Viewing page 16 of 57

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

[[start page]]

-14-

(the forested slopes). The beans referred to are called habas and are the same as the broad bean of Europe (Vicia faba, Faba vulgaris), with large flat dark-colored seeds. I visited Cochabamba which lies in one of the fertile agricultural valleys on the eastern slope of the Cordillera. La Paz, the capital, lies in a bowl 1500 feet below the level of the alto (135000 ft.). At the higher altitudes are found the native crops quinoa, oca and papa lisa under Peru.
  An important crop in the Yungas region is coca. The industry represents large amounts of invested capital as coca farming is a special branch and requires technical skill. The hillsides are carefully terraced and much attention is given to the bushes. The seedlings are raised in seed beds, protected when young as with tobacco and transplanted to the terraces. The picking is also a process requiring skill as in the case of tea. The coca leaves are shipped in bales or sacks to the alto where they are extensively used by the Indians. The leaves are mixed with specially prepared ashes and chewed. Nearly every male Indian has a quid of this distending one of his cheeks. 
  Bolivia is fairly well provided with trunk-line railroads. Railroads run from La Paz to Mollendo in Pero and to Arica and Antofagasta in Chile. A branch from the latter goes south and ultimately will connect with the main line at La Quiaca in Argentina for Buenos Aires. At present there is a break in the region of Tupiza in the south over which the road is now under construction. Through the courtesy of the Ulen Contracting Corporation I was able to go over this break from Atocha the La Quiaca. A branch line goes to Cochabamba and another to Potosi.