, where In- is 
 :iw:iy from all connection with the world. depending upon 
 the expensive and unsatisfactory method of carrying his 
 produce to market on the backs of burros: neither is lie at 
 some isolated point, at the head of some river, where lie 
 must wait until the river is high until he can get his prod- 
 ucts to market, but lie is right upon a railroad and a river. 
 with two means of reaching the boats at Coat/.acoalcos. 
 which are bound for New York. New Orleans and London. 
 and with exceedingly quick means and low rates of trans- 
 portation to these points. 
 
 We have telegraph lines at our doors connecting us with 
 all parts of the world, thus enabling us to obtain quick re 
 ports of the market prices in New York, Ixmdon and New 
 Orleans before shipping our goods. 
 
 The Company's experience, together with the production* 
 of other plantations in their vicinity, has warranted them 
 in agreeing to accept the crop from off the land in payment 
 of the mortgage, and this fact, together with the bond they 
 execute for the faithful performance and carrying out of 
 their contract, is evidence of their good faith and of the 
 absolute confidence they have in the ability of this land to 
 more than realize the income counted upon. 
 
 44
 
 iRubber 
 
 In IX! )2 the I'.ritish minister to .Mexico. 8ir Henry Neville 
 I>ering. in a report to Parliament on the subjects of general 
 and coinniercial interest in Mexico, which report was is- 
 sued during the recess ainl in-esenied to both Houses of 
 Parliament by command of her Majesty, said of rubber: 
 
 "The rubber tree (Castilloa elastica of Cervantes, olqua- 
 (luital of the Aztecs, hule of the Spanish) is indigenous to 
 Mexico, and is found growing wild along both coasts, be- 
 low L"_' degrees north latitude, from sea level to altitudes 
 running from 12,000 to 15,000 feet, and principally by the 
 river meadows. * * * 
 
 "The lin'.e tree belongs to Urticaceae. grows wild from 45 
 in r.d feet high, and has branches only at its upper section. 
 Has smooth yellow bark: its leaves are six to ten inches 
 long, oval, oblong, entire, thick, smooth, bright green and 
 glossy above. * * * 
 
 "The best soil for rubber cultivation is a deep, rich loam, 
 such as ,is found along the alluvial banks. * * * 
 
 "Trees planted with soil, climate and elevation adapted 
 for the culture would produce from five to six pounds of 
 juice the first year they are tapped, which amount is equiv- 
 alent to two and four-tenths pounds of rubber. This prod- 
 uct will gradually increase for the next four or five years, 
 and sells for 50 cents per pound on the plantation. * * * 
 
 -Thus 240,000 pounds, the yield of 100,000 trees at the 
 first year's harvest, will bring the planter $120.000. besides 
 the profit obtained for corn, vanilla beans, cacao and ba- 
 nanas raised from side planting. * * * 
 
 4.-,
 
 "The in-t profit on the investment, after deducting the 
 entire cost of the land and all expenses up to tin- first year's 
 harvest, will be $!'5,0<X1. and each of the succeeding har- 
 vests for twenty-five or thirty years will bring a steady 
 income of over SKMI.OIMI. 
 
 "Mexico affords excellent op]>ortunites for the develop- 
 ment of this admittedly profitable trade. * * * 
 
 "It will be evident, from what has been stattMl above, thai 
 the comparatively small output of India rubber which Mex- 
 ico lias so far been able to achieve may easily be very 
 largely increased by improved facilities, if they were pro- 
 vided, and by the introduction of British capital and en- 
 terprise into a field which has hitherto been quite imper- 
 fectly developed. The India rubber trade of Mexico, in 
 fact, resembles other industries of that republic, in that it 
 is really in a condition of infancy at present, and no or- 
 ganized efforts have been made to work it for what it is 
 undoubtedly worth. It is hardly neces>ary to point out 
 that in all matters of this kind, where the development 
 of the native resources has to be vigorously carried on. the 
 Mexican government may be relied upon to give every 
 assistance and facility. Mexico, by her enlightened policy 
 and the honorable manner in which, through a time of 
 great financial stress, she punctually fulfilled all her obli- 
 gations, has placed herself at the head of the group of 
 republics which are popularly, if not with strict geographi- 
 cal accuracy, referred to as South America: and it is the 
 gratifying position of enterprises which have to depend 
 upon Mexican productions for their prolits that they are not 
 hampered or persecuted by the government, as is the case 
 in the Argentine Republic and Brazil. It may be taken 
 for granted that the Mexican government is fully alive to 
 
 46
 
 the advantage, especially at the present juncture, to be ob- 
 tained from the development of the rubber plantations of 
 the country. The excellent promise of these plantations 
 ought, as affording an unusual opportunity for the erection 
 of an additional barrier against the failure of the world's 
 supply, to be a matter of congratulation to the thousands 
 who in this country are in various ways and in different 
 decrees interested in the unrestrained development of the 
 cycling and kindred industries." 
 
 ^Extract from tbe ^financial TRcvvs, 
 of %cm&on.... 
 
 * * * .Manufacturers have been forced to seriously 
 consider the position in which they might be placed were 
 the supply of rubber to be exhausted. The great cycling 
 industry of the country, and all the trades more or less 
 intimately associated with it. in which rubber is used, are 
 just now really at the mercy of any strong combination of 
 capitalists who might choose to purchase the existing stock 
 of India rubber and speculate largely in the future. * * * 
 
 "The supply of raw rubber is. at best, a fixed quantity. 
 It is really diminishing, but for the sake of convenience it 
 may be considered as stationary. The most strenuous en- 
 deavors on the part of native rubber collectors and Eu- 
 ropean and other traders failed to increase it last year, 
 and expansion in the future is the reverse of hopeful. It is 
 true that a contrary belief, based on the imports to the 
 United Kingdom, prevails in certain quarters: but those 
 who maintain that, the output of 'wild' rubber increased 
 last year have not carefully studied the statistics. \\V 
 
 47
 
 certainly imported 89,021 cwt. more in ISJM; than in iv.c>: 
 but the United States the second largest purchaser in 
 teu mouths of the same year took JS4.M21 <-\vt. less than in 
 lMt."i. The United Kingdom and the United States together 
 import about s."i per cent, of the world's supply, and al- 
 though other European countries, notably Belgium, in- 
 creased imiK>rts. the whole, bearing in mind that the United 
 Kingdom bought the bulk of the Belgian rubber supplied 
 the United States with over r.jMMt.(MM) pounds, would 
 scarcely balance the United States deficit. The monopo- 
 lists, indeed, might count on a diminishing output, for the 
 destructive methods of the rubber collectors have made 
 an expansion most improbable, if not impossible. All 
 through the tropical regions they kill the plants and trees. 
 and the slaughter has at length reached almost incredible 
 proportions. Reduced to pounds, our imports last year 
 amounted to 48,290,388. As we received nearly one half the 
 world's supply, the total output may be roughly stated at 
 100.000,000 pounds. Estimating one pound of rubber as the 
 average product of every tree and plant tapped, it would 
 be no great exaggeration to say that lou.(MMt.(MK> trees and 
 plants were killed for their rubber last year. It does not 
 need expert botanical knowledge to perceive that such a 
 state of things cannot continue indefinitely, and that a 
 rubber famine in the near future is much more probable 
 than an increased output. 
 
 "In .March the stock in London and Liverpool amounted 
 to 2.184 tons, which, at last year's average price. 11 IN. 
 per cwt., might have been purchased for ."<;s.588. The 
 stock of Para on December 31, 18i)<>. was i.mi tons: <>f 
 other sorts, 2,016 tons; total stock. 3.0t>5 tons, worth, at the 
 above price per cwt., 711,080. As the increased demand 
 
 48
 
 :in<l rise in Hit- value of Para rubber make it very im- 
 probable that the stock of Para was larger on March 1 than 
 at, the end of last year, it is pretty safe to conclude that a 
 capital of 1.21!.7<')S would have purchased the whole of 
 the rubber available on the first day of last month. Bear- 
 ing In mind that manufacturers of rubber goods must buy 
 to execute their orders and that the monthly output of raw 
 rubber averaged last year, roughly. :.7i4 tons, of the vahie 
 of N7l'.7S4. it would not be difficult for a financial expert 
 to calculate how much capital would be required to main- 
 tain the 'corner' and realize a huge profit at the expense of 
 the rubber industry. Assuming that $2,000,000 would have 
 bought the stock in hand on March 1 and the month's out- 
 put, the calculation is simple enough. IT will be evident 
 that the situation is unsafe, and it behooves rubber manu- 
 facturers to make such a corner' impossible by combining 
 to grow their own rubber. 
 
 "Enough has been written lately of rubber cultivation 
 to show that the profits in Mexico at least would be very 
 great: indeed. 800 per cent, on the capital invested has been 
 talked of as a possible return after live years from culti- 
 vating Castilloa elastica in the Republic. This is a return 
 which provides plenty of margin for contingencies. 
 
 "Rubber growing is no longer in the experimental stage. 
 as witness the plantation of La Esmeralda in Oaxaca. Mex- 
 ico, to which further reference is made below. Cultivated 
 India rubber plantations are few. for the reason that, in 
 SOUK- degree, like the coffee plant, the India rubber tree 
 requires a long period of continuous cultivation before 
 making any return to the cultivator." 
 
 49
 
 Government TReportg.... 
 
 Mr. .T. .7. Williams, principal assistant engineer of the 
 scientific coiniiiisslon under the direction of Major .1. G. 
 Harnard. I'nited Slates Kngineer. in 1xrU, made a re]ori of 
 the condition of the Isthmus, the following of which is an 
 extract: 
 
 * * * "The distribution of plants on the Isthmus dif- 
 fers from that of .Mexico in general, insomuch that the 
 vegetation of the loftier table lands is less distinctly 
 marked. On the margins of the Cult' or Pacific Ocean are 
 found the usual plants of inter-tropical shores, and in the 
 middle of the Isthmus are found families which vegetate 
 favorably at elevations below 5.(MK) feet within the tropics. 
 this occurring not because the elevation is sufficient to 
 wan-ant the growth, but that the lower level of the Isth- 
 mus is cooled much below the average temperature of its 
 latitude by the constant northeast wind, by the great hu- 
 midity of the northern slope and by the proximity of the 
 lofty table lands and mountain summits which CIMI! t In- 
 land in their vicinity. 
 
 "The mean annual temperature of the Gulf shore of the 
 Isthmus is XI degrees. The summer heat is that of 1'_' de- 
 grees more northerly in Africa and Western Asia, and the 
 winter heat that of its own latit tides even on large conti- 
 nents. In other words, it lias a cooler summer and more 
 moderate winter than similar latitudes, and it is this ex- 
 treme quality of climate which gives to these lands the 
 beauty and profusion of vegetation with which they are 
 clothed. 
 
 "It is on the outside of the limits of the equatorial zone 
 and its productions are those of a tropical /one. which is 
 
 50
 
 an advantage this Isthmus possesses over ;iny point further 
 south, lying in tlie equatorial zone. 
 
 "Important in value is the Aiphoani elastica, or India 
 rubber tree, which is found in astonishing numbers 
 
 throughout the forests that skirt the tributary streams. 
 
 * # * 
 
 "In the production of fruits and leguminous plants, the 
 Isthmus perhaps stands unrivaled, and it seems superfluous 
 to enumerate, even incidentally, the different varieties 
 which constitute other articles of food, or those deserving 
 of a special culture and adapted for ptirposes of exporta- 
 tion. Yet many of them claim particular notice, either 
 for their delicious flavor, abundant growth or the nutritive 
 qualities for which they are distinguished. Among these 
 we rind the ehico-xapote. lemon-cillo, orange, chayote, co- 
 coanut. lemon, pineapple (sometimes reaching the enor- 
 mous weight of fifteen pounds), melon, mamey. chiramoya, 
 citron, mango, banana, plantain, guava and pomegranate. 
 
 * * * 
 
 "Of the maize, frijoles. sugar, cocoa, tobacco, coffee and 
 cotton raised on the Isthmus, it is difficult to speak in terms 
 which might convey an adequate idea of the adaptation of 
 the soil and climate to their cultivation or the perfection to 
 which they are susceptible of being brought. * * * 
 
 "But when we reflect upon the productiveness of the soil, 
 the salubrity of the climate, and the boundless character of 
 the vegetation of the Isthmus, it is not difficult to see how 
 great must be the reward which would crown the efforts 
 of an industrious planter. 
 
 "In conclusion, it is utterly impossible, even at a momen- 
 tary glance like this, not to be struck with the value of 
 the boundless riches which nature has showered into the 
 
 51
 
 lap of the Isthmus: nor can we estimate the changes to be 
 effected or the bom-fits To result from their gathering, when 
 its soil shall become an emporium of commerce and teem 
 with wealth and abundance. * * * 
 
 "Kven the outline which we have traced presents but a 
 feeble delineation of the golden harvest which is to be 
 reaped in the future. Nevertheless sufficient has doubtless 
 In-eii said to awaken attention to the natural resources of 
 this favored region and to show beyond question the pres- 
 ent and prospective value of that which already exists." 
 * * * 
 
 Of the healthful climate of the central part of the Isth- 
 mus. .Mr. Williams, continuing in his report, says: 
 
 "On the northeastern division of the Isthmus, on the 
 Gulf slope, where the rainy season begins in the middle of 
 June and terminates in November, the district appears i,, 
 be usually healthy, and it is not uncommon to meet with 
 natives seventy and eighty years of age residing there. 
 
 "The central division of the Isthmus is perhaps the 
 healthiest, a circumstance due to its elevation and better 
 drainage."
 
 JEitracts taken from a TReport to tbe 
 Tflnitefr States Senate 
 
 OF THE UNITED STATES SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITION TO THE ISTHMUS OF TEHUANTEPFC, COM- 
 MANDED BY CAPTAIN R W. SHUFELDT, U.S. N., 1872. 
 
 "The Isthmus presents every inducement to foreigners 
 thousMiids of acres of fertile land to lie ciiliivated. in a con- 
 genial climate, and no obstacles or prejudices in the way 
 of religious, social or industrial ideas. 
 
 "The soil on the Atlantic plains is a rich alluvial deposit, 
 often twenty feet in depth. This region is generally heav- 
 ily timbered, but occasionally open, grass-covered plains 
 are met with. 
 
 "The soil is remarkably fertile, and if cleared and culti- 
 vated, would yield abundantly all the agricultural products 
 adapted to this latitude and climate. 
 
 Toffee of a good quality grows on the Atlantic slope and 
 in the central division. From what we saw of the coffee 
 tree -rowing in the woods and in the gardens, we came to 
 the conclusion that the soil and climate of the Isthmus are 
 well adapted to its cultivation. We were all surprised to 
 find the coffee of so fine a flavor. It is rather milder than 
 the Java, but in flavor is not inferior. 
 
 "The huh- or India rubber tree alnmnds on the Atlantic 
 plains. At the present time only a small quantity of the 
 gum is collected, but owing to a large number of trees in 
 this region and the increasing demand for this substance, 
 the day is probably not far distant when this valuable gum 
 will be raised here in la r. ire quantities for exportation. 
 
 "The pineapple is of good si/e and fine flavor, and limes 
 and lemons are often seen growing wild. 
 
 63
 
 "There are MS many as fifteen well-known varieties of the 
 banana, sonic of which are a very superior quality. Like 
 the orange, the best bananas are found on the Atlantic 
 plains and in the central division, and they are ripe at all 
 seasons of the year. 
 
 "Oranges prow in all parts of the Isthmus, but those of 
 the Atlantic plain and the central division are the best. 
 On the Isthmus of Tehuantepec there is no frost to bli-b r 
 this crop, as there is occasionally in Florida and Louisiana: 
 nor hurricanes to kill it. as in the West Indies: nor are the 
 northers violent enough on the Atlatnic plains to injure it. 
 
 "Many of our garden vegetables grow very well in all 
 parts of the Isthmus. We saw lettuce, radishes, tomatoes. 
 string beans, beets and onions growing in the gardens. 
 
 "The climate is a healthful one. and it is the boast of the 
 inhabitants of the Isthmus that the yellow fever has never 
 visited them. 
 
 "The Indians are found settled over the whole Isthmus. 
 They are of a mild and gentle disposition, very muscular 
 and possess, many of them, wonderful endurance. In color 
 they are lighter than our own Indians, their features are 
 much finer, and the expression of the face is more pleas- 
 ing." 
 
 54
 
 Extracts trom a TReport ot Unites States 
 Consul General Ubos. 3. Gnttenfron 
 
 To THE UNITED STATES SENATE ON COFFEE CULTURE IN MEXICO. 
 
 "Heretofore Mexico has not been considered by our mer- 
 chants ns an enlarged or promising field for coffee pro- 
 duction, because producers have, not shown much activity 
 in presenting the crop to the market. It is strange to those 
 of us viewing it from the present standpoint and acquaint- 
 anceship with the bean, that the Mexican coffee should 
 have remained so long unknown to. and unsold in, our mar- 
 ket. Since the government of this country has passed into 
 capable hands, since the country has opened its gates to 
 all home-seeking people, since the world has become as- 
 sured that linancial investments, as well as life and prop- 
 erly are safe here. a< elsewhere, and a large part of the 
 country is accessible by rail and water, a new life, a 
 greater stimulus, has been given to the production of all 
 kinds of tropical fruits, as well by those 'native and to the 
 manner born' as by thousands of foreigners who have re- 
 moved to Mexico for agricultural purposes. Mexico has 
 shown its capacity to produce the higher as well as the 
 lower grades of the berry from the most delicate rmapan 
 to the rougher and less tasteful grains on the higher ele- 
 vationsand she must become a greater producer for the 
 markets of the world, shrinking from no comparison with 
 the coffee of Ilrax.il and elsewhere. There are already 
 many agents from New Orleans. New York and San Fran- 
 cisco and Baltimore located in the coffee-producing regions 
 of Mexico, buying larger or smaller lots for their employers 
 in the I'nited States. * * * 
 
 55
 
 "The yield of a tree cultivated in a suitable locution pro- 
 duces from two to four ounces of merchantable coffee dur- 
 ing the year: the second crop yields twice as much, and the 
 third crop, when it lias its full bearing, is double the yield 
 of the previous year, and runs up as high MS 1..1 pounds. 
 Of course, this is a fair average given, and in many fertile 
 districts of Chiapas. Michoacan. Oaxaca. Ilildago. Ouerro 
 and Pueblo official reports give from three to five pounds 
 per tree, in its full growth, and from four years after 
 transplanting upward. 
 
 "The tree in some districts lives for twenty years after 
 reaching its full bearing period, maintaining itself in a 
 vigorous state and giving the same yield; but experienced 
 planters assert that after the twenty- fifth year the plant 
 begins to show symptoms of decay, its crop decreasing 
 gradually year after year, and ceasing altogether after the 
 thirtieth year. 
 
 "Trees planted at a medium distance apart, having a tine 
 quality of soil, good care from the time of planting, and 
 careful attention with them when seedlings, will yield a 
 good crop at thirty years of age. The longevity of tin- 
 Mexican tree also greatly depends on the development of 
 the principal root or taproot, and consequently on the depth 
 to which it can penetrate and the fertility of the soil." 
 
 "Special conditions exist in the Isthmus of Tehuautepec, 
 inasmuch as the tree can thrive well there in places even 
 lower than it is found in other sections of the coffee belt: 
 evenness of temperature is also a very important factor for 
 the successful growth of the plant and the proper maturity 
 of the seed. 
 
 "When the thermometer marks a temperature below ."> 
 degrees F. at any time of the year, the cultivation of coffee 
 
 56
 
 should not lie attempted, especially with the .lava and 
 myrtle kinds; the Mocha c.-iu stand more cool weather, but 
 not lower than ">< decrees. * * *" 
 
 From Consular Keport to I'liited States (Jovernment. by 
 James .]. Peterson. Tegucigalpa. November llth, 1893: 
 
 "The cost of raising coffee, after the plantation is well 
 established, will not reach the sum of cents (gold) per 
 pound, including all expenses of management, labor, in- 
 terest, wear and tear of machinery, etc. 
 
 "\Vith proper care and attention, coffee trees will produce 
 from ''> to lo pounds cadi year." 
 
 Translation from French Consular Iteport of 1892: 
 
 "Mexiean coffee took the tirst iiremium at the Centennial 
 Exposition in Philadelphia. * * * Mexican coffees were 
 given the grand prize at the Paris Exposition. * * * 
 They will take the highest award at the World's Fair in 
 Chicago." 
 
 Note. His prediction has been verified. 
 
 London "Times," January 4th. 1894: 
 
 "There are many healthy signs of commercial and indus- 
 trial movement in Mexico. * * * That, a part of its ter- 
 ritory is suitable for coffee culture is certain. There can 
 be no doubt the future of this business is a promising one." 
 
 57
 
 The following is taken from the London Financial Times: 
 
 "It is impossible to read the financial papers of London, 
 I'aris and Berlin, without being struck with the steady 
 growth of feeling, that .Mexico is upon the eve of a period 
 of great prosperity. The development of her wonderful 
 agricultural resources has M!SO iK-gun. and her exportation 
 of coffee and other products of the soil and forests is ;is- 
 suniing very great proportions." 
 
 Senor M. Romero. .Mexican Minister at AVashington. says: 
 
 "AA'here the location of a coffee plantation is judiciously 
 made, and the work carried on intelligently and economic- 
 ally, the profits realized may be safely put at IIMI per cent. 
 per annum upon the investment." 
 
 The Mexican Herald, of February 7th, 1897, says: 
 
 "Still with the great development going on. the industry 
 in Mexico at least is but in its infancy. The profits are 
 still great and not likely soon to fall. If there was a satis- 
 factory margin of profit when coffee sold at 13 cents per 
 pound, what must it now be when the average pi-ice is IT, 
 cents per pound? AVith improved methods. l>oth in cultiva- 
 tion and handling the crop, the profits of coffee must in- 
 crease rather than diminish, despite the anxiety expressed 
 by some that the business is likely to be soon overdon,- be- 
 cause of the increased number of investors going into it. 
 That has been the cry for thirty years, and still the busi- 
 ness flourishes, and to-day is more profitable in .Mexico 
 than it ever was." 
 
 58
 
 From "Railway Revolution in Mexico," published in San 
 Francisco, 1895: 
 
 "At present the cultivation of coffee is attracting special 
 attention, and on the eastern slope much progress has al- 
 ready been made. Among the reasons is Hie extraordinary 
 profit which the production of coffee offers. The cost of its 
 production in Mexico, in general, is between 8 and 10 cents 
 per pound. Mexican money, and it sells at frorn 25 to 32 
 cents." 
 
 From "Coffee in Mexico, Its Cultivation and Profit," by 
 Joseph Walsh, Philadelphia, 1894: 
 
 ".Mexican coi't'ee is worth at present 20 to 22 cents pel- 
 pound in the American market, while the average cost of 
 production is 7 cents. A plantation will pay from 100 to 
 300 per cent, on the capital invested." 
 
 From "Coffee Growing in Mexico," by J. P. Taylor, Mex- 
 ico City, 1894: 
 
 "Twenty-five years may be taken as the average of coffee 
 trees to remain in remunerative bearing." 
 
 "Estimates as to the profits vary, but the lowest of them 
 are enormous, something like 100 per cent, profit on the 
 
 capital employed." 
 
 The Mexican Financier says: 
 
 "Ten years from now the people who are going into the 
 coffee business in this country will be rich beyond their ex- 
 pectations." 
 
 59