Jogging round the world

Here is a whole family out for a drive in their cart drawn by four bullocks. This “horseless carriage” is in Porto Rico, which means “rich harbour.” Did you know that Columbus discovered the island of Porto Rico? It is called the “land of perpetual June,” because the weather is so fine through the whole year. To be sure, they sometimes have terrible earthquakes and hurricanes; but the people are prepared for these and have cellars or caves to which they go when they see signs of a hurricane coming. They have to take food with them, of course, to last until the storm is over, and sometimes whole villages are destroyed.

Except at these times Porto Rico is a beautiful place; flowers bloom all the year and the fields are full of growing things. A great deal of coffee grows there on large plantations. You know that Porto Rico belongs now to the United States, and every afternoon at sunset in the large cities a band plays “The Star Spangled Banner.” While it is being played the flag is lowered and the men take off their hats. It is an impressive sight.

There are many interesting things to see in the city streets. The men who sell bananas carry them fastened to a pole; the milk-man sometimes carries his large open can of milk on his head; and all of the native people, if they have anything to carry, balance it on their heads, no matter what it is. They are very expert at balancing things in this way.